Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects more than 5 million American men and women
every year. Once referred to as "shell shock" because of the number of
military service men and women affected in combat, this disorder can affect
civilians too. PTSD can affect anyone who has experienced a particularly
traumatic event including natural disasters, violent crimes, physical abuse,
rape, or unexpected accidents. Symptoms include frightening flashbacks,
intense nightmares, insomnia, and avoidance anything related to the
incident. Effective PTSD treatment is available. It is important to get
diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. If left untreated, PTSD effects
can lead to drug abuse, alcoholism, depression, relationship problems, and
eating disorders.
Diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
PTSD diagnosis can be complex. In order to be diagnosed with post-traumatic
stress disorder, you must exhibit symptoms of PTSD for at least one month.
Most diagnoses also require a precipitating event that triggered the
symptoms, although sometimes it is difficult for sufferers to remember the
exact event that caused the illness. In particular, events in childhood that
precipitated the disorder may be especially hard to root out. It is
important to find a caring health care provider who is dedicated to your
best interests.
Treatments
A variety of treatment options are available for sufferers of post-traumatic
stress disorder. Your doctor may recommend a combination of therapies.
Antidepressants: Antidepressants may be prescribed in order to reduce the
symptoms of depression and listlessness associated with the disorder. In
particular, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are most likely
to be prescribed. These medications work to improve mood by increasing the
amount of serotonin, a neurochemical, in the brain. These types of
medication include Prozac, Celexa, Effexor, and Zoloft. However, medication
is usually only partially effective and relapse is common once medications
are discontinued.
Tranquilizers: Tranquilizers are a common PTSD medication. Your health care
provider may recommend tranquilizers in order to reduce your immediate
anxiety. This can help improve your sleep and day-to-day functioning. Common
tranquilizers include lorazepam and clonazempam. However, these drugs are
highly addicting and can interfere with some types of psychotherapy.
Tranquilizers too easily become a strategy that prevents you from mentally
and emotionally healing from your trauma.
Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy for PTSD allows you to talk about your
experiences and learn to change the way you think about them. Cognitive
behavior therapy (CBT) has been shown to be the most effective type of
therapeutic treatment. CBT can help you to recognize and change inaccurate
thoughts about yourself and your future. Exposure therapy is the best
technique for recovery; it involves overcoming your anxieties by facing them
in a controlled and safe environment. You relive your fears all at once
(flooding) or step-by-step (desensitization) in order to overcome them.
Although this may seem frightening at first, this treatment is safe and
works quickly. Supportive counseling, without facing the trauma, has also
been shown to be helpful, but is not as effective as direct exposure.
Alternative Therapies
Alternative therapies for post-traumatic stress disorder may help you to
manage the symptoms of the illness, but have not yet been proven effective.
In individual cases, these therapies may be sufficient on their own or can
prove a helpful addition to other treatment regimens. Before trying any
alternative treatments, speak with a licensed PTSD professional. Here are a
few alternative treatments to consider:
Massage: Gentle massage can help relax tension and promote circulation
and better sleep patterns.
Acupuncture: This ancient medical treatment involves inserting needles
into specific points in the body. It is painless and helps to relax muscles.
Art and music therapy: This treatment involves listening to relaxing
music and expressing your emotions through art. It is very effective at
helping you to work through difficult feelings.
Drama therapy: This therapy allows you to reenact traumatic
experiences in a safe and guided manner.
Exercise: Just 20 minutes a day can help you relieve stress and
anxiety and get your mind off of your worries.
Although it may be tempting to ignore the symptoms of PTSD, treatment is
best approach. Although many people with PTSD get better on their own, up
to one third of people will get worse. You owe it to yourself to learn how
to live your life without fear.
