by Candace Schoner
The body’s response to trauma is a complex physiological process designed for survival. During a traumatic event, the “fight-or-flight” response is activated, which can lead to shock and impaired rational thinking. This initial reaction is a normal defense mechanism that helps individuals cope with immediate trauma.
While about half of all U.S. adults will experience at least one traumatic event in their lives, only a minority will develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD affects approximately 5% of the U.S. population, or 13 million Americans, in a given year.
Individuals with PTSD may experience persistent, intrusive thoughts, distressing dreams, or flashbacks related to the traumatic event that can significantly impact daily life. They may also avoid situations or people that remind them of the trauma.
Warning Signs of PTSD
The warning signs of PTSD typically develop gradually and can significantly impact various aspects of life. Common warning signs include:
- Difficulty sleeping and nightmares
- Persistent negative thoughts about oneself, or the world
- Problems concentrating and exaggerated startle responses
- Irritability, angry outbursts or aggressive behavior
- Overwhelming guilt or shame
Recognizing these early warning signs is the first step toward recovery.
When suffering from PTSD, it can feel like a dark tunnel with no light at the end. It’s important to believe recovery is possible. Treatment for PTSD may involve therapy, medication, or a combination of both.
Medications for PTSD
There are four medications currently recommended to treat PTSD. Zoloft (sertraline) and Paxil (paroxetine) are FDA approved to treat PTSD. But Prozac (fluoxetine) and Effexor XR (venlafaxine) are also good options, even though they’re not officially approved for PTSD.
Other medications — such as Seroquel (quetiapine), Topamax (topiramate), and Minipress (prazosin) — are sometimes prescribed off-label to treat PTSD. Often, they’re used to target specific symptoms like nightmares or hypervigilance. But there is less evidence to support their use. (goodrx.com)
Therapy for PTSD
Along with medication, certain types of therapy can be helpful in treating PTSD such as cognitive behavior, prolongued exposure, and eye movement desensitization therapy. People with PTSD often avoid situations related to their trauma. Prolonged exposure therapy aims to help them confront those memories in a safe and secure environment.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Most experts recommend cognitive behavioral therapy for treating PTSD. Using CBT, therapists encourage patients to examine their thinking and assumptions in order to identify unhelpful patterns (often termed “distortions”). These thoughts often include overgeneralizing bad outcomes, negative thinking, and expecting catastrophic outcomes. (source: apa.org)
Eye Movement Desensitization
One of the newest treatments for PTSD is eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). This therapy involves making rhythmic eye movements while recalling the traumatic event. The rapid eye movements are intended to create a similar effect to the way the brain processes memories and experiences while you’re sleeping. (apa.org)
When to See a Doctor for PTSD
It’s important to note that seeking medical attention after a traumatic event, even if initially declined, is crucial for addressing both physical and emotional injuries that may not be immediately apparent.
If you have experienced a traumatic event and are continuing to have disturbing thoughts or nightmares more than a month after the event, please talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. Getting treatment as soon as possible can help prevent PTSD symptoms from getting worse.
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