PTSD Treatment

PTSD treatment is quite attainable. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is classified as an anxiety disorder that can sometimes develop after the exposure of a frightening event, in which extreme physical harm occurred or was threatened. There are numerous events that can lead to PTSD, including: exposure to a natural disaster or military combat; experiencing rape, assault, or torture; being a victim of emotional, sexual, or physical abuse. There are several different methods for treating PTSD, including Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and exposure therapy.

First, EMDR has proven to be a successful PTSD treatment. It is a form of cognitive therapy that involves the therapist assisting the patient in talking about the trauma suffered and the negative feelings associated with the events, while they focus on the professional's rapidly moving finger. One explanation as to why this therapy works is that it allows for the reintegration of the traumatic memories into a normalized form. PTSD treatment is not achieved overnight; however, EMDR is a relatively short-term therapy. It has been reported that just one EMDR session has been successful in relieving PTSD symptoms; however the recommended length of treatment is 3-10 sessions.    

    An additional method of PTSD treatment is exposure therapy, in which the victim faces their trauma in a safe and therapeutic setting. The goal of exposure therapy is to reduce the fear and anxiety connected with reminders of the traumatic event. This type of treatment is characterized by repeated exposure to one’s distressing experience with the help of a trained professional. By facing the thoughts and situations that have resulted in the onset of PTSD symptoms, a patient can begin to learn successful coping strategies, which can begin to reduce or even eliminate the symptoms all together.

    A common symptom of PTSD is avoidance. When a patients deliberately confronts their traumatic experience, avoidant behaviors are often reduced. In addition, focusing on the traumatic experience for an extended period of time promotes habituation and creates a differentiation between the event and the rest of the world. When one comes to the realization that their horrifying experience is behind them, it is easier to come to terms with what happened and begin to move forward. Exposure therapy, like EMDR, is also a relatively quick treatment. Most often, improvement will begin to take place in just 3 sessions and will usually increase for many months thereafter; however relief has been experienced after just one session.