Treating PTSD

There are several methods for treating PTSD. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that can sometimes develop after the exposure of a frightening event, in which extreme physical harm occurred or was threatened.
 
    Often, sufferers of PTSD are prescribed antidepressants. These medications may help to treat the depression they are suffering from, that may be a symptom of PTSD; however this will not treat PTSD itself. Similarly, mood stabilizers have been prescribed to victims of PTSD in order to treat paranoia, agitation, or hypervigilance (intense sensory sensitivity). As previously mentioned, these medications will not treat PTSD, but will merely treat the symptoms that are a result of the disorder.

    An important aspect of beginning to treat PTSD is that the individual must come to accept that the event did occur. This can sometimes be accomplished by talking about the event in detail and also by writing it down. If the individual discusses the event, it is more likely that they will come to accept the event rather than avoid it and remain in denial about its occurrence. One method of treatment that has proven to be successful is Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). This form of cognitive therapy involves the therapist assisting the victim of PTSD in talking about the trauma suffered and the negative feelings associated with the events, while they focus on the professional's rapidly moving finger. This allows for the reintegration of the traumatic memories into a normalized form.

    Another method for treating PTSD is exposure therapy, in which the victim confronts and relives their traumatic experience in a therapeutic environment. During this treatment, the therapist assists the patient in remembering the traumatic event and helps them deal with the negative thoughts, emotions, and symptoms that may arise. By confronting the thoughts and situations that have resulted in the patient’s symptoms PTSD, they are often able to learn strategies for coping, which can reduce or even eliminate these symptoms. For example, a common symptom of PTSD is avoidance. By deliberately confronting the traumatic situation, avoidant behaviors will most likely be reduced. In addition, focusing on the traumatic for an extended period of time helps the patient to differentiate the event from the rest of the world. By doing this, they can come to the realization that the event is in the past and this may help them to move forward.