When people seek treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), people often wonder if the treatment works for such a complex disorder. Effective treatments have been used, but symptoms are often not fully done away with to the point people often experience them without getting the help they need. There are no medications designed for treatment but they need help managing symptoms and finding some hope in the darkness.
SSRIs
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a type of medication usually prescribed to help with symptoms of depression and anxiety. Sertraline and Prozac are just a few of the drugs that may be used. SNRIs or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors are often used for the treatment of depression. Up to 50 percent of those with PTSD may also meet the criteria for diagnoses of major depressive disorder. Other categories of medications, including antipsychotics, may be used to decrease PTSD symptoms.
Talk Therapy
A variety of therapeutic techniques are used to help people cope with PTSD. there are a few that grow in research-based evidence that demonstrates how well they work. Mental health professionals offer healing space for people to be vulnerable and find hope. Discussing thoughts, feelings, symptoms, and more provide valuable information to a therapist in finding the right combination of things to offer help in treatment.
Medication
People with PTSD may use medication in combination with talk therapy to find healing. They may pursue alternative, holistic approaches like meditation and mindfulness techniques. The key to accessing treatment is to acknowledge the resources may be helpful. People who struggle with PTSD often experience shame, fear, and self-blame. They find it difficult to take the initiative. Many people struggle with isolation in the hope the symptoms will go away on their own. Finding help for addiction and mental health issues is complex but possible for those who pursue healing.
PTSD can be treated with the right combination of things, but it might take some time to find what combination will work for any individual person. They need to figure out what works for them over a period of trial and error, being open to letting things work for a while, then changing course if it stops working. It is a matter of finding the right things for right now and keeping recovery at the forefront of the journey of healing.
Guest House provides quality care for clients seeking support for addiction recovery. We teach people how to live a sober life through programs, therapeutic support, and evidence-based therapies. Our recovery program is staffed by people who understand the power of addiction. For more information on sober living programs for men and women as well as recovery programs, call 855-483-7800.