A Look at Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Therapy

So, what is it that causes Posttraumatic Stress Disorder? Well, the answer to this question is complex and not understood by most professionals in the field of mental health and psychiatry. Most likely it is due to a variety of factors including genetics, exposure to certain traumatic events, and high levels of emotional distress. Often people who have experienced domestic violence, rape, or child abuse also may be more likely to develop PTSD. Other common causes of this disorder are traumatic experiences such as accidents, sexual assaults, or near misses with a bullet.

Physical symptoms include restlessness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, muscle tension, headaches, lack of sleep, fatigue, and headaches. Behavioral symptoms include anxiety, panic attacks, impulsivity, agoraphobia, and post-traumatic stress. It can take years for these symptoms to surface, and if they do they can last for a lifetime. Because of this, many victims of this disorder are afraid to speak up or seek help for fear that others will laugh at them or think less of them. If you or someone you know is suffering from any of the physical or behavioral symptoms of PTSD, there are some things you can do to get the treatment you need.

The first step in getting the help you need is to identify the source of your stress and learn to control it. As pointed out during a press conference held by the American Psychological Association (APA), there is no known cure for PTSD. However, there are a wide range of treatments which, when combined with counseling and therapy, have been shown to significantly reduce the symptoms of this disorder.

The benefits of PTSD therapy are well documented and proven. Some of the most common forms of treatment include psychotherapy, behavioral therapy, and medication. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, has been found to be very helpful in the reduction of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms and the improvement of quality of life. The National Institute of Mental Health has even stated that Post Traumatic Stress Disorder may become a widespread disorder within the next few years. This is due in part to growing fears among individuals that are becoming more connected to technology.

While psychotherapy is a great way to treat your Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, it will not cure you. In fact, if you are currently undergoing treatment, you should not expect to see results immediately. You should, on the other hand, continue to practice stress management techniques and other activities such as yoga and meditation to reduce the anxiety you feel on a daily basis. If these simple steps are not enough to help you, talk to your doctor about an alternate form of treatment.

If you are still feeling anxious and uncomfortable after seeing your doctor, you may want to try a traditional antidepressant. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) have been proven to be effective means of combating the feelings you have after exposure to trauma. However, they also cause your body to make more serotonin, thus causing an imbalance in your brain chemistry. While these drugs can drastically reduce your symptoms of the disorder, they have also been found to lead to severe side effects such as diarrhea, headaches, and dizziness.

When it comes to choosing an effective treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, your best bet is to go with a combination of therapy and medication. Talk to your doctor about what type of medication would be best for you based on your symptoms. SSRIs can work very effectively when combined with other therapies such as counseling. However, they are not recommended to be taken by those who smoke or have blood pressure problems. Discuss your concerns with your doctor and he will be able to find the right therapy for you.

As with any type of mental health care, there are many options available for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder sufferers. Seek out treatment from a trained professional and share your symptoms with him. Many people who suffer from this disorder have difficulty sleeping, being unable to concentrate, feeling constantly angry and depressed, and have trouble concentrating and remembering things. While there is no cure for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, you can get the help you need to cope with the symptoms and learn how to live with them. Seek out the help you need today.