Finding the Right PTSD Treatment Center

Perhaps the most popular treatment option for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is called PTSD therapy. The acronym PTSD stands for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and the symptoms of PTSD include mood swings, flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety and physical symptoms. People who have developed PTSD are likely to develop other problems from their traumatic experience as well. They often feel depressed and have low self-esteem.

Some people with PTSD might also develop a fear of certain things such as the government or even of animals. In addition, they may have flashbacks or intrusive dreams. In some cases the person will avoid certain places, thoughts or things in life because they associate them with the event that caused their trauma. Often times, when someone has PTSD, they will avoid these same trigger events but will have an emotional attachment to them. This can cause the PTSD patient to have a difficult time dealing with everyday life and what is required of them.

Because PTSD is linked to emotional traumas such as the death of a loved one, many therapists use PTSD therapy to help their PTSD patients deal with emotional issues that may be causing them to develop PTSD after a traumatic experience. For example, if a family member was murdered, the survivor might develop a fear of retaliation or even being victimized again. Another common trigger for PTSD victims is experiencing violence in the home or on the streets. If you or a loved one are dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder and have flashbacks or nightmares regularly, you may want to consider getting PTSD counseling.

The link between PTSD and physical symptoms is not fully understood. PTSD usually develops after exposure to a traumatic event in which the individual’s physical health is threatened. Common physical symptoms of PTSD include headaches, muscle tension, heart palpitations, stomach pain, diarrhea and vomiting. There are also physical symptoms that are specific to the disorder such as numbness or a lack of sensation in the body, difficulty breathing and an increase in cold chills. However, there is not a definitive link between PTSD and physical symptoms.

Common PTSD treatments include medications, psychotherapy, alternative treatments and cognitive processing therapy. Medications such as antidepressants or anticonvulsants can be used to control symptoms of anxiety and depression. Anti-anxiety medications such as Valium and Xanax can be used to treat physical symptoms such as muscle tension, headaches and stomach problems. Other medication that can be used in conjunction with psychotherapy is the beta blocker or antidepressants alprazolam and olanzapine. In most cases, these medications are only used in conjunction with PTSD treatment options.

As previously mentioned, the connection between PTSD and mental health issues is not fully understood. It is possible that a traumatic event results in long term chemical and neurological changes that increase the likelihood of developing PTSD over time. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a common form of PTSD treatment that works to change thought patterns that lead to emotional problems and physical disorders. This type of therapy is used to help patients identify negative thoughts and change their behaviors to overcome the perceived threat. This type of treatment often leads to significant improvements in mental health.

For family members and caregivers of someone with PTSD, working together can be beneficial. It is important for people close to a victim of trauma to be as supportive as possible, especially when it comes to daily activities like sleep and eating. Family members should make it a priority to learn about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, how it affects the victim, how it can be treated and to develop a support system for the patient. In the meantime, it is important for the victim and his or her loved ones to do their best to maintain healthy relationships and maintain a sense of normalcy in the victim’s life.

If you or a loved one needs help with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, contact your nearest clinic or doctor’s office today. Your physician will be able to assess your condition and find the right ptsd therapy to suit you. You may even find that there are several forms of therapy to choose from so that you can be helped by a team of doctors, therapists and psychologists. Getting the right treatment can take some time, but it will be worth it in the long run.