Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment

Overview

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after a person witnesses or experiences a traumatic event. Symptoms of PTSD can vary, but often include flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance of reminders of the trauma, and trouble sleeping.

Types of Treatment

There are a variety of effective treatments for PTSD, including psychotherapy, medication, and self-help strategies.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is a type of treatment where a person talks to a therapist about their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Psychotherapy can help people understand and cope with their symptoms and develop strategies for managing them.

Medication

Medication may be prescribed to treat symptoms of PTSD, such as depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Common types of medications used to treat PTSD include antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers.

Self-Help Strategies

In addition to psychotherapy and medication, there are a number of things people can do to help manage their PTSD symptoms, including:

• Getting regular exercise
• Eating a healthy diet
• Getting enough sleep
• Avoiding alcohol and drugs
• Joining a support group

Prognosis

The length of time it takes to recover from PTSD varies from person to person. Some people may start to feel better after a few weeks or months of treatment, while others may need longer.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor or Therapist

Before starting any new treatment, it is important to talk to your doctor or therapist about the potential benefits and risks. Some questions you may want to ask include:

• What are the goals of treatment?
• What are the different treatment options available?
• What are the potential benefits and risks of each treatment option?
• How long will treatment take?
• What can I do to help myself recover from PTSD?

Additional Resources

There are a number of resources available to help people with PTSD, including:

• The National Center for PTSD: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
• The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
• The Veterans Administration: 1-877-4AID-VET (424-3838)