Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment Program Options
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Post-traumatic stress disorder is a condition that affects millions of Americans every year. Government statistics indicate that 3.5 percent of the general population suffers from PTSD. The disorder is strongly associated with soldiers due to the many instances of traumatic events they endure while at war, but the label can be applied to anyone who experiences the effects of a trauma. The individual may have experienced the trauma personally or may have the condition as a result of a traumatic event that happened to a loved one. It is not uncommon for people to develop PTSD after the death of a family member.
What Causes PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder is caused by significant trauma in a person’s life that is left unresolved. While PTSD is commonly associated with members of the military, anyone who has experienced trauma in life can develop PTSD at any age. PTSD is classified as an anxiety disorder in which a person’s normal response to danger becomes distorted. After going through a traumatic event, the affected individual may be triggered and have a fight-or-flight response long after the event has passed.
Fight-or-flight responses are natural, but when they are triggered by daily events, the results can be debilitating and even dangerous. It is crucial to get help for PTSD symptoms that last longer than six to eight weeks. After eight weeks, the symptoms are likely permanent and will only worsen with time if they are allowed to continue without medical intervention. Like other mental disorders, PTSD responds well to treatment, and affected individuals can look forward to positive results once treatment begins.
Is There a Cure for PTSD?
As with most mental illnesses, no cure exists for PTSD, but the symptoms can be effectively managed to restore the affected individual to normal functioning. The best hope for treating PTSD is a combination of medication and therapy. By working with a healthcare professional, individuals with PTSD can resolve their triggering factors and learn new and effective ways of coping with the stress of the past trauma.
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Therapies for PTSD
Numerous therapies are available for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder. Some of the most common therapies used to treat PTSD include group therapy, psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and hypnotherapy. In some cases, doctors will recommend a combination of one or more therapeutic approaches in order to meet the needs of the individual patient.
In general, no right or wrong approach exists when it comes to the treatment of PTSD. Some individuals respond better to a certain treatments than others. The effectiveness of a given treatment depends on numerous factors, including the individual’s personality, the nature of the trauma, the severity of the symptoms, and the presence of a support network. While multiple forms of effective treatment exist for PTSD, some treatments have been found to be more effective for the overall population than others.
PTSD therapies are aimed at managing the symptoms of the disorder and helping the affected individual to better understand the causes. Some common symptoms that affect the lives of people living with PTSD include:
- Night terrors
- Flashbacks
- Avoidance
- Emotional numbness
- Indifference
These symptoms can cause extreme disruption in an individual’s life, yet the government estimates that a massive 50 percent of those who have PTSD do not seek treatment. Individuals with PTSD do not seek treatment for various reasons, ranging from fear of judgment to an inability to cover the costs.
If you or a loved one is suffering with the symptoms of PTSD, do not wait any longer; our hotline is open 24/7, and we can speak with you about all the available options you can choose from when it comes to getting help for your PTSD. Call us any time at for more information or simply to talk with someone who understands what you are going through.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Treatments
Cognitive behavioral therapy is an increasingly popular form of therapy that initially became well known in the 1980s. It blends the principles behind cognitive psychology and behavioral therapy to create a comprehensive treatment approach. The cognitive element focuses on the ways the human ability to problem-solve and think rationally can aid recovery. The behavioral element focuses on the ways in which the health of the mind manifests through human behavior. Most cognitive behavioral therapists will work on helping the PTSD sufferer come to terms with the traumatic event and then find ways to modify behavior to cope more efficiently.
Other Therapeutic Methods
Group therapy is another major treatment method for patients with PTSD. The major benefit of group therapy is it allows victims of trauma to connect with others who truly understand what they have been through. That understanding is also important for victims of violent crimes who may be alienated from their peers due to the uncommon nature of their experiences. Group therapy offers a safe place to discuss the traumatic events as well as any resulting feelings and behaviors without fear of judgment from others who have not been through a similar experience.
Another common therapeutic approach is hypnotherapy, although this form of treatment is typically used in conjunction with traditional therapies. Hypnosis is often used to help the patient deal with the trauma by regressing back to a state before its occurrence and to use the power of the mind to overcome any resulting behavioral issues.
Residential Inpatient PTSD Treatment Centers
If you or a loved one is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and wants to seek treatment, residential or inpatient PTSD treatment centers are a solid option. These centers are staffed by trained specialists who can assess your condition and formulate the best treatment plan for you in an atmosphere that is as stress-free as possible.
The Benefits of Residential PTSD Treatment
One of the most difficult aspects of living with PTSD is the fact that the individual can easily be triggered by ordinary events. Gunfire, fireworks, bright lights and other common occurrences that are jarring to the senses can transport someone with PTSD back to the state they were in when the trauma occurred. These flashbacks often occur at night while the person is sleeping, but they can occur at any time, severely disrupting the flow of normal life.
A residential treatment center gives patients the opportunity to recover in an environment that is free from the stresses of everyday life and surrounded by professionals who understand the nature of what they are going through. If you would like more information on PTSD recovery facilities, call our toll-free hotline at for more information today.
Luxury PTSD Facilities
When most people picture a PTSD treatment facility, they don’t imagine a luxurious and peaceful environment. Many luxury PTSD facilities offer this type of atmosphere, where patients can relax in surroundings that mirror those of the finest luxury resorts.
Executive PTSD Programs
Like luxury PTSD facilities, executive PTSD programs offer a high-class treatment experience. For the busy executive who wants to put the effort into recovery but just doesn’t have the time to be completely disconnected from the office, luxury treatment centers offer a great compromise. You can receive treatment in a luxurious facility while having access to the technology you need to stay connected to your work.
Outpatient PTSD Rehab and Treatment Programs
For those whose schedules will not allow for an inpatient treatment program, outpatient PTSD rehab and treatment programs are a great option. These facilities are staffed by knowledgeable healthcare professionals who can help you take the lessons you learn in treatment and transfer them to life at home and work.
Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications
Prescription medications are commonly prescribed to treat the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and make living with the disorder more manageable. Self-medication with over-the-counter medication can be dangerous, and you should consult your doctor before taking any medication for the treatment of your PTSD symptoms. Over-the-counter medication may be readily available, but taking the wrong medication at the wrong dosage can make your PTSD symptoms worse, and the practice is also dangerous.
PTSD and substance abuse unfortunately have a high rate of comorbidity. The Department of Veterans Affairs reports that 20 percent of those who suffer from PTSD also suffer from a substance abuse problem. Many victims of trauma turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with the symptoms of PTSD and to avoid the perceived stigma of seeking treatment. Substance abuse may seem to be a way out in the beginning, but the improper use of drugs and alcohol to treat PTSD can only mask the symptoms for a little while. To experience true recovery, it is necessary to seek professional treatment from a licensed mental health professional. Attempts at self-medication with either prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications will only lead to more problems and deeper depression.
Treatment centers are prepared to deal with patients who suffer from PTSD and substance abuse. They use a variety of treatment options such as cognitive behavioral treatments, cognitive processing therapy and prescription medications to help deal with PTSD or substance abuse symptoms.
How to Find the Best PTSD Treatment Facility
When it comes to finding a PTSD treatment facility for yourself or a loved one, you understandably want the best. Many great treatment facilities are filled with knowledgeable mental health professionals who are waiting to help you meet your treatment goals. It is possible to live a normal life with PTSD by managing the symptoms and finding a strong network of support. Some programs are better than others though, and the sheer variety of information on the Internet can be overwhelming at times.
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a challenging condition, and recovery is a long-term goal rather than something that can be achieved immediately. Fortunately, support is one of the most effective tools available when it comes to treating the causes and symptoms of PTSD. A strong network of family and friends is crucial to the recovery process, but it is also necessary to work closely with a mental health professional who can monitor your progress and well-being. It’s important to find help on treating Post-traumatic stress disorder for you or your loved one. Discover the state of your mental health with a reliable mental health quiz.
