PTSD Treatment: With United We Care, Find the Best Treatment For Successful Recovery

Introduction

People sometimes experience situations which are extreme and traumatic in nature. Even when the individual is out of that situation, their minds and body still experience the negative effects of that situation as if they are still stuck there. Psychologists call this condition Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD can profoundly impact a person’s life by affecting their emotions, thoughts, and behavior. It can be a scary experience not only for the person but also their loved ones. Fortunately, with proper treatment and support, individuals with PTSD can overcome it and move towards healing. However, the question that often arises is, where to find this “proper” treatment? This article will help you find the answer to that question as it delves into PTSD treatment approaches, their benefits, risks, and guides you on how to find quality PTSD treatment with United We Care.

What is PTSD Treatment?

PTSD is a psychological condition that occurs when a person sees or experiences an event which is traumatic. For instance, wars, being in an accident, experiencing an assault, etc. It presents various distressing symptoms, such as re-experiencing the trauma through flashbacks, memories, or nightmares, vigilance, avoidance patterns, and emotional detachment [1].

The individual often gets triggered by sights, smells, and other sensations that remind them of that time. He or she will also struggle with regulating their emotions and at times appear as if they are stuck in that situation.

Treatment of PTSD is complex and typically involves a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and social support. Psychologists use techniques like CBT, EMDR Imagery-Based treatments, mindfulness, and behavioral therapies to help with PTSD [2]. Medications like SSRIs or antidepressants are also used to manage some symptoms [3].

PTSD often occurs alongside other psychological conditions like depression. Medications can help manage emotional dysregulation, an essential aspect of PTSD. Depending on the person’s requirements clinicians might also prescribe mood stabilizers and antipsychotics [3].

In addition to psychotherapy and medication, social support and self-care is crucial for treatment. Many individuals experiencing PTSD benefit from and prefer being part of support groups where they can receive a sense of understanding and validation [4]. They also benefit from engaging in activities that promote relaxation and stress reduction.

What are the Benefits of PTSD Treatment?

Primarily PTSD treatment can help in [5] [6]:

• Reduction of Symptoms: One of the biggest benefits is a reduction in the severity and frequency of symptoms. When a person begins medication and psychotherapy, he or she is able to identify symptoms and gain control over them. They are also able to develop healthy coping mechanisms which help them in their journey. 
• Acquiring Skills to Manage PTSD Symptoms: Psychotherapy in PTSD aims to help people develop skills to manage their symptoms. For instance, it will teach them to revisit the trauma without getting triggered and reframe their experience to develop positive beliefs about self, world, and future.
• Improving Interpersonal Relationships: One of the core symptoms of PTSD is emotional dysregulation. The person gets triggered, angry, or anxious very easily. This can strain relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. Since treatment addresses this symptom and teaches the person emotional regulation, it can also help in rebuilding and strengthening relationships.
• Addressing Comorbidities: Many individuals with PTSD also experience depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and sleep disturbances. These make the experience worse and cause a lot of distress. By addressing these co-occurring conditions, treatment improves the overall life of the person.
• Enhancing Overall Well-Being: As an individual begins to move on from trauma and trauma memories, they are able to leave the past behind. They are also able to cultivate a healthier, more balanced life.

What are the Risks of PTSD Treatment?

While there are many benefits of PTSD treatment, it is essential that we acknowledge some potential risks of it as well. The first inherent risk is with the medication, as they may have side effects. These can include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, and sexual dysfunction [2] [7]. However, this varies from person to person, and the individuals undergoing treatment must remember to communicate these issues closely with their healthcare providers.

Apart from that, psychotherapy can also have temporary emotional side effects. Engaging in therapy may initially lead to an increase in distressing emotions as traumatic memories and experiences are processed [7]. However, these effects are typically short-lived and reduce over time as individuals learn to manage these issues effectively.

When Should PTSD Treatment be Started?

The optimal timing for initiating PTSD treatment can vary depending on the individual and their circumstances. The ideal condition is to begin treatment promptly after experiencing a traumatic event or when indications of PTSD manifest. Early intervention can prevent the development of chronic PTSD and mitigate the risk of associated complications [8].

However, delays in seeking and obtaining intervention are an unfortunate reality. But one should remember, it is never too late to seek help.  Even individuals with long-standing symptoms can benefit from treatment and must strive towards healing.

How can United We Care Help in PTSD Treatment?

Our platform, United We Care, is a mental health platform that aims to tackle the escalating mental health crisis by providing accessible resources to everyone across the world.

The United We Care website has a diverse range of certified professionals impaneled with them. These experts are experienced professionals who provide interventions for various psychological disorders. Of these, some professionals are experts in providing treatment for PTSD. Users can connect with these experts for consultations, guidance, and personalized interventions.

An individual seeking treatment for PTSD can get access to psychiatrists and psychologists who provide consultation for it by following the steps given below:

1. Visit the United We Care Website
2. Navigate to the professional’s page
3. Select the filter for PTSD to receive a list of experts in the area
4. Book consultation with the expert.

The experts at United We Care have already helped many individuals and are committed to providing you with the best solutions for your PTSD symptoms.

Conclusion

PTSD can be a debilitating and horrifying experience. However, psychotherapy can help you cope with this. When you seek treatment, it not only benefits you but also improves your relationships and the life of those around you. With psychotherapy, medication, and support from professionals, you can move towards a better future. It is best to initiate treatment as early as possible, but it is important to remember that even if you have been managing for a long while now, it is never too late to seek help and build support.

If you are a person struggling with PTSD, follow the above steps to contact the experts at United We Care. The team at United We Care aims to provide you with mental health services that will enhance your overall well-being.

References

1. “Post-traumatic stress disorder,” National Institute of Mental Health, https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd (accessed Jun. 27, 2023).
2. J. Cukor, J. Spitalnick, J. Difede, A. Rizzo, and B. O. Rothbaum, “Emerging treatments for PTSD,” Clinical Psychology Review, vol. 29, no. 8, pp. 715–726, 2009. doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2009.09.001
3. R. C. Albucher and I. Liberzon, “Psychopharmacological treatment in PTSD: A critical review,” Journal of Psychiatric Research, vol. 36, no. 6, pp. 355–367, 2002. doi:10.1016/s0022-3956(02)00058-4
4. N. E. Hundt, A. Robinson, J. Arney, M. A. Stanley, and J. A. Cully, “Veterans’ perspectives on benefits and drawbacks of peer support for posttraumatic stress disorder,” Military Medicine, vol. 180, no. 8, pp. 851–856, 2015. doi:10.7205/milmed-d-14-00536
5. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – diagnosis and treatment – mayo …, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355973 (accessed Jun. 27, 2023).
6. R. J. Stanborough, “PTSD treatment: What are the most effective therapy options?,” Healthline, https://www.healthline.com/health/ptsd-treatment (accessed Jun. 27, 2023).
7. N. C. Feeny, L. A. Zoellner, and S. Y. Kahana, “Providing a treatment rationale for PTSD: Does what we say matter?,” Behaviour Research and Therapy, vol. 47, no. 9, pp. 752–760, 2009. doi:10.1016/j.brat.2009.06.007

M. C. Kearns, K. J. Ressler, D. Zatzick, and B. O. Rothbaum, “Early interventions for PTSD: A Review,” Depression and Anxiety, vol. 29, no. 10, pp. 833–842, 2012. doi:10.1002/da.21997