Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that may be experienced after seeing or experiencing a traumatic event. It affects approximately 6% of people in the United States, and can affect your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Some symptoms of this condition may include flashbacks and nightmares of the event, and feelings of fear, sadness, or anger. While it may be common, you don’t have to let PTSD control your life. You might like to explore some of the following common treatment options.
CBD
CBD from leading businesses like Secret Nature CBD might be an option you consider with the approval of your primary healthcare provider. Studies exploring its efficacy in decreasing PTSD symptoms are looking promising, and federal clinical trials are already underway with CBD isolate, CBD broad-spectrum oil, and a matched placebo oil. A case series also revealed that CBD was well-tolerated and that oral CBD with routine psychiatric care was associated with PTSD symptom reduction.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
During CBT sessions, patients are encouraged to focus on their current problems and symptoms, learn about the relationship between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and focus on changing any patterns.
When it comes to treatment for PTSD, CBT therapists often use several techniques to help patients reduce their symptoms, such as reevaluating their thinking patterns and assumptions, and identifying any negative thinking that might inhibit positive thinking. According to the APA, cognitive-behavioral therapy can be as effective as (or more effective than) psychiatric medications and other psychological treatments.
Antidepressants
While those living with PTSD are encouraged to attend therapy, some healthcare providers might also recommend antidepressants. Some of the most effective options here include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). It’s believed that people with PTSD have different amounts of chemicals in their brains than those without PTSD. SSRIs and SNRIs may assist in rebalancing these brain chemicals.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Trauma-focused talk therapies are often described as some of the best PTSD treatment options, with EMDR being particularly cited as one of the most effective options available. EMDR is a type of talk therapy in which you process traumatic memories and feelings to experience relief.
During sessions for this therapy, patients watch a back-and-forth movement or listen to a sound while thinking about their upsetting memories. With time, patients experience a shift in how they recall their memories, and it no longer affects them as much as it once did.
Stress Inoculation Training
Stress inoculation training is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy you can undertake by yourself or in a group. During these sessions, you can learn more about how to manage your stress related to traumatic events, such as breathing techniques that will help relax your mind and body.
While post-traumatic stress disorder might be common, it can also be an uncomfortable and difficult experience for those who experience it. You can make an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss some of the treatment options above.