ptsd treatment

addressing sleep problems

-cope with nightmares -relaxation techniques -positive self-talk -screening for other sleep problems

moodstabilizers like antipsychotics

-drugs used in the treatment of psychotic disorders that help alleviate hallucinations and delusional thinking -most useful to those suffering from agitation, dissociation, hypervigilance, intense suspiciousness (paranoia), or brief breaks in being in touch with reality (brief psychotic reactions) -helpful when also used with SSRI's

SSRI's that are effective

-fluoextine (prozac) -sertraline (zoloft) -paroxetine (paxil)

Group Therapy

-group therapy with others who have similar experiences can help build resilience when someone feels alone and isolated -helps lessen shame and provide support -reduce feelings of helplessness -groups for survivors of sexual assault and combat experiences frequently have ppl who have ptsd

tranquilizers

-ineffective -results in many problems (like withdrawl symptoms and risks of overdose and addiction)

Medications

-no one med to treat all symptoms -can help with some symptoms an increase effectiveness of psychotherapy -should also consider other conditions like depression or anxiety and how they may be impacted

medicines to treat physical symptoms

-prazosin (minipress) -clonidine (catapress) -guanfacine (tenex) -prophranolol

types of moodstabilizers like antipsychotics

-risperidone (risperdal) -olanzhaphine (zyprexa) -quetiapine (seroquel) -aripiprazole (abilify) -asenapine (saphris) -paliperidone (invega)

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

-specifically designed to treat trauma -uses measured exposure to traumatic memories with alternating stimuli (eye movements are one of several options) in structured sessions with a health care pro certified to perform emdr -relieve/contemplate traumatic or triggering experiences while a therapist directs your eye movement or tapping -therapist/pro then directs patient in one type of bilateral sensory input/bilateral stimulation (sde-side eye movements or tapping)

complementary health approaches

-yoga -aqua therapy -acupuncture -mindfulness and meditation strategies and practices -service dogs -avoiding recreational drugs and alcohol

antidepressants

a class of psychotropic medications used for the treatment of depression, anxiety, some chronic pains, and addictions

Mood stabilizers

drugs used to control mood swings in patients with bipolar mood disorders -less effective but potentially helpful -lamotrigine (lamictal) -tiagabine (gabitril) -divalproex sodium (depakote)

best treatment plan

include your preferences while also addressing any other co-existing conditions

combat-related ptsd

prazosin

discussing a traumatic event

receiving support and compassion immediately after the event is critical some ppl will want to talk about it while others will find it troubling and overwhelming not helpful to force someone into talking about, wait until they are ready

SSRI's

serotonergic antidepressants -Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors -help ptsd sufferers modify info that is taken in from the environment (stimuli) and decrease fear -decrease anxiety, depression, and panic -reduce aggression, impulsivity, and suicidal thoughts -much less likely to experience relapse of event if used for a year FDA approved

psychotherapy for ptsd

some approaches involve returning your attention to the traumatic event, which can be challenging and difficult when they are done as a part of a coordinated treatment approach, they often result in fewer symptoms -Cognitive Processing Therapy -Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) -Exposure Therapy Group Therapy

psychotherapy

treatment involving psychological techniques; consists of interactions between a trained therapist and someone seeking to overcome psychological difficulties or achieve personal growth -use of psychological methods, particularly based on interaction with a therapist, to help ppl change behaviors and over come problems in desired ways

Cognitive Processing Therapy

type of cognitive behavioral therapy to build skills to deal with effects of trauma in other areas of life -talk to a therapist -focuses on teaching a set of skills that will help you challenge negative thoughts and gain control of the negative impact they have on your life (may find it helpful to write about it) -works to address negative thinking and self-blame symptoms that may come come with it -specific training for psychotherapist and materials to guide treatment

bilateral sensory input/bilateral stimulation (emdr)

use of external stimuli (visual, auditory, tactile) occurring in rhythmic left-right/side-side pattern

Exposure therapy

An approach to treatment that involves confronting an emotion-arousing stimulus directly and repeatedly, ultimately leading to a decrease in the emotional response -one technique is the use of virtual reality programs that allow person to experience the situation in which they experienced trauma to help process it -help ppl safely face what has been traumatizing them and help them cope with it