Psychological Therapy of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Apr 19, 2023
This paper discusses the psychological therapy of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is an anxiety disorder that can be triggered by a traumatic event and cause difficulty functioning in day-to-day life. PTSD can have many long-term effects on mental, physical, and emotional health.
Psychological therapy for PTSD usually consists of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or exposure therapy. CBT helps people learn how to identify distorted thinking and replace it with more balanced thoughts. Exposure therapy works to desensitize people to their trauma through prolonged exposure to triggers that evoke the traumatic experience.
Other therapies may include supportive psychotherapy sessions, which focus on helping individuals develop coping strategies for managing difficult emotions and challenging situations related to their trauma; mindfulness practice, which helps people become more aware of their thoughts and feelings in order to gain control over them; group therapy, which allows individuals to learn from the experiences of others with similar struggles; and narrative therapy, which helps people develop a new understanding of their experience and create meaning out of it.
In addition to psychological therapies, medications may be used to help manage PTSD symptoms such as anxiety and depression. Commonly prescribed medications include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and beta-blockers. It is important for individuals to discuss all potential risks when considering medication use.
Overall, psychological therapies combined with medication can help individuals manage their PTSD symptoms and improve day-to-day functioning. Those who are struggling with PTSD should speak to a qualified mental health professional in order to receive an individualized plan of care. With the right treatment and support, those living with PTSD can lead fulfilling lives.
