Why Treatment for PTSD is Beyond Important
Learning to control stressed behaviors
Over 70 percent of adults have experienced some sort of traumatic experience in their lifetime, and unfortunately, 20 percent of them will develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a result. PTSD causes people to feel like they are in danger or encounter extreme stress in situations that remind them of their traumatic experience. Treatment for PTSD is beyond important in order to help those who suffer live healthy and happy lives free from the symptoms of their disorder.
Diagnosing PTSD
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, in order to be diagnosed with PTSD, people must have all of the following for at least one month:
- One or more re-experiencing symptoms
- At least one avoidance symptom
- Two or more arousal and reactivity symptoms
- At least two cognition and mood symptoms
Re-Experiencing symptoms: These symptoms are characterized by flashbacks, bad dreams and frightening thoughts. They negatively affect the ability to complete or participate in everyday activities
Avoidance symptoms: People who experience avoidance symptoms stay away from places or objects that remind them of their traumatic experience. They also try to avoid thoughts and feelings that are related to the event.
Arousal and Reactivity symptoms: Constantly feeling stressed and angry are characteristics of the arousal and reactivity symptoms. They do not need to be triggered, these are feelings that just occur at all times. People feel tense, have difficulty sleeping or are easily startled.
Cognition and Mood symptoms: These symptoms begin or become worse after the experience. They are characterized by trouble remembering, negative thoughts, feelings of guilt and loss of interest.
It is extremely important to seek help if you or someone you know is experiencing any of the symptoms of PTSD. If left untreated, it has the ability to cause a lot more problems for the person suffering, such as:
- Pseudo-hallucinations
- Eating disorders
- Paranoia
- Difficulty regulating emotions
- Inability to maintain stable relationships
- Dissociative symptoms
- Depression
- Anger
- Nightmares
- Difficulty feeling emotions
- Guilt
- Sleep problems
- Substance abuse
- Social phobia
- Difficulty maintaining job
- Agoraphobia
- Self-harm
- Suicidal thoughts
PTSD can and should be treated, especially when symptoms continue to decrease quality of life.
Treating PTSD with Therapy
PTSD treatment centers offer a wide variety of options that cater to each patient’s unique and specific needs. Beginning with a thorough assessment, medical professionals are able to diagnose each and every condition someone may be suffering from. Depending on the results of the assessment, patients will begin a series of therapeutic modalities.
Traditional and experiential therapies are the most important aspect of treatment for PTSD; they help patients regain control of their behaviors in order to increase overall health and longevity.