Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a disorder that occurs when someone goes through a traumatic event.
This event doesn’t have to be catastrophic by everyone’s definition, but it does severely traumatize the victim in a way that interferes with their everyday life. Oftentimes PTSD is brought on by violence, rape, war, serious injuries, or natural disasters. People with PTSD experience symptoms like flashbacks, intense emotions of fear or anger, or pervasive thoughts related to the event. People with PTSD may also have strong reactions to certain stimuli such as people or places that remind them of their trauma, which is why many opt to avoid things that remind them of the trauma altogether. In some cases, the aftermath of a traumatic event can affect a person for the entirety of their life.
PTSD Treatments
Mindful-Based Therapies
PTSD can be treated both conventionally and holistically. More research needs to be done about holistic treatments as there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to treating PTSD, but many holistic therapies have shown promising results. These include massage therapy, acupuncture, yoga, meditation, and reiki.
PTSD Therapy
Many people who suffer from PTSD can benefit from therapy. PTSD therapy can improve symptoms, teach coping skills, and restore self-esteem. Certain techniques used in PTSD therapy that work well are mindfulness grounding techniques, prolonged exposure therapy, and Stress Inoculation Training.
Medicines for PTSD
If psychotherapy doesn’t work, medication can also be effective in treating PTSD. People with PTSD process threats differently, and, therefore, correcting the balance of neurotransmitters may help calm the urgent sense of “fight or flight” that people experience. Medicines for PTSD generally include SSRIs or SNRIs, but because everyone’s PTSD is different, a person could be prescribed MAOIs, antipsychotics, beta-blockers, or benzodiazepines.
Ketamine for PTSD
In some cases, ketamine therapy in patients with PTSD has been effective in reducing the severity of symptoms. It is believed to have the ability to reprogram memories related to traumatic experiences and expel the trauma. The benefit of ketamine as a treatment is that the effects are often felt immediately as opposed to a traditional SSRI which can take months to become effective. With more investigation on long-term efficacy, ketamine could be a viable option to treat PTSD, particularly because PTSD can be treatment-resistant.
Vitalitas Denver is a leading ketamine treatment center with staff available to identify the best options for treatment. If you or a loved one are seeking PTSD treatments or are experiencing any combination of the conditions described above, don’t hesitate to complete the brief form below to request a consultation.
