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Up to 50% of thosediagnosed with PTSDalso meet criteria for the diagnosis of major depressive disorder.
Remember that each person will respond differently in their tolerance and the perceived effectiveness of the medications used.
Illustration by JR Bee, Verywell
It can take some time to find the best fit for you or your loved one.
The medication part of your treatment will need to be monitored closely and managed by a trained medical professional.
These things all provide valuable information to your therapist to make it help you understand and manage your symptoms.
Get our printable guide to help you ask the right questions at your next doctor’s appointment.
Get our printable guide to help you ask the right questions at your next doctor’s appointment.
Together you collaborate in processing the traumatic event and work through “stuck points.”
Stuck points are certain thoughts related to the trauma that are preventing recovery.
This method of counseling can be conducted in an individual or group format.
EMDR
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessingis more commonly referred to as EMDR.
For people with PTSD, trauma-sensitive yoga can be of great benefit.
Their research showed that this particular style of yoga helped to significantly reduce PTSD symptoms in their participants.
As compared to other styles of yoga, trauma-sensitive yoga focuses on more gentle movements and less hands-on adjustment.
Common reports by patients include a significant reduction in feelings of stress and anxiety.
Innovative Treatments
A variety of additional treatments show promise in treating PTSD.
As one combat veteran participant stated, “You go over the story over and over again.
I got so bored with my own story that it no longer elicited a reaction.”
Ketamine infusion therapy is often conducted in a series of treatments over a few weeks.
Infusions are given only by trained medical professionals approved to administer this form of treatment.
Research is ongoing on how to best apply this treatment over time.
MDMA-Assisted Therapy
MDMA is commonly known as the recreational drug ecstasy.
Research examining the risks and benefits of this alternative treatment is ongoing.
People who struggle with PTSD often experience feelings ofshameand fear, finding it difficult to initiate seeking help.
Many struggle in isolation with hope that the symptoms they are experiencing will go away on their own.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Internet
The internet can be a valuable resource in connecting you to local resources.
In seeking out a treatment provider, remember to be a consumer.
Shop around until you find the treatment provider whom you feel can best address your needs.
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Gaudiano BA.Cognitive-behavioural therapies: achievements and challenges.Evid Based Ment Health.
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American Psychological Association.Treatments for PTSD.
Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies.MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy.
