Treatment of PTSD

PTSD is a mental disorder resulting from the impact on a person’s psyche of stressors and events that may have been the starting point for psychological trauma. PTSD develops in a time frame of up to six months after the trigger and lasts for more than a month. If you are experiencing prolonged, ongoing reactions to a trauma you have experienced, or someone you care about, seek professional help. 

In wartime, PTSD can affect veterans, victims of armed incursions, and others whose lives have been profoundly affected by military action. The disorder can be triggered not only by the war, but also by other stressful events, including those caused by work, personal life, financial situation, etc., that may be the cause of the disorder. 

How do you differentiate between PTSD? Some of the most pronounced signs include:

• outbursts of rage or irritability;
• Flashbacks (recurring, unsolicited memories of experiences);
• depression and anxiety;
• nightmares, restless sleep;
• Avoidance of any situations and images that might in any way recall the traumatic event;
• change of attitude towards oneself and the outside world, change of mood, behavioural reactions;
• loss of interest in previously favourite things and activities;
• physiological manifestations – shortness of breath, muscle cramping, abdominal pain, etc. 

PTSD affects all areas of life, social relationships, occupational functioning and the health of those who suffer from it.

The disorder requires qualified medical treatment. Therapy should be comprehensive and involves the work of psychotherapists, medication, psychologists and psychiatrists. 

People experiencing PTSD should definitely seek support from doctors, which will have a favourable effect on the general condition of the body and mental health. You cannot ignore the problem and hope that “it will go away”. The situation can worsen and cause significant mental health problems. 

When PTSD can develop

Post-traumatic stress disorder can result from any number of psychological triggers:

• war, hostilities;
• receiving physical harm;
• sexual assault;
• FAMILY EBSESSION;
• difficult and challenging events at work;
• natural disasters;
• the death of a significant other;
• other stressful experiences (terrorist attacks, hostage-taking, etc.).

The disorder can present with varying degrees of manifestations and can drastically alter a person’s lifestyle. The significance and seriousness of PTSD should not be underestimated. It should be treated with the help of specialist psychiatrists and psychotherapists.

Treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Cost (Price)

How PTSD is treated in psychiatry

Therapy for this type of disorder involves the use of several methods and approaches that can help people get through this condition. These include:

• Psychotherapy is the most effective and widely used method. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is considered the most common form with positive results. This method helps to better recognise and switch negative thoughts and behaviours associated with trauma.
• Exposure therapy involves the step-by-step and controlled exploration and experience of syndrome-causing situations in order to live with the anxiety and fears and get rid of them. 
• Other forms of psychotherapy such as emotion-focused, group and family therapy may also be involved.
• In some cases, a doctor may decide to prescribe medication, usually when symptoms such as depression or anxiety are present. 
• EMDR (DPDG or EMDR) is a specific therapy technique that uses eye movement and a series of associations to process and soften memories of a trigger.

Equally valuable from a therapeutic point of view is the support of the family and other people who have experienced similar conditions. Group and family therapy are actively used by the specialists at the HarMed Clinic.

The treatment of PTSD is an individualised process, and it is important to have experienced professionals from different medical fields working with the patient.  This is important in order to develop the best treatment plan to address the specific manifestations and symptoms of the disorder in each individual case.

What is the right time to seek professional help? The most effective treatment for PTSD will be if help is sought as soon as the problem is recognised. Doctors call the period from 4 weeks after the traumatic event to 6 months. In many situations, psychological and psychiatric help is needed immediately. For example, military personnel who have been traumatised while fighting or being present in a war zone should receive immediate treatment. It is equally important to provide timely assistance to civilians who find themselves in occupation or on the front lines. Victims of missile attacks, people who have lost loved ones or property, victims of disasters, victims of sexual and family violence need medical assistance. It is important to realise that each person experiences stress differently. What may cause PTSD for one person may not be as traumatic for another. 

When should I see a specialist? If you or a loved one is feeling worse after a stressful experience, don’t hesitate. Contact the specialists at the GarMed Clinic for expert help. 

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