PTSD Treatment

PTSD can develop after seeing or experiencing a traumatic event that leaves you feeling terrified, stunned, or helpless.

There are several types of trauma involved. What defines trauma may vary from person to person and can include everything from violent crimes, vehicle accidents, and the loss of loved ones to war crimes, terrorist attacks, and other types of abuse.

Negative long-term repercussions of post-traumatic stress disorder include generalized anxiety, flashbacks, and disturbed sleep cycles. Unsettling ideas and recollections can persist for a long time after the incident and threat have passed. When PTSD is left untreated, symptoms frequently worsen over time, making patients more scared and worried rather than getting better over time.

The National Center for PTSD estimates that 50% of women and 60% of men will suffer trauma in their lifetimes. However, PTSD does not always result from this. According to the most recent figures, 8% of Americans currently suffer from PTSD. Men may encounter trauma at a higher rate than women, but they are less likely to have PTSD diagnosed.

How then can you tell if the effects of experiencing trauma have resulted in post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms?

Examples of traumatic experiences that might result in PTSD include the following:

• Abuse, bullying, and harassment
• Being diagnosed with a fatal illness
• Being treated in a mental health facility
• Car crashes
• Exposure to trauma at work
• Kidnapping
• Losing a loved one under distressing circumstances
• Pandemics like COVID-19
• Rape and sexual assault
• Surviving a natural disaster
• Traumatic childbirth
• Violence in military combat
• Witnessing terrorist attacks

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be treated, so you don't have to continue suffering in silence. 

The DSM-5 (the fifth edition of the American Psychological Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) criteria are used to make a formal diagnosis of PTSD. For the first time in over 20 years, this ground-breaking book—often referred to as the bible of psychiatry—has just been revised, taking the place of the DSM-IV.

According to DSM-5 recommendations, both of the following criteria must be met in order for PTSD to be diagnosed:

1. You have been subjected to significant bodily harm, sexual assault, death, or the genuine danger of death. This might be the outcome of firsthand experience or witnessing the occurrence.
2. For a period of more than four weeks, you must have at least one intrusion symptom, one avoidance symptom, two arousal and reactivity symptoms, and two mood-related and cognition symptoms.

You could additionally display other physical symptoms not listed in the DSM-5 in addition to these distinct clusters of PTSD symptoms. These may consist of:

• Aches and pains
• Chest pain
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Shaking
• Stomach upsets
• Sweating
• Weakened immune system

PTSD can occasionally cause a wide range of behavioral changes, some of which are long-lasting and cause persistent issues at home, at work, and in school. Stress quickly seeps into interpersonal interactions.

Aside from that, it's usual for people suffering from PTSD symptoms to self-medicate with alcohol, prescription pills, or illicit substances.

Symptoms of PTSD often appear three months after the traumatic incident. This is not corrected, and in some situations, symptoms may not show up for many years.

Along with the above negative effects, PTSD is known to lead to issues in all of the following areas:

• Coping with change
• Decision-making
• Enjoying yourself
• Holding down a job
• Libido
• Maintaining a relationship
• Maintaining friendships
• Remembering things

PTSD commonly co-occurs with dissociative disorders, suicidal thoughts, despair, anxiety, and self-harm.

A dual diagnosis or co-occurring illness occurs when PTSD coexists with an alcohol use disorder or other drug use disorder.

Addiction typically involves any of the following substances:

• Alcohol
• Prescription painkillers
• Cocaine
• Meth
• Heroin

Some typical co-occurring mental health conditions include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Schizophrenia

In some situations, the drug use disorder emerges first, whereas in others, PTSD first appears and then the substance use problem.

The traumatic experience usually precedes substance usage in most cases of addiction co-occurring with PTSD. Abusing drugs or alcohol at this point usually makes PTSD symptoms worse.

Most estimates indicate that half of all people seeking treatment for drug use disorders meet the PTSD criteria. Even though people with multiple diagnoses frequently have worse treatment outcomes, it is quite feasible to turn things around at the correct PTSD treatment facility.

Why Choose Right Path Recovery for PTSD Treatment?

Have you lately or in the past gone through a painful experience? If this is the case and you have experienced any of the PTSD symptoms we have discussed today, you may want to think about enrolling in one of our treatment options at RightPath Recovery Center.

All of our treatment plans are carefully individualized to match your needs and help you achieve your treatment objectives.

Combating any lingering traumas will be one of the most crucial things we'll help you with so that your life becomes more solid.

Our PTSD treatment programs at RightPath include a tried-and-true mix of medicine, such as antidepressants, and psychotherapy, such as CBT.