National PTSD Awareness Month
Understanding and Treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Written by Lyndsey Kerr
Hidden Wounds
The United States Military has long been a pillar of strength and integrity. We continue to honor their sacrifices and thank our, soldiers, airmen, sailors, marines and guardians for their service, knowing that we would not be where we are today without those who stand on the front lines for our freedoms. Despite their fortitude, many of our service men and women are plagued with hidden wounds that may not be visible to the naked eye. This is why every June, the entire month is dedicated to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness. PTSD is not limited to veterans; however, they are the most likely group of people that suffer from the disorder. Studies done by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) say the leading age group that PTSD occurs in includes individuals ages 45-59, followed by ages 18-29. Other groups that PTSD may occur in besides veterans, include people who have been involved in car accidents, those injured or severely ill, victims of domestic violence, natural disasters, sexual assault, or witnesses of violence.
In 2010, the United States declared June 27th as National PTSD Awareness Day as a tribute to Army Staff Sergeant Joe Biel. Staff Sgt. Biel suffered from PTSD and took his life in 2007 after his second tour in Iraq. Sgt. Biel’s story was brought to the Senate to bring awareness to PTSD. It was then that the Senate decided that the entire month should be nationally recognized in efforts to understand, educate and spread awareness of mental illness and trauma.
Many people are unaware of how treatable PTSD is. This could be because it is very common that people suffering from PTSD deny they have it. Symptoms of PTSD include anxiety, depression, insomnia, nightmares, paranoia and disturbing thoughts. Shedding light on this dark topic is the only road to recovery. People who have experienced trauma shouldn’t have to relive their darkest moments. If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, please seek help and continue reading for treatment options.
Treatment Options for PTSD
PTSD is treatable once awareness has been crossed off the list. The highest recommended form of treatment includes four interventions of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
The first phase of CBT is a session that focuses on feelings, behaviors and relationships among thoughts, all while getting to the bottom of current problems. This usually will take anywhere from 12-16 sessions. Once symptoms are identified, CBT specializes in helping people to change their thinking and behaviors to form healthier habits.
Cognitive Processing Therapy
The next intervention is Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). This form of therapy challenges patients to alter unhelpful thoughts or beliefs constantly associated with their trauma. This form of therapy will also take 12-16 weeks to fully treat.
Cognitive Therapy
The third type of intervention is Cognitive Therapy, which is a form of CBT. However, with this particular therapy, patients will be faced with modifying the dark memories associated with their trauma. The goal of Cognitive Therapy is to ultimately put an end to disturbing thought patterns that interrupt a person’s everyday life. This therapy typically takes three months to treat.
Prolonged Exposure
The final intervention of therapy is Prolonged Exposure. This form of CBT teaches patients to gradually approach memories and feelings associated with their trauma. The goal of this approach is to show that it is possible to face what was once avoided and it shouldn’t be forgotten about. Once an individual identifies how a situation made them feel, that trauma doesn’t have to disturb their everyday lives. With this method of therapy, memories of trauma will no longer be dangerous to victims.
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Types of Psychotherapies
All the forms of CBT listed above are the highest recommended options and first steps for individuals suffering from PTSD. There are also three types of psychotherapies that are recommended for the best possible outcome when it comes to treating this mental disorder.
Brief Eclectic Psychotherapy
The first type of psychotherapy is Brief Eclectic Psychotherapy, which is a type of CBT. The main focus is changing emotions of shame and guilt within patients while emphasizing the patient to therapist relationship. This form of treatment is intended for patients with one traumatic experience. This therapy takes 16 sessions, each 45 minutes long.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy
The next recommended psychotherapy is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR). With this form, a patient is asked to briefly think of a trauma-associated memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation, which is stimuli (visual, auditory or tactile) that occurs in a rhythmic left-right pattern. This is tied into reducing the clearness and emotion related to traumatic experiences. EMDR therapy is typically held 1-2 times a week, lasting anywhere from 6-12 sessions.
Narrative Exposure Therapy
The final form of psychotherapy is Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET). During this treatment, individuals are instructed to form a life narrative where they identify and include their traumatic memories. The goal here is to attend 10 sessions in order to gain self-acknowledgement while being able to identify their human rights. NET is most common in sessions within refugees.
Medications
People suffering from PTSD can also take medication. Four conditional recommended types of medication include: sertraline, paroxetine, fluoxetine and venlafaxine. Currently, sertraline and paroxetine are the only FDA-approved medications for treating PTSD. However, exceptions can be made if an individual has a history with negative side effects.
Support PTSD Awareness
PTSD is an uncomfortable topic for individuals who have been traumatized from war or other forms of violence. These traumatic events are tough to relive, however, recognizing it happened and seeking help is a lot healthier than being haunted by negative thoughts and flashbacks. Many sessions of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and psychotherapies are recommended as the best solutions to treat PTSD. Listed below are guidelines to get started with treatment. Please remember to spread awareness, seek help and support those suffering from PTSD, not only in June, but throughout the year.
About the Author
Lyndsey Kerr, Marketing Coordinator for Tribal Tech.