PTSD: Can It Be Cured?

What Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, which is usually abbreviated as PTSD, is a complex anxiety disorder that affects people who have been through traumatic or life-threatening events. PTSD can come from a variety of events or causes and can impact people who have endured long-term trauma as well as those who have been through witnessed dangerous events.

Most people who have PTSD are regularly triggered by a sense of fear, which is why the disorder is common among those who have been in scary situations. The groups that are most likely to develop PTSD include military veterans, physical or sexual assault victims, and those with a history of mental health conditions.

Individuals with PTSD may experience one or more of the following risk factors in their lives prior to developing the disorder:

  • Auto accidents
  • Serious injuries
  • Seeings someone physically hurt or deceased
  • Witnessing death or serious injury
  • Childhood trauma
  • Physical, emotional, or verbal abuse
  • Sexual abuse or assault

Unfortunately, many of the people who suffer from these events and develop PTSD have a lack of social support. This lack of support may instill even more fear in an individual, which could intensify their side effects.

 

Side Effects of PTSD

While the side effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder vary for everyone who has it, there are some general symptoms that many people who have this condition may experience.

Common symptoms and side effects of PTSD include:

  • Nightmares & bad dreams
  • Flashbacks
  • Insomnia
  • Low self esteem
  • Constant stress
  • Fear when not in danger
  • Staying away from certain places
  • Avoiding talking about an event
  • Difficulty with daily tasks
  • Angry outbursts
  • Getting startled easily

Even though side effects are extremely unpleasant and dangerous for the person suffering from PTSD and their loved ones, there are many ways to manage symptoms and live a happy life with this disorder.

 

Treatment Methods for PTSD

Since PTSD is such a common form of anxiety, there are many resources to help individuals with this disorder. Today, there are a variety of support groups and types of therapy that are specifically designed for people with PTSD. Doctors, therapists, and patients alike may use any combination of the treatment methods below to fight PTSD: 

  • Cognitive processing therapy
  • Eye movement desensitization
  • Mild exercise routines (yoga)
  • Acupuncture
  • Medication
  • Virtual reality exercises

 Even though these treatment methods have been proven to alleviate or even eliminate some of the symptoms of PTSD, they cannot be considered a cure.

 

Can Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Be Cured?

Unfortunately, even with the many treatment methods available, there is no cut-and-dry cure for PTSD. Most people with PTSD do have to live with the disorder forever; however, by developing the right coping strategies and prioritizing their mental health, they can begin to feel more confident in themselves and their actions. By using a combination of treatments and type of therapy, people can alleviate symptoms of PTSD over time.

 

To learn more about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and how to effectively manage it, contact our team of mental health specialists by giving us a call at 267.209.7312.

 

 

 

Sources

https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/what-are-treatments-for-posttraumatic-stress-disorder

https://www.verywellmind.com/ptsd-treatment-2797659