PTSD Treatment at Wellness Psychiatry

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for PTSD:

With EMDR therapy, you might not even have to tell your therapist about the traumatic event. You’ll pay attention to it instead by observing or listening to something they’re doing, like their hands or voices. The objective is to replace negative associations with the memories of the event. Sessions of EMDR normally last for three months, once each week.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for PTSD:

One novel method of treating post-traumatic stress disorder is acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), which encourages patients to embrace rather than deny uncomfortable emotions and ideas. Therapists using ACT work with patients to help them identify and tolerate negative emotions and bodily sensations that result from trauma. By helping people identify and prioritize their most important life priorities, ACT encourages the development of psychological flexibility and resilience. Individuals are encouraged to commit to behaviors that are in line with their beliefs despite continued problems created by the traumatic experience by learning to accept and be present with uncomfortable feelings.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for PTSD:

When it comes to dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the gold standard. The therapy is effective because it helps people recognize and question limiting ideas and thoughts about the traumatic incident. People’s emotional and behavioral responses can be influenced by learning to notice and alter these beliefs through a systematic strategy. Cognitive behavioral therapists use methods like cognitive restructuring and exposure therapy to help patients gradually face and process their traumatic experiences to lessen the suffering they cause.

Compassion Focused Therapy for PTSD:

Self-compassion and insight into one’s own reactions to trauma are core goals of Compassion Focused Therapy. In the aftermath of trauma, it aids in the process of reconnecting with oneself in a more loving and accepting way. The goal of therapy is to help people cope with the psychological and physiological effects of trauma, fostering a sense of safety and self-worth in the process.

Interpersonal Therapy for PTSD:

Time-limited Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) examines the impact of interpersonal dynamics and external factors on mental health. By focusing on communication patterns and providing techniques for overcoming these obstacles, IPT examines how a person’s PTSD may have impacted their interpersonal connections. The effects of trauma on one’s social interactions and emotional well-being can be better understood and managed with the help of IPT, which focuses on social functioning and interpersonal connections.

Mindfulness-Based Therapy (MBCT) for PTSD:

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) blends cognitive therapy techniques with mindfulness strategies. The mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) approach to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) places an emphasis on living in the present and monitoring one’s own mental processes without judgment. To promote a sense of peace and stability, the goal is to assist people in becoming more self-aware of their reactions to traumatic memories.

Motivational Interviewing for PTSD:

Motivational interviewing is a technique used to assist people work through their resistance to change. Therapists that take this tack focus on encouraging patients to tap into their own reserves of internal drive to effect change. In the case of post-traumatic stress disorder, this may entail thinking on the upsides of getting help and making changes that aid in healing.

Person-Centered Therapy for PTSD:

Person-Centered Therapy, often known as Rogerian therapy, is an approach to counseling that emphasizes creating a warm, accepting, and non-judgmental atmosphere in which the client is free to open up about his or her experiences without fear of judgment. By displaying compassion, honesty, and unconditional positive respect, therapists create a safe space for clients to work through their trauma at their own pace.

Positive Psychology for PTSD:

The field of Positive Psychology focuses on the positive aspects of people and their experiences. Therapists who take this approach work with their patients to help them develop the inner resources necessary to deal with trauma and move forward in a healthy way after the experience.

Psychodynamic Therapy for PTSD:

The focus of psychodynamic therapy is on the interplay between one’s unconscious tensions and their early experiences. Therapists who take this approach work with their patients to identify and understand the unconscious patterns and unresolved conflicts that are at the heart of their trauma-related symptoms.

Strength-Based Therapy for PTSD:

Trauma survivors might find help in Strength-Based Therapy by focusing on what they have going for them instead of what they’ve lost. Therapists help people see their own strengths and potential, which increases their sense of control over their lives and ability to bounce back from adversity.

Trauma-Focused Therapy for PTSD:

Trauma-Focused Therapy is a method of treating the psychological and physiological effects of trauma. Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), prolonged exposure therapy (PE), and narrative exposure therapy (NET) are common approaches used to help people cope with the emotional fallout of traumatic experiences.

Ketamine Treatment:

Ketamine, typically an anesthetic medication, has attracted recognition for its extraordinary effects in treating different mental health disorders, including PTSD. Ketamine influences neuroplasticity and provides quick symptom alleviation by acting on neurotransmitters in the brain, specifically the glutamate system. Fast alleviation from symptoms like intrusive thoughts, mood problems, and avoidance behaviors make this a viable choice for people with PTSD who have not responded to other treatments. Ketamine treatment has showed some promise in recent research, suggesting it may be useful in alleviating the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs):

Antidepressants like sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) may be useful in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Antipsychotics and Second-generation Antipsychotics (SGAs):

Some people take these medications to alleviate particular symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety and depression associated with PTSD

Beta-Blockers:

Nightmares, flashbacks, physical symptoms of anxiety, among other symptoms, can be alleviated with these medications.

Benzodiazepines:

Although these medications may provide temporary relief from extreme anxiety, their risk for addiction makes them a last resort.

Your doctor will prescribe medication that is best suited to your specific symptoms and needs.

What is PTSD, and who can develop it?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental illness that can manifest itself after exposure to or experience of a terrible incident. No one’s age, nationality, culture, or ethnicity is safe from the effects of exposure to traumatic experiences. Combat, childhood trauma, sexual assault, accidents, natural catastrophes, and any experience that overwhelms one’s coping abilities can all be considered traumatic occurrences.

What are the common symptoms of PTSD?

Insomnia, flashbacks, nightmares, low self-esteem, and powerful negative emotions are common PTSD symptoms, although there is a wide range of severity among them. In addition to increased sensitivity to triggers, avoidance of reminders of the traumatic incident, and feelings of emotional distance from others are all symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Can PTSD be treated effectively?

PTSD can be efficiently treated with talk therapy, medication, or a combination of the two. ACT, Humanistic Approaches and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) are all examples of evidence-based treatments that have been found to effectively alleviate symptoms and enhance health.

What is the role of therapy in treating PTSD?

PTSD treatment focuses on alleviating symptoms, instilling coping mechanisms, and rehabilitating confidence. Many treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) fall under the category of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) which aims to uncover and alter dysfunctional ways of thinking. Everyone has different requirements and preferences when it comes to therapy.

How does medication help in managing PTSD?

Medication can help reduce the effects of PTSD, alter negative cognitive processes, and foster a more optimistic worldview. Depending on the symptoms and patient’s response, a variety of medications, including SSRIs, Ketamine, antipsychotics, beta-blockers, and benzodiazepines, may be prescribed.

What is the Wellness Psychiatry approach to treating PTSD?

At Wellness Psychiatry, our approach to treating PTSD is comprehensive and individualized. We utilize a range of evidence-based treatments, including medications like SSRIs, Antipsychotics, Beta-Blockers, and therapy modalities such as CBT, ACT, Trauma-Focused Therapy, MBCT, and others. We’re also exploring innovative treatments like Ketamine therapy, showing promise in rapidly alleviating symptoms of PTSD. Our goal is to provide personalized care to address PTSD’s diverse symptoms and aid in the healing process. The emotional, physical, and relational well-being of our patients is a top priority in our trauma-informed treatment model.

How long does PTSD treatment typically last?

The duration of PTSD treatment varies based on individual needs and response to therapies. Typically, treatment can last several months to years. Therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness-Based Therapy (MBCT) often involve weekly sessions spanning several months. Medication management, including SSRIs or Antipsychotics, may also last several months, adjusted according to individual response. Innovative therapies like Ketamine may have more immediate effects, but maintenance sessions could extend over months for sustained relief. The treatment duration is personalized, aiming to reduce symptoms and improve overall well-being. The EMDR treatment timeframe averages around three months. The duration of care is based on the nature of the condition being treated and the patient’s response to it.