Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) used to be referred to as “shell shock” or “battle fatigue” because it was primarily associated with persons who experienced war.
PTSD, however, can affect anyone at any age. It is a mental health disorder that develops as a response to chemical and neurological changes in the brain from exposure to a traumatic event. This can be a real or perceived threat of death or injury from an event such as a natural disaster, physical or sexual assault, or an accident.
Those who suffer from PTSD usually experience intense, disturbing thoughts and feelings related to the traumatic event that lasts long after it has occurred. Individuals may relive the event through flashbacks or nightmares. They may feel anger or fear and may distance themselves from others and situations that remind them of the event.
It is normal to experience some of the symptoms of PTSD for some time after a traumatic event. When the symptoms last more than a month and cause disruption to an individual’s daily functioning, it might be PTSD.
Once diagnosed, there are many effective treatments for PTSD that include medications, psychotherapy, and complementary therapies. These treatment methods are used to help minimize the distressing symptoms that people often experience with PTSD.
Medication – The most common medicines for PTSD are anti-depressants as there are no medications specifically designed to treat PTSD. Anti-depressants have been found helpful in managing PTSD symptoms such as sadness, worry, and anger.
Psychotherapy – This form of treatment for PTSD involves talking with a mental health professional in order to treat the mental health illness. Several different types of psychotherapy can help people with PTSD. Some target the symptoms of PTSD directly by teaching skills to help identify triggers and develop coping mechanisms. Others focus on family and social related issues.
Complimentary – Yoga and acupuncture are two types of PTSD therapy that are used to help relieve symptoms. Yoga has been known to provide healing benefits and stress relief for those with mental illnesses. Acupuncture acts similarly as it assists in reducing stress and anxiety.
Additionally, ketamine infusion therapy is an emerging option, playing an important role in treatment-resistant mental health disorders, including PTSD. Research has shown that with just one infusion, individuals experience a rapid reduction in their symptoms.
If you or a loved one is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, contact our staff for a free consultation. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about ketamine infusion therapy or any of the wellness services that we offer. We look forward to helping you overcome your struggles with PTSD.