EXPLORING VIABLE TREATMENTS FOR PTSD IN VETERANS
A lot has changed over the years in regard to mental health in America. There are still stigmas and the unknown, but now more than ever, the subject is taken seriously by doctors and the general public alike. The sacrifice troops provide goes much further than physical wounds, and the ramifications after serving can last well after their fight is over. Treatments for PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) can range, so let’s explore the many options available to Veterans suffering from PTSD. Read next:Shell Shock Laid the Foundation for Modern PTSD Treatment
What Are the Most Effective Treatments for PTSD?
The best treatment for PTSD may depend on the severity of the case, the person it’s affecting, and a host of other variables. You should always consult with your doctor before diagnosing any condition or seeking treatment. Thankfully, the experts at the American Psychological Association (APA) have rounded up viable treatments for PTSD you can trust. Below, we will explore these methods, but it’s important to break them down:
Strongly Recommended Treatments for PTSD
There are four strongly recommended treatments for PTSD from the APA. These are all variations of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and are interventions used by therapists in general.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is going to be a treatment for PTSD focusing on the relationships among behavior, feelings, thoughts, current problems, symptoms, and so on. Here, you’ll find the identification of changes in behaviors, thoughts, and feelings that can make it difficult mentally for troops.
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
CPT is a behavioral therapy that focuses on the modification and challenge of unhelpful thoughts and beliefs associated with trauma.
Cognitive Therapy
Cognitive therapy helps troops work on changing negative thoughts and remembrance of trauma. By doing so, patients can disrupt the negative thought patterns and behaviors that alter their day-to-day life and achieve a better mental state.
Prolonged Exposure
An individual who undergoes prolonged exposure learns to gradually confront memories, feelings, and situations associated with trauma. Troops may learn that they do not have to avoid trauma-related memories and cues after facing what has been avoided.
Conditionally Recommended Treatments for PTSD
Additionally, there are also three psychotherapies and four medications which may be the best course of action depending on the situation. These interventions are conditionally recommended by the APA. For example, such methods may be considered as a treatment for PTSD nightmares or other specific symptoms.
Brief Eclectic Psychotherapy
Combining CBT with a psychodynamic approach, patients undergoing brief eclectic psychotherapy have their emotions changed toward previous events. It has a lot to do with the relationship between the patient and therapist and will alter feelings of shame and guilt.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy
EMDR is a structured therapy that has patients facing their trauma while undergoing bilateral stimulation, normally by using eye movements. The association can help lessen the intensity of the memories and emotions that are connected with the trauma for the patient.
Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET)
NET is used often in group settings, specifically as a mental health treatment for refugees. Traumatic experiences can be contextualized through narrative exposure therapy.
Medications
Fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, and venlafaxine are all medications that can be used depending on one's specific treatment plan for PTSD.
Organizations and Resources
If you’re looking for PTSD VA programs and services, there are plenty available. Here's a list of reputable resources available to Veterans:
- AboutFace.
- MakeTheConnection.net.
- Mindfulness Coach.
- National Center for PTSD.
- PTSD Coach.
- PTSD Family Coach.
- VA’s PTSD Program Locator.
- Vet Centers.
- VetChange.
- Wounded Warrior Project: Warrior Care Network.
This mix of apps, in-person resources, and guides can help Veterans and their loved ones with viable treatments for PTSD.
How Effective Are PTSD Treatments for Veterans?
It depends on who you ask. There are several reasons for that, including ongoing studies due to this field being relatively new in comparison to many others. But so far, CPT (Cognitive Processing Therapy) and Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy both show encouraging signs through various different studies on their effectiveness. New treatments for PTSD continue to be tested and hopefully will deliver even more options in the not-so-distant future. The strides taken to improve mental health are great, but we still have a long way to go. Veterans searching for treatments for PTSD, however, do have options from reliable sources and trusted professionals to improve their quality of life. Suggested read:PTSD Awareness Month Highlights Shocking 75% Veteran PTSD Rate