Is there a proven way to cure individuals with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?

Sometimes, living with PTSD can be an everyday struggle. Some people who are burdened with the disorder feel like they can’t get their life back because they’re being pulled down by the past.

However, there are many ways to help relieve PTSD’s many symptoms and effects. The situation is different for every person facing this disorder, so treatment and accuracy may vary.

What is PTSD?

PTSD, short for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, is a type of anxiety order that typically develops after a threatening, scary, or dangerous life event.

 

Symptoms of PTSD

Individuals who have PTSD may experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Insomnia
  • Flashbacks & reliving the painful memory
  • Low self esteem
  • Unpleasant emotions

While these are the most common effects of having PTSD, symptoms are different for every person facing it. Some cases of PTSD, for example, can make the individual completely forget about or block the bad memory or event altogether.

 

PTSD Treatment Methods

Since PTSD is unfortunately such a common and widespread disorder, there have been many treatment methods developed to help ease the effects. Again, the treatment someone uses for their PTSD depends entirely on their individual case; but the methods below have been found to relieve symptoms both individually and when combined with other kinds of treatment.

 

Some treatment methods for PTSD include:

  • Therapy
    • Short- or long-term
    • CBT & CPT
    • Exposure therapy
  • Medication
    • Prozac & Zoloft (designed for PTSD)
    • Antidepressants
    • Beta-blockers
    • Benzodiazepines

The ideal combination for PTSD treatment is one type of therapy along with one kind of medication. Not all medications above will work for every person with PTSD; so it may take a couple tries to find the right one for them. This process can be trying and possibly difficult, so it’s important to balance it out with medication to find healthy coping mechanisms and thinking techniques.

 

Can PTSD Be Cured

The above treatments have been known to improve symptoms, restore self-esteem, and teach individuals with the disorder the proper skills to cope with it. However, adapting these skills won’t necessarily make the disorder go away.

 

While there are several successful ways to relieve symptoms of PTSD, there is no specific “cure.” People can live perfectly happy and successful lives with the disorder as long as they take the necessary steps to accept their past and move forward with their future.

 

Living With PTSD

Long answer short: even though there isn’t a cut-and-dry cure for PTSD, you can get back to yourself again if you have the disorder. It just takes proper treatment, practice, and the appropriate mindset. Symptoms may not go away forever, but that’s okay — that’s what a support system and therapy are there for. As long as you’re working toward shifting your thoughts toward the present, you’re on the right track.

 

To learn more about PTSD and other types of anxiety disorders, contact our team of mental health professionals by visiting us here or giving us a call at 267.719.8528.