Treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Did you know?
About six of every 100 people will experience PTSD in their lifetime, according to the National Center for PTSD, a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs program. Additionally, people who experience traumatic events often have co-occurring conditions such as depression, substance use, anxiety, panic disorder or suicidal thoughts.
Treatment for these conditions can help with recovery after trauma. People may experience different reactions, and most will recover over time. Research also shows that having support from family and friends can also help those with PTSD heal from their experiences.
Recovery Is Possible
Studies show that up to 70% who receive Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (either Cognitive Processing or Prolonged Exposure Therapy – both forms of CBT) experience meaningful improvement. Cognitive Processing Therapy alone can reverse PTSD diagnoses for up to 10 years.
How Do the Treatments Work?
- Exposure therapy helps people learn to manage their fear by gradually exposing them in a safe way to the trauma they experienced. Individuals can think or write about the trauma or visit the place where it happened.
- Cognitive processing helps people make sense of the traumatic event. Sometimes people remember the event differently or they may feel guilt or shame. This therapy can help people think about what happened in a realistic way.
Source: The National Institute of Mental Health
It is important for people with PTSD to work with a mental health professional who has specialized experience. If you know someone who has experienced trauma and needs help, services are closer than you think. Call us at 800-457-9312 or visit wbihelp.com to learn more about how we can help.
