Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Trauma, & Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD)
Traumatic experiences can have a long-term influence on one's quality of life, with negative consequences typically felt years later. Our trained therapists can assist patients in processing the tough emotions connected with the trauma, as well as learning more helpful coping strategies that will assist them in moving on.
PTSD & Trauma
PTSD (Post Stressful Stress Disorder) can develop after a severely traumatic incident or sequence of events. A vehicle accident, an attack (sexual or otherwise), being involved in war or violence, or even witnessing horrific things happen to someone else can all result in PTSD symptoms. Even in the absence of danger, these symptoms might include flashbacks, difficulties remembering the incident, and issues such as raised heart rate and stress reactions. People suffering from PTSD frequently avoid thinking about the unpleasant experience and may even have difficulties recalling it, while experiencing involuntary flashbacks on a regular basis. When persons with PTSD have a flashback or a return of stress, they relive much of the initial incident and suffer similar levels of stress.
While a stress reaction to an ongoing incident is natural and good, continuing to suffer major stress long after the event is an issue that may have a massive influence on quality of life, the capacity to build strong relationships, and even the ability to parent.
While everyone who suffers trauma can acquire PTSD, there may also be a genetic component, with some people being predisposed to the disorder by nature.
PTSD certainly has substantial psychological consequences, but it can also have an influence on one's physical health, since it can cause people to experience all of the signs of acute stress - production of high quantities of adrenaline, higher heart rate, and so on – even when there is no threat. This strains the body and might worsen underlying health issues. Furthermore, those suffering from untreated PTSD are more likely to abuse alcohol and drugs, typically in an attempt to "cure" their symptoms.
Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD)
Complex Post Stressful Stress Disorder (CPTSD) develops as a result of traumatic experiences in which the person has, or believes they have, no way out. Victims of slavery (including sex slavery), human trafficking, or persistent psychological abuse or neglect, for example, can all acquire CPTSD. It varies from PTSD in this regard since it is usually connected with a single traumatic incident, such as a violent attack, a horrible accident, and so on, or a time-limited series of events.
Patients suffering from CPTSD may have complex psychological demands. They usually suffer from attachment difficulties, have poor self-esteem, and find it difficult to develop meaningful connections with others. They may also be prone to anger management issues, substance abuse, obsessive behavior, and a sense of powerlessness.
Treating PTSD, CPTSD & Trauma
In general, the earlier a patient is treated, the more effective the therapy is expected to be. However, even if the original trauma occurred a long time ago, psychotherapy can have a significant influence. Medication, such as antidepressants, may be beneficial in the short term, but for long-term treatment of PTSD, CPTSD, and trauma, therapies that work on changing reactions and behaviors, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR), are the best approaches, often in tandem with learning how to identify "avoidance behavior" and acquiring techniques that can help to keep anxiety levels under control. It may also be beneficial to seek community assistance, such as a support group, and to focus on physical well-being and health as well as psychological difficulties.
CPTSD can be especially difficult to treat since sufferers frequently have a number of comorbid disorders. Treating someone with CPTSD often entails not just addressing the symptoms associated with their trauma experience, but also working with them and the essential people in their life to build appropriate behavioral patterns and boundaries. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) have all been demonstrated to be effective treatment techniques (DBT).
However, due to the condition's complexity and the clients' specific experiences, there is no "one size fits all" approach, and most therapists will work with their clients to create a unique method that is suited to their individual requirements.