Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatments include various types of talk therapy, therapies that focus specifically on trauma, and medications that help relieve symptoms.
People sometimes use a combination of treatments, along with self-care, to manage PTSD. With support and professional help, people can find significant relief from PTSD symptoms.
In this article, we delve into the types of treatment for PTSD, including therapies and medications, as well as when to seek help.
What are the treatments for PTSD?
Various treatments are available for PTSD, including:
- talk therapies such as prolonged exposure, cognitive processing therapy, and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy
- therapies that involve the mind and body, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and somatic experiencing
- medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
- self-care strategies such as mindfulness, grounding techniques, and relaxation techniques
The following sections explore these treatments in greater depth.
Talk therapies
Talk therapy, or psychotherapy, is one of the main treatments for PTSD. For this treatment, a person meets with a psychotherapist to talk about their thoughts, feelings, or memories and what they meant to the person.
There are many types of talk therapy, but some have more evidence supporting their benefits for PTSD than others. Potentially beneficial options include:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
CBT focuses on how a person’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors affect each other. It involves identifying and challenging unhelpful thoughts and beliefs related to the trauma a person has experienced.
This therapy helps people develop healthier thinking patterns and coping mechanisms to address their current concerns. Typically, a person will attend 12 to 16 sessions, either individually or as part of a group. Doctors highly recommend CBT for treating PTSD.
Cognitive processing therapy (CPT)
CPT is a specific type of CBT. It combines elements of CBT with strategies to help a person focus on understanding how the trauma they experienced has changed their beliefs about themselves, others, and the world.
During CPT, a person writes a statement about their trauma and its effects. They then write a detailed account of their worst trauma and read it in sessions to process what happened.
The therapist uses questions to help the person challenge unhelpful thoughts and learn to develop more balanced and helpful perspectives.
CPT is effective in reducing PTSD symptoms and usually lasts around 12 sessions.
Prolonged exposure (PE) therapy
PE therapy is a type of CBT for PTSD. It helps people gradually confront things that remind them of the traumatic event, teaching them that these triggers — and their memories — are not dangerous.
During PE therapy, a person repeatedly imagines or discusses the trauma in a safe environment. PE also includes in vivo exposure, in which a person confronts real-life situations they have been avoiding due to trauma-related fear.
PE therapy typically lasts about 3 months, consisting of 8 to 15 weekly sessions. Each session may last 1 to 2 hours.
Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT)
TF-CBT is a type of psychotherapy that experts created for children with a history of trauma. It also involves their parents or caregivers, with a combination of individual and group sessions.
According to a 2022 review, TF-CBT is also beneficial for posttraumatic stress symptoms that can occur soon after a traumatic event.
Other trauma therapies
The following types of trauma therapy involve both the mind and the body:
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is a specialized therapy technique that involves briefly recalling traumatic memories while focusing on external stimuli such as side-to-side eye movements or hand taps.
Scientists are not sure how EMDR works, but it is based on a theory that people with PTSD experience vivid, distressing memories because the brain has not fully processed those memories.
EMDR focuses on helping the brain reprocess the memories. As a result, the memories may decrease in intensity and a person’s symptoms may decrease.
An advantage of EMDR is that it does not involve extended discussion of the traumatic event or intentional exposure to triggers. People usually attend sessions once or twice per week for a total of 6 to 12 sessions.
Somatic experiencing
Somatic experiencing is a body-oriented therapeutic approach that treats PTSD symptoms by changing the body’s responses to trauma.
This method aims to help people process trauma at a physiological level by paying attention to physical sensations and encouraging the natural completion of the body’s fight, flight, or freeze response.
According to a 2021 review, some promising research suggests that somatic experiencing is beneficial, but more large and high quality trials are necessary.
Medications
There is no specific medication for PTSD, but doctors can prescribe some medications to help treat PTSD symptoms such as anxiety or depression.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
SSRIs can increase the levels of serotonin in the brain and, as a result, may reduce anxiety or depression in some people.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) for use in people with PTSD.
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
SNRIs work by increasing the levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. This dual action can improve mood and decrease anxiety symptoms.
Doctors can prescribe SNRIs off-label for PTSD. These medications can be another option for people who do not respond to SSRIs or who experience significant side effects from them.
Other medications
A doctor may prescribe other medications to address specific symptoms, such as atypical antipsychotics for people with symptoms of psychosis.
A healthcare professional should carefully consider and monitor each medication option.
Self-care strategies
Self-care is not a replacement for professional treatment for PTSD, but strategies such as the following may help people manage symptoms and improve their overall well-being:
- Try relaxation techniques: Practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga may help reduce stress and anxiety. People may also find it helpful to practice grounding techniques when they are experiencing symptoms.
- Seek social support: PTSD can make people feel separated from others who may not understand their experiences. Connecting with friends, family, and support groups can help a person find emotional support and reduce feelings of isolation.
- Look after physical health: Habits such as maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep whenever possible, and avoiding alcohol consumption can have positive effects on a person’s mental health.
FAQ
In this section, we answer some frequently asked questions about PTSD treatment.
According to PTSD UK, it is possible to recover from PTSD. Treatment can significantly reduce symptoms, and in some people, symptoms may resolve entirely.
This is true even if the event happened a long time ago. However, many factors can influence the effectiveness of treatment. It is important that a person finds the right therapist and feels comfortable enough to be honest or explore difficult feelings. For some people, this takes time.
PTSD usually requires professional treatment. It is a complex condition that can affect people in many ways. Sometimes, people are not aware of all the ways the condition has affected them. This is one of many reasons why having a therapist is so helpful.
Getting treatment leads to better outcomes. If a person is having difficulty accessing treatment, they may be able to find free or low cost therapy options.
When to seek help
If a person experiences possible PTSD symptoms that significantly affect their daily life, such as their relationships or work, they should seek professional help.
PTSD symptoms usually begin within 3 months of the traumatic event, but they sometimes emerge much later. Treatment can help at any stage, so there is no time limit for when a person can begin.
Finding a therapist who specializes in trauma and PTSD can make a significant difference in a person’s recovery. Look for licensed mental health professionals with experience in evidence-based treatments such as CBT and EMDR.
Here are some tips for finding a therapist:
- Research their credentials and experience: Make sure the therapist is licensed and has specific experience in trauma therapy.
- Seek recommendations: Ask for referrals from healthcare professionals or trusted friends and family.
- Interview potential therapists: Schedule an initial consultation to discuss a therapist’s approach and determine whether they feel like a good fit.
- Consider logistics: Evaluate factors such as location, availability, and cost.
If someone experiences severe PTSD symptoms, such as thoughts of self-harm or suicidal ideation, it is essential to seek immediate help.
Help is out there
If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:
- Call or text the 988 Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Caring counselors are available to listen and provide free and confidential support 24/7.
- Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/7.
- Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
- Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.
If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.
If you’re not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.
Summary
PTSD can be a challenging mental health condition, but effective treatments are available. Therapies such as CBT, EMDR, and somatic experiencing can help treat the condition, and medications can reduce symptoms.
It is important to find a therapist with the right expertise. With appropriate treatment and support, people with PTSD can manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives.
