Post-traumatic StressPosttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a growing issue characterized by intrusive thoughts, nightmares, flashbacks of traumatic events, and sleep disturbances. In clinical PTSD, these symptoms lead to social, occupational, and interpersonal dysfunction. Globally, 60.7% of men and 51.2% of women would experience at least one potentially traumatic event in their lifetime. War, personal assault, car accidents, and natural disasters are just a few of the events that can cause PTSD in adults. Loss of a loved one, sexual abuse, or being a witness to serious injury are the most common causes of PTSD seen in children. (Javidi)
PTSD is divided into two categories: acute (persists for less than 3 months) and chronic (persisting for more than 3 months). (Javidi) Treatments of both categories of PTSD include medications and psychotherapy. The primary treatment is evidence-based psychotherapy. After psychotherapy has failed, medications would be the secondary course of treatment. If a patient is non-responsive to psychotherapy and medications, biological treatments may be considered. |
Psychotherapy: |
|
Pharmacotherapy: |
For patients who have not improved after psychotherapy medication can be prescribed as an alternative method.
|
Biological Treatments: |
|
Sources:
"EMDR International Association." EMDR International Association. N.p., 2016. Web. 24 July 2016. http://www.emdria.org
Javidi, H., and M. Yadollahie. "Post-traumatic Stress Disorder | Javidi | The International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine." Post-traumatic Stress Disorder | Javidi | The International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. N.p., 01 Jan. 2012. Web. 24 July 2016.
Schacter, D. L. (2014). Psychology (Vol. 3). NEW YORK, NY: Worth Publisher.
Up to date. "Pharmacotherapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Adults." Pharmacotherapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Adults. N.p., 01 Feb. 2016. Web. 24 July 2016.https://www.uptodate.com/contents/pharmacotherapy-for-posttraumatic-stress-disorder-in-adults?source=search_result&search=PTSD+medications&selectedTitle=1~150
"EMDR International Association." EMDR International Association. N.p., 2016. Web. 24 July 2016. http://www.emdria.org
Javidi, H., and M. Yadollahie. "Post-traumatic Stress Disorder | Javidi | The International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine." Post-traumatic Stress Disorder | Javidi | The International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. N.p., 01 Jan. 2012. Web. 24 July 2016.
Schacter, D. L. (2014). Psychology (Vol. 3). NEW YORK, NY: Worth Publisher.
Up to date. "Pharmacotherapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Adults." Pharmacotherapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Adults. N.p., 01 Feb. 2016. Web. 24 July 2016.https://www.uptodate.com/contents/pharmacotherapy-for-posttraumatic-stress-disorder-in-adults?source=search_result&search=PTSD+medications&selectedTitle=1~150