The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medications sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for PTSD treatment.
For example, if you feel intense fear and freeze up, a deep breathing exercise can help calm your reaction. Other coping strategies may also be helpful: Perform relaxation techniques, such as breathing exercises, meditation, muscle relaxation exercises, listening to soothing music, or getting in touch with nature.
Triggers can include sights, sounds, smells, or thoughts that remind you of the traumatic event in some way. Some PTSD triggers are obvious, such as seeing a news report of an assault. Others are less clear. For example, if you were attacked on a sunny day, seeing a bright blue sky might make you upset.
Intrusive memories
Recurrent, unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event. Reliving the traumatic event as if it were happening again (flashbacks) Upsetting dreams or nightmares about the traumatic event. Severe emotional distress or physical reactions to something that reminds you of the traumatic event.
Self-help strategies, including meditating, engaging in exercise, seeking social support, and using aromatherapy can be useful for managing PTSD symptoms at home.
The SSRIs sertraline and paroxetine are the only medications approved by the FDA for PTSD.
Sertraline (Zoloft) is FDA-approved for treating PTSD, and it's one of the most common medications prescribed for this condition. In studies, sertraline effectively reduced PTSD symptoms in over 50% of those taking it and was well-tolerated, with the most noticeable side effect being insomnia (trouble sleeping).
“You can ask any provider. You can ask your primary care physician. You can even say, 'I'd like to be assessed for PTSD. '”
So, does PTSD ever go away? No, but with effective evidence-based treatment, symptoms can be managed well and can remain dormant for years, even decades. But because the trauma that evokes the symptoms will never go away, there is a possibility for those symptoms to be “triggered” again in the future.
GPs can offer you treatment and advice for symptoms of mental illness, including PTSD. But only a psychiatrist can properly diagnose PTSD. Your GP will only refer you to a psychiatrist in an NHS specialist mental health team if your condition is severe. Including if your GP thinks you're experiencing complex PTSD.
We're made to believe that talk therapy and psychiatric drugs are the best way to overcome it. But that is simply not true. You can overcome psychological and emotional trauma without having to resort to life-long therapy and medication.
People with PTSD have intense, disturbing thoughts and feelings related to their experience that last long after the traumatic event has ended. They may relive the event through flashbacks or nightmares; they may feel sadness, fear or anger; and they may feel detached or estranged from other people.
SMI includes major depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, post traumatic stress (PTSD) and borderline personality disorder (VA).
A person with PTSD has four main types of difficulties: Re-living the traumatic event through unwanted and recurring memories, flashbacks or vivid nightmares. There may be intense emotional or physical reactions when reminded of the event including sweating, heart palpitations, anxiety or panic.
intrusive thoughts or images. nightmares. intense distress at real or symbolic reminders of the trauma. physical sensations such as pain, sweating, nausea or trembling.
How is PTSD diagnosed? The doctor will do a mental health assessment. This means they will ask about current symptoms, past history and family history. They may do a physical examination to check that there are no other reasons for the symptoms.
Suffering from severe fear, anxiety, or depression. Unable to form close, satisfying relationships. Experiencing terrifying memories, nightmares, or flashbacks. Avoiding more and more anything that reminds you of the trauma.
Criteria for Diagnosis
To receive a diagnosis of PTSD, a person must have at least one re-experiencing symptom, at least three avoidance symptoms, at least two negative alterations in mood and cognition, and at least two hyperarousal symptoms for a minimum of one month.