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Treatments for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Authors:
  • Amy Scholten, MPH
Publication Type:

Condition InDepth

Treatments for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Treatment for PTSD involves counseling, psychological intervention, medication, and some lifestyle changes.

You and your family will be educated about PTSD and its effects and complications. You may need to re-experience the event via imagery, as well as your reactions to and beliefs about the event, in a therapeutic situation. Therapy will help you focus on resolving strong feelings that accompany PTSD. You need new coping skills to deal effectively with memories, reminders, reactions, and feelings associated with the trauma.

PTSD treatment includes:

Lifestyle changes

Medications

Other treatments—therapy

At this time, there are no surgical treatments for PTSD.

References

  • Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). American Psychiatric Association; 2013.
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: https://familydoctor.org/condition/post-traumatic-stress-disorder. Updated June 2017. Accessed February 1, 2018.
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder. National Institute of Mental Health website. Available at: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/index.shtml. Updated February 2016. Accessed February 1, 2018.
  • Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T114915/Posttraumatic-stress-disorder-PTSD . Updated June 26, 2017. Accessed February 1, 2018.
  • Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/psychiatric-disorders/anxiety-and-stressor-related-disorders/posttraumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd. Updated May 2014. Accessed February 1, 2018.
  • PTSD basics. National Center for PTSD—US Department of Veterans Affairs. Available at: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/PTSD-overview/basics/index.asp. Updated April 17, 2017. Accessed February 1, 2018.

Contributors

  • Adrian Preda, MD
Last Updated:
2018-11-01

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This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.