PTSD Treatment
Managing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in daily life can be challenging.
At worst, it can even be debilitating. Finding the proper treatment is vital to long-term recovery and allowing a return to living a healthy life.
California Care Recovery in Orange County, California, offers residential and outpatient treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Depending on PTSD severity and an individual’s symptoms, a customized treatment plan can be developed.
What is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that people develop after they have experienced or witnessed a particularly traumatic event. It’s most famous for military members in war but can be triggered by any part of daily life. Any harmful event, whether emotional or physical, can induce PTSD.
According to the US Department of Veterans Affairs, about 6 in 100 people will experience PTSD in their daily lives. In a given year, about 12 million US Americans experience this type of trauma, making it one of the most common psychiatric disorders today. Women are twice as likely to develop complex PTSD compared to men, but it can affect people at every age and every walk of life.
The Mental and Physical Symptoms of PTSD
One of the most unpredictable parts of PTSD is when its symptoms develop. PTSD symptoms can occur as little as one month after the traumatic event or wait years to surface.
Professionals tend to categorize PTSD symptoms into one of four categories:
- Intrusive memories, including flashbacks, dreams, nightmares about the event, or extreme reactions to anything that might serve as a reminder of the event.
- Avoidance about the traumatic event, including actively staying away from places, actions, or anyone that might serve as a reminder of it.
- Negative thoughts and mood changes, including about oneself and the world, hopelessness, memory issues, detachment, a lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities, and emotional numbness.
- Physical and emotional reactions include being unable to stop oneself from looking out for danger, self-destructive behaviors, sleeping or concentrating, guilt or shame, aggressive behavior, and more.
Children under six may also re-enact the traumatic event through play or art, though their active memory suppresses it to prevent further harm. People who are experiencing symptoms of PTSD should consult with a mental health professional about treatment options.
Is PTSD Dangerous?
For some PTSD sufferers, their symptoms are relatively mild. However, it can also become dangerous to individuals and those around them. At its worst, it can lead to suicidal ideation and even actions.
For example, the suicide rate of military veterans with PTSD is four times higher than that of veterans not suffering from it. Even when it doesn’t end in suicide, PTSD can lead to depression, eating disorders, and substance use disorders when left untreated.
Some PTSD symptoms can also present a danger to those around the individual suffering from it. In particular, physical and emotional reactions may lead to increased drinking and more reckless driving.
Finally, it’s essential to understand that all symptoms can vary over time. A mild case of PTSD can get worse, especially when stressed, and triggering events or conversations can lead to a sudden outburst. So while PTSD is not always harmful, it always has the potential to become dangerous over time.
How Does Someone Get PTSD?
The exact nature of a traumatic event can vary widely. Our patients have developed PTSD due to military combat, physical or sexual assault, neglect, abuse, domestic violence, a robbery, a fire, a medical diagnosis, or simply being witness to an event like a car accident.
As a result of witnessing the event, the brain releases certain chemicals to respond to stress, which at its worst, can alter hormone levels enough to cause lasting PTSD.
Some evidence suggests that inherited genes may partially cause PTSD. Studies have shown that a family history of anxiety disorders or a more aggressive temperament can increase the risk. The likelihood also rises if the trauma occurs early in life, is combined with anxiety or substance use disorders, or if the individual lacks a strong support system.
How is PTSD Treated?
Comprehensive treatment for PTSD is essential. Fortunately, several psychological treatment methods are specifically designed to address this potentially debilitating mental health condition and support long-term recovery:
- General Therapy, including individual, family, and group therapy, to understand the symptoms and learn how to manage them.
- Cognitive Processing Therapy allows the patient to confront negative emotions and feelings related to mental disorders and find new ways to think about the event.
- Prolonged Exposure Therapy, in which the patient “relives” the event in a controlled environment. This therapy helps the patient face and gain control of their reactions to overcome PTSD.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, which retrains the brain to focus on something positive while remembering the trauma. Through controlled eye movement, the memory becomes less damaging.
- Stress Inoculation Training, where the patient focuses on the stress resulting from the event rather than the event itself. Techniques like massage and breathing exercises help relax the mind and body.
- Medication can reduce flashbacks and nightmares, soothe anxiety, and help regulate mood related to PTSD symptoms.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for treating PTSD. An experienced medical professional will build a customized treatment plan using a combination of these methods to support long-term healing and recovery.
Inpatient Treatment for PTSD
Inpatient treatment for PTSD is offered at California Care Recovery in Orange County, California. Patients stay overnight while receiving therapy, medication management, and additional forms of care. The duration of inpatient care varies based on individual needs and may last from a few weeks to several months. This approach is especially helpful for individuals with severe or chronic PTSD, allowing them to focus fully on recovery without outside distractions.
Outpatient Treatment for PTSD
Outpatient treatment for PTSD provides care without requiring an overnight stay. It’s ideal for individuals with milder cases or those transitioning from inpatient care. Outpatient services may include regular therapy sessions, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, individual or group counseling, and family support, all personalized to meet the patient’s unique needs.
PTSD Treatment in Orange County, California
PTSD, especially when left untreated, can be a severe challenge affecting the patient and those around them. You can work your way back to living a normal and healthy life with the right professionals.
California Care offers mental health and outpatient mental health programs in Orange County, California. Our therapy and treatment methods can help with recovery from the immediate symptoms and long-term.
Recovery Starts Here
At California Care Recovery, we are here to be a positive force for mental health. We’re open 24/7 and offer same day admissions. If you or a loved one is seeking effective treatment for issues of mental health, call us now.