The main treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are talk therapy and medications. Traumatic events can be very difficult to accept, but confronting your feelings and getting professional help is often the only way to effectively treat PTSD. People who have experienced trauma can learn to feel safe in the world and to cope with stress. The articles here provide basic information on how to get started with treatment.
For information on the most effective treatments for PTSD, see Psychotherapy and Medications. The main treatments for people with post-traumatic stress disorder are medications, psychotherapy (“talk therapy”), or both. Everyone is different and PTSD affects people differently, so a treatment that works for one person may not work for another. It's important for anyone with PTSD to be treated by a mental health provider with experience in PTSD.
Some people with post-traumatic stress disorder may need to try different treatments to find what works for their symptoms. Psychotherapy (sometimes called “talk therapy”) involves talking to a mental health professional to treat a mental illness. Psychotherapy can be done individually or in a group. Psychotherapy treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder usually lasts 6 to 12 weeks, but it may last longer.
Research shows that support from family and friends can be an important part of recovery. There are many types of psychotherapy that can help people with post-traumatic stress disorder. Some types focus directly on the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Other therapies focus on social, family, or work-related problems.
The doctor or therapist can combine different therapies depending on the needs of each person. There is no definitive cure for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but there are many types of treatment that can alleviate symptoms. There are several treatment techniques, as well as evidence that medications may be useful for people struggling with symptoms of PTSD.