Helpful Type Of Therapy For Ptsd example essay topic

The definition for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder given by the Webster's New World College Dictionary is, "a condition characterized by recurring and, often, disabling symptoms of anxiety, depression, etc., that later affects some persons who have experienced a traumatic event or situation, especially combat". PTSD was first named Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome after the war because symptoms did not seem to appear for years, even decades (Arpey). After the symptoms actually did start showing up and making an impact on society, the government started to be concerned. They started doing extensive research on the syndrome and then went further to name it a disorder (Arpey). PTSD can occur in anyone -- no matter what the age, as long as they have been through a traumatic experience. Many common disasters that bring on PTSD are rapes, floods, abductions, airplane crashes, and hostage situations (Morrison 269).

Also, children that have undergone sexual abuse are likely to suffer from it (Morrison 269). It seems, however, that survivors of combat are the most frequent victims (Morrison 269). It is more likely for a younger adult to acquire PTSD than for someone that is older (Morrison 269). This could be why such an apparent outbreak of PTSD occurred after the Vietnam War. After all, the average age of a soldier drafted to Vietnam was nineteen. Some of the symptoms that occur with PTSD are: difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, irritability or outbursts of anger, difficulty concentrating, hyper vigilance, and exaggerated startle response (Frances 428).

The PTSD sufferer often goes through re -- experiencing of the event or events that have traumatized he or she (Frances 428). It can occur in many different ways, although the person goes through much avoidance and self -- denial of the subject. Many sufferers have extensive personal problems in their lives while dealing with PTSD. Right after the event, the person often experiences "psychic numbing", which is a large disinterest to the outside world (Frances 425). Much of the time, the person stops participating in activities that they once enjoyed, and start to feel detached from people that they once felt strong emotions toward (Frances 425). They seem to have a problem with intimacy, affection, and sexuality (Frances 425).

The problem is, like everything else, they do not care about it anymore. Often times, the individual can not foresee themselves having any kind of a future such as a marriage, children, or a career. They even believe that they will have a shortened life span (Frances 425). Much of PTSD trauma is brought on by guilt. The feeling that, "I should have done something to save them", or "It should have been me, not him", occur in the sufferers (Frances 425). It is difficult for these people to deal with the fact that they survived and someone that they cared about had to die.

This is one of the main reasons that PTSD sufferers have a problem getting too close to anyone while dealing with all of these emotions. They fear that they will be put in a similar situation that would resemble what happened to them in Vietnam. It is imperative for them to avoid these situations and thoughts at all costs. (Frances 425). PTSD brings a lot of pain and suffering upon Vietnam veterans and their families, but the good news is that there is help for them. Therapists have studied many PTSD patients and found different helpful approaches to use (Friedman).

Some of the most common therapeutic treatments are: Psychodynamic therapy, cognitive -- behavioral therapy, , group, family, couples, and inpatient treatment, and treatment for patients dually diagnosed with PTSD and alcoholism / substance abuse (Friedman). Alcohol and drug abuse is very commonly found in PTSD sufferers because it is the best way to take them away from their nightmares for a short amount of time. Once the drug wears off, however, they are right back where they started from. Dr. Matthew J. Friedman states on his website that it is generally agreed by therapists working with trauma patients, that therapy can be divided into three phases. The first phase is to establish trust and safety. By acquiring these two things, the therapist earns the right to gain access (Friedman).

The second phase is trauma -- focused therapy. This is exploring the traumatic material in depth and bringing out the recollections that were previously avoided or numbed by the patient (Friedman). The third phase is to help the patient disconnect from the traumatic experience and reconnect with family, friends, and society (Friedman). Some cases of PTSD are less complicated than others. In fact, it is actually called uncomplicated PTSD (Friedman). This mild type of PTSD can be treated by group, psycho dynamic, cognitive -- behavioral, pharmacological, or combination approaches (Friedman).

It is very similar to the treatments of the more severe cases, but the only difference is that it takes less time to bring out the insecurities of the sufferer. It seems that the group therapy is most helpful in these situations because the patients feel comfortable and excited about talking to others that are going through the same thing that they are (Friedman). They are able to share their stories and they do not feel quite as alone. Another very helpful type of therapy for PTSD is psycho dynamic psychotherapy (Friedman). This focuses on the traumatic event itself. The patient gains a greater sense of strength and defense by retelling his / her story to a compassionate, non- judgmental, calm therapist (Friedman).

The therapist continually helps the patient discover situations of their present life that helps to set off traumatic memories (Friedman). There is only so much that a therapist can do to help out PTSD patients. Usually with time and patience, the suffer is able to come around and begin to live a normal life. PTSD weighs very heavily on a person's mind and heart. It takes much strength and courage to overcome such memories and feelings of guilt. With proper treatment and time, however, the patient is able to decipher between the past, present.

They also realize that it is possible for them to move on with their lives and have a future.