Disorders Treated: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Definition
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), although considered by the DSM-IV-TR to be an anxiety disorder, has many symptoms other than anxiety. PTSD develops in response to a traumatic event such as physical assault, abuse, sexual assault, combat, or witnessing such events.
Symptoms
PTSD symptoms exist across numerous domains including intrusive thoughts, images, and memories; avoidance; and intense emotions.
Specific symptoms could include:
- flashbacks
- nightmares
- thought suppression or avoidance
- emotional suppression
- hopelessness
- avoidance of loved ones and support systems
- anger
- irritability
- aggression
- insomnia
- hypervigilance and heightened startle response
- intense guilt
- addiction (alcohol and drug abuse)
Treatment
Cognitive Behavioral Treatments for PTSD have demonstrated very high success rates. Prolonged Exposure Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy have both been empirically supported by a number of scientific studies. Many of these studies found efficacy in as few as 12 sessions.
