PTSD
PTSD
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a severe mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. This disorder significantly affects a person’s daily life, causing emotional distress, flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance behaviors. At “Thriving Minds,” we offer cutting-edge, evidence-based treatments for PTSD, including advanced neuromodulation techniques, ketamine therapy, and a holistic approach to recovery.
What Is PTSD?
PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing terrifying events such as accidents, natural disasters, assaults, or combat. While some individuals recover naturally over time, others develop persistent and disruptive symptoms, requiring comprehensive treatment to heal emotionally and psychologically.
Why Do People Develop PTSD?
PTSD occurs when a traumatic event overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope, resulting in a prolonged stress response. The brain may struggle to process the event, leading to intrusive memories, emotional numbness, and hypervigilance. Without proper treatment, PTSD can severely disrupt relationships, work, and everyday activities.
Types of PTSD and Related Disorders
- Acute Stress Disorder (ASD): Similar to PTSD but occurring immediately after trauma, ASD involves intense symptoms that last for a few days or weeks. If untreated, ASD may develop into PTSD.
- Complex PTSD (C-PTSD): C-PTSD develops after prolonged or repeated exposure to trauma, such as abuse or living in a war zone. It often includes symptoms of PTSD along with deep emotional difficulties, problems with self-esteem, and interpersonal issues.
- Delayed-Onset PTSD: In some cases, symptoms of PTSD may not appear until months or years after the traumatic event. This delayed onset can make it difficult to connect the trauma with the distressing symptoms.
- Co-Occurring Disorders: Many individuals with PTSD also experience depression, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, or panic disorders. Co-occurring conditions can complicate recovery, making integrated treatment essential.
Signs and Symptoms
- Recurrent, distressing memories or flashbacks of the traumatic event
- Nightmares or night terrors related to the trauma
- Emotional numbness or detachment from others
- Avoidance of places, people, or situations that remind them of the trauma
- Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
- Hypervigilance, feeling constantly “on edge”
- Irritability, angry outbursts, or mood swings
- Sleep disturbances such as insomnia or restless sleep
- Exaggerated startle response or heightened anxiety
Feelings of guilt, shame, or fear
Comprehensive ADHD Treatment and Therapy
At “Thriving Minds,” we provide comprehensive PTSD treatment that addresses both the emotional and physical impacts of trauma. Our goal is to help patients regain control over their lives through personalized care and advanced therapies.
A.Medication Management :
Medications such as SSRIs (e.g., sertraline or paroxetine) are commonly prescribed to reduce PTSD symptoms, including anxiety, depression, and hypervigilance. Prazosin can help reduce nightmares and sleep disturbances. Medication is often combined with psychotherapy for optimal results.
B. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) :
Medications such as SSRIs (e.g., sertraline or paroxetine) are commonly prescribed to reduce PTSD symptoms, including anxiety, depression, and hypervigilance. Prazosin can help reduce nightmares and sleep disturbances. Medication is often combined with psychotherapy for optimal results.
C. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) :
For children with ADHD, ASD, or ODD, social skills training is essential. It helps children learn how to interact positively with peers, improve communication, and resolve conflicts. These skills enhance their ability to form healthy relationships and reduce aggressive or disruptive behaviors.
D. Exposure Therapy & Prolonged Exposure (PE) :
In Exposure Therapy, patients gradually confront the memories, thoughts, or situations they have been avoiding. This approach helps reduce the fear and distress associated with traumatic memories. Prolonged Exposure is a form of CBT specifically designed for PTSD, encouraging patients to repeatedly relive the traumatic event in a controlled manner until it no longer triggers distress.
E. Virtual Reality Therapy (VR) :
Virtual Reality offers a unique, immersive appr oach to Exposure Therapy, especially for those with trauma related to combat or accidents. Patients can confront their fears in a safe and controlled virtual environment, which helps them gradually desensitize to trauma triggers.
F. Biofeedback and Relaxation Techniques :
Biofeedback allows individuals with PTSD to gain control over their physiological responses to stress. By using real-time monitoring of body functions like heart rate or muscle tension, patients can learn relaxation techniques to manage symptoms such as anxiety and panic.
G. Ketamine Therapy :
Ketamine, typically used for treatment-resistant depression, is emerging as a potential treatment for severe PTSD. Studies suggest that ketamine can rapidly reduce symptoms such as suicidal ideation and severe emotional distress, allowing individuals to engage more effectively in therapy. This option is especially helpful for those who haven’t responded well to traditional treatments.
- E. Neurostimulation Treatments:
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS):
rTMS is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that has shown promise in treating PTSD by targeting areas of the brain involved in mood regulation and fear response. It helps alleviate symptoms of PTSD, such as intrusive thoughts and emotional distress, and can be particularly useful for patients who have not responded to medication or psychotherapy alone.
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS):
tDCS is another neuromodulation technique that applies low-intensity electrical stimulation to targeted areas of the brain, helping to reduce hyperarousal and anxiety in PTSD patients. Research suggests that tDCS can complement psychotherapy by enhancing neuroplasticity and improving emotional regulation.
- Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): For individuals with severe PTSD, ECT is a highly effective treatment option. It is particularly beneficial for those with treatment-resistant symptoms, such as severe depression and suicidal ideation, that accompany PTSD. ECT involves brief electrical stimulation of the brain under anesthesia and can provide rapid relief for extreme emotional distress.
- Group Therapy: Group Therapy offers a safe and supportive space for individuals with PTSD to share their experiences, develop coping strategies, and find solace in connecting with others who have gone through similar traumas.
Why Choose Our Clinic?
For expert ADHD diagnosis and tailored treatment plans, reach out to our center. Let us help you or your loved one achieve better focus, control, and overall well-being.
We’ve helped millions feel better.
At Thriving Minds, we understand the importance of mental health and well-being. Thus, we believe in empowering our clients to reach their highest potential. Our team of experienced psychiatrist and psychologists are committed to providing the best care.
Dr. Smruti Pradhan
“Dr Ankita has helped me to live this life what I m living today. She is an amazing psychiatrist who will treat you without you even realising that you have being treated. I never hesitated to share anything with her during my therapy as I was very comfortable with her. Please feel free to consult her for your problem. I will always be thankful to her for whole of my life.”
Thriving Minds mental health Resource
At Thriving Minds, we understand the importance of mental health and well-being. Thus, we believe in empowering our clients to reach their highest potential. Our team of experienced psychiatrist and psychologists are committed to providing the best care.
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Different forms of treatments are used by psychiatrists as per the patient’s needs. It may be talk therapy or psychosocial intervention or medications. Talk therapy or psychotherapy will usually involve the therapist and the patient talking between themselves. The aim is to limit the symptoms for the patient to feel better. The therapy can continue over some time depending on the patient’s symptoms. It can involve either the individual patient or even a group of people. Talk therapy can be in many forms; such as helping the patient with a behavioral change; overcoming the effects of difficult relationships; etc. Psychiatrists diagnose mental disorders and other emotional troubles, use various types of medications to treat the symptoms. The process of it is not fully known but it may alter the brain’s chemical signalling. This will help control the symptoms. Patients undergoing long-term treatment will need to visit at regular intervals to monitor the changes. Psychiatrists also perform various interventional procedures like ECT, rTMS, tDCS, Ketamine Infusion etc. to alleviate symptoms and hasten recovery.
Mental disorder treatments depend upon the severity of the issue; such as the intensity of the problems faced; the pros and cons associated with a treatment; etc. The treatment is done by making a personalized and careful plan for the patient. This includes a collaboration between the patient and the physician. Most treatments include having psychotherapy sessions; medications; etc. Also; a good support system is paramount to the recovery of the person. Changes in lifestyle; such as daily exercise; adequate sleep; proper balanced diet can help the person recover quickly. The individualized treatment plan will involve all these steps to make a quick recovery. Doctors and therapists help out the person and their families in understanding their metal disorder and the ways to battle it out.
According to scientific studies; psychotherapy relieves the person from distress and helps them in living a better life. Approximately 75% of people who have undergone psychotherapy have felt better. It has been associated with influencing positive changes within the body and has shown significant progress in emotional and mental wellness. Psychotherapy also shows that people undergoing it take fewer sick leaves; experience fewer medical problems and report a satisfaction in their life and work. Today; techniques like brain imaging have shown that psychotherapy induces a change in the brain. This altered brain images are similar to changes that happen as a result of medications. It is important to know that to benefit from psychotherapy; one needs to be honest and insistent upon following their treatment plans. Sometimes; practices such as; journal writing may also be of help.
Telepsychiatry is a convenient option for many to seek easier to access and affordable options. It helps the patients by- Making health care accessible in regions where it is not easily provided. Taking the care facility to the patient’s home virtually. Limiting the needs to visit a doctor over long distance. Timely health care options. Continuous improvement in health care with virtual follow ups. Reducing the need to take leave from work or other services. Removing the obstacles to stigma associated with mental health. Allowing privacy and safety to many. Many people are comfortable in virtual set-ups rather than real time meetings. This will allow them to open up more and feel relaxed. Telepsychiatry has been a major way of seeking help; especially during Covid-19 pandemic.
