Post-traumatic stress disorder is a serious anxiety disorder that affects millions of people each year. There are many things that can cause PTSD, from car accidents to natural disasters, domestic abuse, and combat. Those who are struggling with PTSD can find help through an accredited PTSD treatment program. During therapy, patients will participate in a number of therapies and medication-assisted treatment that promotes healthy living and sobriety.
At 7 Summit Pathways, we work with veterans, frontline workers, busy professionals, and all others who are struggling with PTSD and need help managing their anxiety. Our treatment programs are tailored to the individual and focus on their specific symptoms and triggers. Patients work with a certified therapist in group and private therapy sessions to find new ways to cope with their feelings and stop future panic attacks and other disruptive symptoms. Find specialty services in Tampa, FL and call 813.212.7149 today for more information about our PTSD treatment program.
What Is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a type of anxiety disorder caused by a traumatic or terrifying experience. It affects eight out of 100 women and four out of 100 men and is characterized by a number of symptoms that can range in severity. Depending on the type of trauma, symptoms can appear one month to several years after the incident, making diagnosis difficult if the person is unaware that their symptoms are related to the past trauma.
Post-traumatic stress disorder is caused by a number of situations that include:
- Exposure to combat situations
- A major car accident
- The sudden death of a loved one or close friend
- Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
- Childhood trauma
- School or workplace bullying
- Staying in intensive care
The triggering of PTSD symptoms is related to the trauma the person experiences. Veterans can be triggered by loud noises like a car backfiring or watching a combat scene on TV. Those who suddenly lose a loved one can be triggered by photos, a certain smell, or an activity that they always did together. PTSD therapy will identify your triggers and help you learn how to cope with them without causing any painful emotions or cravings for drugs or alcohol.
At 7 Summit Pathways, our PTSD treatment program combines various behavioral and holistic therapies along with medication-assisted treatment. Our team has experience treating all types of PTSD, no matter the cause or the severity of your symptoms.
Enrolling in a PTSD Treatment Program
The American Psychological Association (APA) recommends the following therapies for treating post-traumatic stress disorder:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is one of the best forms of therapy for treating PTSD and other mental health disorders. It helps individuals face the original issue behind their symptoms instead of ignoring them and letting them linger and cause other complications like an addiction. Therapists work with patients in private and group therapy to develop new ways of processing their emotions along with coping skills to reduce addiction triggers, panic attacks, and other disruptive behaviors.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
In this type of therapy, patients will focus on specific emotions or memories that trigger them while the therapist distracts them with visual queues that cause bilateral (left to right) eye movement. This procedure helps reduce the vividness of the past trauma and breaks the association between the memory and the negative emotions. Unlike other therapies, EMDR does not require extended sessions talking about the trauma or homework assignments. Sessions typically last for 60-90 minutes, once or twice a week, for 6-12 weeks.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several medications for the treatment of PTSD and any associated substance use disorder. The best type of medications for this disorder includes sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil). These are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that increase the level of serotonin and block the reabsorption so the medication lasts longer. Individuals who have developed an addiction due to PTSD will receive medication to ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
7 Summit Pathways: Specialty Services in Tampa for Mental Health Recovery
What is PTSD, and is it treatable? At 7 Summit Pathways, our PTSD treatment program has helped hundreds of patients better manage their anxiety symptoms and develop healthy coping skills that promote a healthy state of mind. When you arrive at our facility, we will run a full assessment to determine the best course of action to treat your symptoms and build your confidence in living a healthy and happy life.
If you are struggling with PTSD caused by combat, a car accident, or other traumatic experiences, contact us at 813.212.7149 today to schedule a tour and meet our compassionate staff.