For people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), there is serious need for support and treatment in order to live life in a healthy and productive manner. Patients with PTSD can find help within the medical community, from support groups, or from psychological therapies. PTSD support is available for patients as well as their families and friends to assist in the healing process of the patient and also heal family and social dynamics. This disorder often severely affects a person's feelings about their safety, security, and life, leading to depression and anxiety problems. Post-traumatic stress disorder can affect people of any age that have suffered a traumatic experience.
Conventional medicine, including medication and therapy, is often used as a form or PTSD support. Depression, anxiety, and unexplained fear are common symptoms of this illness, and some forms of medications have proven useful in combating them. In most cases, doctors will first try low doses of commonly prescribed anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications to counteract these symptoms while other therapies are employed. Doses can be modified to the patient's need and tolerance. The goal is to assist the patient through the initial phases of treatment and hopefully reduce and stop the medication when appropriate, though some people continue to take medication long term.
Many PTSD sufferers find attending support groups useful in dealing with their symptoms and effects on their lives. These groups are available for the patient on their own, family and friends of the patient, as well as combination support for patients along with their loved ones. PTSD support for young patients is often very specialized to accommodate not only the disorder but also the emotional challenges of childhood and adolescence. Adult support groups are appropriately gauged for mature men and women struggling with PTSD. It is not unusual for these patients to experiment with a few different groups before finding the best one for their needs and comfort level.
As PTSD is a disorder of the mind, psychological support and help is almost always essential for full healing. Psychologists and psychiatrists are often instrumental in providing PTSD support to these patients. One of the most commonly employed techniques is cognitive-behavioral therapy. The patient is asked to allow controlled thoughts of the trauma, rational or not, into their consciousness. With the help of a therapist, patients learn to replace the negative images and thoughts with more realistic interpretations of the events and their feelings about them.