Treatments for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Treatment for PTSD involves counseling, psychological intervention, medication, and some lifestyle changes.

You and your family will be educated about PTSD and its effects and complications. You may need to re-experience the event via imagery, as well as your reactions to and beliefs about the event, in a therapeutic situation. Therapy will help you focus on resolving strong feelings that accompany PTSD. You need new coping skills to deal effectively with memories, reminders, reactions, and feelings associated with the trauma.

Treatment involves the following:

Lifestyle changes Medications Other treatments—therapy

At this time, there are no surgical treatments for PTSD.

References

National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder website. Available at: http://www.ncptsd.va.gov/ncmain/index.jsp .

Stern, TA et al. Massachusetts General Hospital Comprehensive Clinical Psychiatry . 1st ed. Philadelphia: Mosby Elsevier, 2008.

Revision Information

Reviewer: Rimas Lukas, MD
Review Date: 11/2012
Update Date: 11/26/2012

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.