Introduction
One of the most challenging mental health conditions is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A person who has experienced or witnessed a terrible event that leaves them with intense feelings of fear, helplessness, or terror may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Akiki & Abdallah, 2018). PTSD’s effects can be devastating, causing extreme emotional discomfort, problems with day-to-day functioning, and even suicidal thoughts. Flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive thoughts or memories, and severe emotional anguish are only a few symptoms (Akiki & Abdallah, 2018). It may be tough to carry out daily activities when experiencing such symptoms.
Most Challenging Symptom
For me, intrusive thoughts and recollections would be the most difficult PTSD symptom. Intrusive thoughts or pictures connected to the traumatic incident can be immediate, uncontrollable, and undesired. These may be vivid and strong, resulting in severe anxiety and distress. Flashbacks or nightmares brought on by intrusive thoughts can make people feel like they are reliving the traumatic incident. Because of these unwanted thoughts and recollections, it can be tough for individuals to engage in regular activities like work or interacting with friends and family.
Potential Treatment Options
For people with PTSD, there are fortunately several evidence-based treatments available. If I had PTSD, I would likely seek professional help. Some people’s PTSD symptoms have been demonstrated to be lessened by medications like antidepressants (Akiki & Abdallah, 2018). Peer support groups and group therapy can be helpful since they offer a safe space for people to talk about their struggles and gain insight from others.
Evidence-Based Treatment Approaches
The scholarly literature also supports several additional PTSD therapy options. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one such treatment that teaches patients coping mechanisms to control bothersome thoughts and memories (Santarnecchi et al., 2019). Another form of treatment that has become more well-known recently is called Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) (Santarnecchi et al., 2019). Studies have supported both of these treatment options and can improve the quality of life of a PTSD patient.
Conclusion
In conclusion, PTSD is a complicated condition that can significantly affect a person’s life. It can be problematic to identify and treat PTSD due to its wide range of associated symptoms. The most challenging PTSD symptoms to manage are frequently intrusive thoughts and recollections, and treatments, including CBT and EMDR, have been demonstrated to be successful in reducing these symptoms. To address their symptoms and enhance their general well-being, people with PTSD must seek professional assistance.
References
Akiki, T. J., & Abdallah, C. G. (2018). Are there effective psychopharmacologic treatments for PTSD?The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 80(3). Web.
Santarnecchi, E., Bossini, L., Vatti, G., Fagiolini, A., La Porta, P., Di Lorenzo, G., Siracusano, A., Rossi, S., & Rossi, A. (2019). Psychological and brain connectivity changes following trauma-focused CBT and EMDR treatment in single-episode PTSD patients. Frontiers in Psychology, 10. Web.