PTSD is a difficult disorder with which to cope, and is experienced by many combat veterans. Here are the various treatment methods used to help those with PTSD move on.

1. TREATMENT
METHODS TO
COMBAT
PTSD
Edward Withrow

2. PTSD Stands for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder,
which is developed by many after they
experience a traumatizing event. It can manifest
through symptoms of re-experience, avoidance,
reactivity, and mood swings. It is often
experienced by combat veterans, and is
important to begin to treat at the initial sign of
any symptoms. The following are various
treatment methods.
W H A T I S P T S D ?

3. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is the leading type
of therapy in the treatment of PTSD. It is
focused on changing the thought process
surrounding a patient's specific trauma. There
are many types of this kind of therapy, all of
which have been proven to be effective.
C O G N I T I V E
B E H A V I O R A L T H E R A P Y

4. Exposure Therapy is a type of Cognitive
Behavioral Therapy that focuses on the fear
associated with the traumatic experience. A
patient undergoing this therapy will talk through
the traumatic event consistently until the
immediate response is not fear, and the patient
can, therefore, cope.
E X P O S U R E T H E R A P Y

5. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
(EMDR) is a type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
that involves focusing on other stimuli while
talking through the traumatic event. The result
of this exercise is less of a stress response
when remembering the event.
E M D R

6. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
are usually used to combat PTSD, as they raise
the levels of serotonin in the brain. Low levels
of serotonin are present in those suffering from
depression and anxiety as well.
M E D I C A T I O N

7. Sometimes it is most helpful for those suffering
from PTSD to be able to talk through their
experiences with others who have been through
the same thing. Sharing one's story in group
therapy can help build relationships around the
trauma and help those suffering to move on.
G R O U P T H E R A P Y

8. This type of therapy is all about educating the
patient on how the past is affecting the present.
The hope is that further understanding will
promote different reactions when thinking of a
traumatic event.
B R I E F
P S Y C H O D Y N A M I C
P S Y C H O T H E R A P Y

9. Combat veterans especially, if developing PTSD,
have families that have to watch them suffer.
Family therapy is helpful in maintaining good
communication and rebuilding relationships
while working through overcoming PTSD.
F A M I L Y T H E R A P Y

10. F O R M O R E I N F O R M A T I O N
A B O U T P T S D T R E A T M E N T S ,
V I S I T H T T P : / / W W W . P T S D . V
A . G O V / P U B L I C / T R E A T M E N T
/ T H E R A P Y -
M E D / T R E A T M E N T -
P T S D . A S P