Trauma and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) are two of the most commonly misunderstood mental health challenges. Trauma is defined by SAMHSA as “an event, series of events, or set of circumstances that is experienced by an individual as physically or emotionally harmful or life-threatening and that has lasting adverse effects on the individual’s functioning and mental, physical, social, emotional, or spiritual well-being.”

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is when trauma begins interfering with an individual’s day-to-day life where it crosses certain thresholds in several different categories outlined in the DSM-V. 

What are the symptoms of Trauma & PTSD?

The DSM-V outlines Trauma and PTSD in a very broad way. This is because trauma and what forms of trauma can result in PTSD can vary greatly from person to person. Some of the more common symptoms of Trauma & PTSD are as follows: 

• Recurrent, involuntary, and intrusive distressing memories of the traumatic event(s).
• Recurrent distressing dreams in which the content and/or effect of the dream are related to the traumatic event(s).
• Dissociative reactions (e.g., flashbacks) in which the individual feels or acts as if the traumatic event(s) were recurring. (Such reactions may occur on a continuum, with the most extreme expression being a complete loss of awareness of present surroundings.)
• Intense or prolonged psychological distress at exposure to internal or external cues that symbolize or resemble an aspect of the traumatic event(s).
• Marked physiological reactions to internal or external cues that symbolize or resemble an aspect of the traumatic event(s).
• Irritable behavior and angry outbursts (with little or no provocation), typically expressed as verbal or physical aggression toward people or objects.
• Reckless or self-destructive behavior.
• Hypervigilance.
• Exaggerated startle response.
• Problems with concentration.
• Sleep disturbance (e.g., difficulty falling or staying asleep or restless sleep).

Not everyone experiences PTSD or Trauma in the same way, so your symptoms may be totally different from someone you know. If you believe you are experiencing PTSD, contact us today to get started on your wellness journey. 

How Are Trauma & PTSD treated?

The options for Trauma and PTSD treatment are ever-evolving and expanding. Most forms of trauma therapy target associations in the mind connected to traumatic memories, in hopes of lessening symptoms. There are many trauma and PTSD therapies that have had excellent results for individuals struggling to gain control over their traumatic memories and enjoy freedom, and security once again:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, as well as Cognitive Therapy, are similar forms of talk therapy. Patients and their therapists work to identify negative behaviors which can be replaced with positive ones. Patients also learn more positive ways of handling trauma-related beliefs to break problematic cycles of behavior.

EMDR

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. That is a mouth full! EMDR uses bilateral stimulations of the brain through light track or vibrating batons to create a state in which individuals are able to visit traumatic memories removed from the emotional reaction that is associated. Patients then work with their therapist to reprocess the memory and its associated emotions.

Medication Management & Psychiatry

PTSD can play a major role in medication management, and in some cases needs to be carefully treated to help individuals function in their day-to-day lives. While PTSD is commonly treated without medication, it is important to consider how trauma responses can be impacted by several other psychiatric medications.

Group Therapy

Group Therapy led by professional moderators can be quite beneficial for those experiencing PTSD or trauma. A group environment fosters community, safety and reminds individuals they are not alone. Group Therapy is almost always used in combination with individual therapy when treating PTSD or trauma.

Brainspotting

Brainspotting is similar to EMDR but relies on finding a spot in a person’s field of vision which desensitized memories rather than using bi-lateral stimulation of the hemispheres of the brain like EMDR. Once a spot is found, the process is quite similar to EMDR, with the ultimate goal of clearing the target memory by reprocessing the associated emotional reaction to neutrality.

Trauma and PTSD can be very difficult to live with. But you are not alone. We are here to help, give us a call today to start your journey in wellness and find immediate relief.

We look forward to crafting a custom treatment plan that meets your needs and schedule. Have questions but don’t want to call yet? No problem, take a look at our FAQs here.

Find PTSD & Trauma Treatment in Raleigh, North Carolina.

If you are looking for PTSD or Trauma treatment in Raleigh, AIM is here to help. Your experience with trauma is as unique as you are, and you deserve to find the support that you need to overcome your symptoms in order to get back to living your life. Contact us today to learn more about our trauma and PTSD treatment in Raleigh, and see the difference that AIM can make in your quality of life.