Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is commonly associated with soldiers returning from war, but many people can suffer from PTSD without knowing it. PTSD can affect anybody who has either experienced a traumatic event directly or has witnessed another person going through a traumatic event. PTSD causes patients to relive this event, resulting in increased anxiety and avoidance. PTSD can cause serious disruptions in a person's relationships, work life, and social life.

There are many treatments available for PTSD. Usually after a diagnosis of PTSD has been reached, a combination of therapies will be suggested to help patients cope and reduce the effect of PTSD on their lives. The two main therapies used in treating PTSD are medication and talk therapy, supplemented by exercise and self-help. While each therapy can be effective on its own, the best results usually come from a combination of talk therapy and medication as prescribed by a qualified physician and therapist.

Dr. Alexander Neumeister received his M.D. from the University of Vienna in 1990. Specializing in neurology and psychiatry, he quickly distinguished himself as a leader in brain sciences, working with the National Institute of Mental Health before moving on to direct programs at several prestigious American universities. Below, Dr. Neumeister discussed medication and therapy options for PTSD.

Talking therapy

The most common talk therapy used in the treatment of PTSD is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients identify how their thoughts and attitudes affect their feelings and behaviors, allowing them to stop the cycle of negative thinking and change subsequent behavioral patterns. Trauma-focused CBT is specifically designed to help patients deal with past traumas and significantly reduce the effect of PTSD on their lives. "New research has shown that talk therapy not only reduces the symptoms of PTSD, it actually changes the structure of the brain to reverse the brain chemistry that causes PTSD," stated Dr. Neumeister.

Exposure therapy is another form of talk therapy that focuses on re-experiencing the traumatic situation in the presence and protection of a therapist that cause anxiety, gradually reducing their impact on the patient. This therapy is particularly useful if the PTSD sufferer has nightmares or flashbacks.

Medication

PTSD symptoms are usually treated with selective serotonin uptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These drugs are commonly used as antidepressants and also help manage the negative emotions associated with PTSD. Anti-anxiety medications, i.e. benzodiazepines should be avoided due to their potential for abuse. Altogether, there exists an unmet medical need to develop more effective and better tolerable, medications for trauma survivors with PTSD.

As with any medication, patients must consult with their doctor regarding side effects and patients' individual needs.

PTSD is a debilitating condition that can severely affect the quality of a patient's life. Fortunately, there are several effective treatments that can be used to treat and even potentially reverse the condition.

About Dr. Neumeister:

Dr. Alexander Neumeister has studied neuroscience and psychiatry for over 25 years, specializing in translational clinical research. A bridge between pre-clinical models and human testing, he brings together teams of professionals to translate research at the molecular level to treatment application. In his free time, Dr. Neumeister enjoys classical music and the many fabulous museums in his home of Connecticut.