How does a therapist/ psychiatrist help a patient with PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder)?

Question

How does a therapist/ psychiatrist help a patient with PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder)?

Answer 1

In general, therapists will help a client overcome the triggers that cause flashbacks and dissociation.  Usually this is done by talking about the events that led to the PTSD.  As the client begins to face the events, the anxiety issues, nightmares, flashbacks, etc become less likely to occur.

Also, EMDR therapy can help tremendously with PTSD.  It is a specialized therapy that focuses on an incident of trauma and helps the client work through the emotions.  

Medications from a psychiatrist can help with the anxiety, sleep problem, etc.  But medications CAN NOT fix PTSD.  Therapy can help with PTSD.

Answer 2

PTSD can be caused by a variety of factors or traumatic episodes, as I'm sure you know.  As such, there are a variety of treatmenst available for the symptoms.  I've heard of movement therapy, which helps patients re-build their strength and discover physical issues that may linger in their psyche, related to the trauma.  I've also heard of PTSD patients who opt for more artistic therapies, such as painting or music therapy.  Of course, in traditional psychiatric treatment, medication such as Risperidone or something for depression (or both) may be prescribed to ease the suffering of the patient.  

Answer 3

Psychiatrist will assess a person PTSD and support them in using various therapeutic methods such Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) which helps you to think about things differently so they're not as stressful.  

Psychiatrist's are there to listen and also make recommendations regarding medication that might relieve depression that can come with PTSD.