Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health issue that arises after someone has experienced a traumatic event. Symptoms of PTSD often include nightmares, flashbacks, emotional numbness, hyperarousal such as difficulty sleeping, feeling jumpy, and more. War veterans often experience PTSD, and many are deeply affected by it for the rest of their lives. Unfortunately, many people take their own lives because PTSD can be so debilitating. It affects every aspect of their lives – from their work, to family life, and often trouble connecting with their significant other. In the past, there have been several drug forms created to aid in the effects of PTSD, but many involved patients taking several forms of medication along with psychotherapy, and even the combined therapy didn’t aid in full recovery of the symptoms.
Researchers have been exploring more advanced treatment options for PTSD, and many of them hold much hope in aiding the negative symptoms of PTSD, or even eliminating them altogether. Here are a few recent developments regarding treatment for PTSD:
- RESET therapy (Reconsolidation Enhancement by Stimulation of Emotional Triggers) – a form of sound therapy that has been developed by scientists that interrupts the brain’s natural restoration of memory. While using a sound device, patients must actively engage their memory for the traumatic incident. The sound interrupts the target neural circuits, helping patients’ physiological reactions calm down.
- 3MDR – a form of therapy where the PTSD patient walks on a treadmill and interacts with many self-selected images related to their trauma. These images are displayed on a large screen. The goal of this therapy is to help patients learn how to move through their trauma, by literally approaching their traumatic memories.
- Ecstasy ingredient showing promise for aiding PTSD – an ingredient found in Ecstasy, MDMA, has recently been granted the “Breakthrough Therapy Designation” by the FDA and is being expedited to become a new drug that PTSD patients can use. Preliminary clinical studies have shown that this drug may provide significant improvement over the effects of PTSD, compared to other treatment methods.
With many new developments in the realm of PTSD treatments, there is a lot of hope that patients will be able to continue their lives without the panic and fear of the trauma they experienced. Both war veterans and others who suffer from PTSD will hopefully be able to recover and lead happier, healthier lives. As research progresses, we can stay informed and speak with a doctor about these potential forms of treatment.
When you’re making a decision to change your life, you need a program you can trust. Avalon Malibu provides trusted results. Offering both primary mental health and substance use treatment, our full continuum of care seeks to heal mind, body, and spirit. For a confidential assessment and more information, call us today: 888-958-7511
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