Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs in individuals who have experienced a sudden shocking, scary, or dangerous event that makes an impact on them. PTSD can happen to people who experience or witness these significant events. Signs of PTSD may include flashbacks, nightmares, acute anxiety, and intrusive thoughts about the event.
What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder?
Post traumatic stress disorder is a mental health condition that can manifest after a traumatic event. It can take a while in between the event occurring and symptoms appearing, but that delayed response is a symptom in itself. For example, a veteran returning from deployment may develop PTSD three months after returning home. Or an individual who was a victim of sexual assault may develop signs of PTSD a year after the attack.
No two PTSD diagnoses are the same as everyone’s brain works differently. What may cause PTSD for one person may not cause the condition to develop for someone else. It’s important to note that PTSD is a long-term condition that can last a lifetime if left untreated.
Signs of PTSD
Post traumatic stress disorder can manifest anywhere from one month to years after a traumatic event. PTSD symptoms can be so apparent that they affect one’s social and work relationships – interfering with daily tasks.
PTSD symptoms are generally grouped into four main categories:
- Intrusive memories
- Avoidance
- Negative thoughts and behaviors
- Altered physical and emotional reactions
Intrusive memories may appear as unwanted memories of the event, flashbacks to the trauma, nightmares or dreams that reflect the event, and severe emotional or physical distress when something brings up memories of the event.
Avoidance symptoms appear as the active avoidance of talking or thinking about the traumatic event. This can include avoiding the location of the event, people who were present, and activities that remind an individual of their traumatic event.
Negative thoughts and behaviors are exactly what they sound like. These PTSD symptoms can include depressive thoughts, memory issues, trouble maintaining friendships or relationships, detached feelings, lack of interest in activities that previously brought joy, and feeling emotionally numb.
Altered physical and emotional reactions are displayed as being easily startled or frightened, paranoia, self-destructive behaviors, trouble sleeping, concentration issues, irritability or aggressive behavior, and overwhelming guilt or shame.
These symptoms can intensify over time, and can be exacerbated with stress or triggers. If an individual is unable to control their symptoms that is a sign they need to seek treatment for their PTSD.
Inpatient Treatment for PTSD
Inpatient treatment is also referred to as residential care. Residential treatment is beneficial for those experiencing PTSD because it allows for care in a safe, controlled environment. Clients who have been diagnosed with PTSD can stay in comfortable care centers for the duration of their treatment, free of triggers and stressors.
At Alter we use trauma-informed therapy modalities that aim to treat PTSD at its core. Different treatment methods that are used in inpatient programs include:
- Medication management
- Individual psychotherapy
- Group therapy & social integration
- Family therapy
- Experiential activities
- Skill building
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Eye Movement Desensitization And Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Exposure therapy
Everyone’s residential treatment experience will look differently, and the methods used will ultimately depend on the diagnosis given by clinicians. Most residential treatment programs last between 30 and 45 days before transitioning into an intensive outpatient program or partial hospitalization program.
Benefits of Inpatient PTSD Treatment
Participating in inpatient treatment for PTSD is beneficial not only because of the controlled, trigger-free environment. In inpatient treatment, clients experience a structured environment, controlled symptoms,community building with therapeutic guidance, improved emotional regulation, and stronger interpersonal skills. PTSD symptoms can hit at any time, and having 24/7 clinical supervision benefits the caliber of care that is provided.
It’s Never Too Late for PTSD Care
Getting treatment for PTSD can happen one month or 10 years after the condition manifests. It’s never too late to turn things around and get treatment. No one should have to suffer through traumas from their past, and at Alter we believe that everyone deserves to live a happy, healthy lifestyle.
Treatment for PTSD should always begin with inpatient programs, and eventually graduate to outpatient programs. If you or someone you know is experiencing trauma, reach out to our admissions team and see what opportunities await.
About Alter
Alter is a behavioral healthcare provider that specializes in evidence-based clinical treatment approaches. We provide a wide range of programs for adults and families experiencing mental health conditions including schizophrenia, depression, borderline personality disorder, anxiety, substance abuse, and more. This is done through client-centered care for a full-continuum of treatment. We serve the entire U.S. population from our revolutionary locations throughout sunny Southern California. Whether an individual needs 24/7 care or wants an outpatient program – we are there to guide every step of the journey. For more information, give us a call at (877) 613-9776 or visit our website at alterbehavioralhealth.com.
