Treatment for people with PTSD includes psychotherapy or “talk” therapy, and medication. Most research is starting to show that psychotherapy is more effective than medication and should be considered the first line treatment in many cases. However, everyone is different, and PTSD impacts people differently, so a treatment that works for one person may not be effective for another. It’s important for anyone with PTSD to be treated by a mental health provider who is experienced with the condition. Some people with PTSD need to try different treatments to find what works for their symptoms.
If someone with PTSD is going through an ongoing trauma, such as being in an abusive relationship or substance abuse, both of the problems need to be addressed. Other ongoing problems can include panic disorder, depression, and thoughts of suicide. It’s important to seek professional help from a qualified mental health provider.