Are there effective ways to prevent PTSD after trauma? If not, how is it PTSD treated?

Experiencing a traumatic event can be devastating, and it's normal to feel distressed afterward. While there's no surefire way to prevent post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), research has shown that connecting with others can be an important protective factor.

Dr. Luana Marques, a clinical psychologist and associate professor at Harvard Medical School, explains, "It seems that people who, in the aftermath of a traumatic event, are able to reach for and accept help, support, and care from others fare off better." In contrast, those who avoid discussing their trauma may be at a higher risk of developing PTSD.

Bessel van der Kolk, a leading expert on trauma and author of "The Body Keeps the Score," stresses the importance of acknowledging and processing trauma. As, "The greatest damage done by neglect, trauma or emotional loss is not the immediate pain they inflict but the long-term distortions they induce in the way a developing child will continue to interpret the world and her situation in it," he says. "All too often these ill-conditioned implicit beliefs become self-fulfilling prophecies in our lives. We create meanings from our unconscious interpretation of early events, and then we forge our present experiences from the meaning we've created. Unwittingly, we write the story of our future from narratives based on the past."

Gabor Maté, physician and author of "When the Body Says No: The Cost of Hidden Stress," adds that the effects of trauma extend beyond the mind. "The body cannot lie," he says. "Psychological stress, the kind that arises from traumatic experiences, impacts not only the mind but also bodily organs and functions." Therefore, it's essential to treat the whole body when dealing with trauma.

So, how is PTSD treated? According to the American Psychological Association, cognitive therapy (CT) or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) are effective modalities. However, the APA also suggests that other types of therapy, such as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and narrative exposure therapy, may be effective as well. It's essential to find a therapist who can work with you to create a treatment plan that suits your needs.

Additionally, there are other methods of treatment that can be effective, such as relaxation techniques, somatic work, art therapy, meditation, and trauma-sensitive yoga practices. Therapies like somatic experiencing and sensorimotor psychotherapy have shown positive results in treating complex traumatic reactions.

While there's no guarantee of preventing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after trauma, connecting with others and seeking help can be a protective factor and lower the chances of your Acute Stress Disorder turning into PTSD. For those who are already struggling with PTSD, there are effective treatments available that address both the mind and the body. It's never too late to seek help and start the healing process.

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