PTSD TREATMENT available at the luna clinic

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after a person experiences a single traumatic event or a series of events such as when an emergency service worker exposed to repeated traumatic events.  It's important to note that not all people exposed to an event will necessarily develop PTSD and there are factors that may make people more vulnerable to developing PTSD than others. It is not uncommon to experience many of the features below in the immediate days and weeks following a traumatic event, however if these persist for greater than a month and are impacting your quality of life, relationships and being able to attend to day-to-day tasks, consider seeking advice from your treating doctor.   (Note: PTSD is not the same as complex trauma with the latter usually occuring in childhood as a result of repeated and pervasive trauma involving other people, e.g., abuse, neglect, domestic or family violence. It's possible to have developed both.  At the Luna Clinic we focus on providing assessment of, and treatment for, PTSD only).

Seeking an assessment by a mental health provider is crucial for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Recovery from PTSD (and complex trauma) is possible with the right support and intervention. 

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5TR) outlines the following criteria for diagnosing PTSD:

Exposure to a Traumatic Event:

• Direct exposure to the traumatic event.
• Witnessing the traumatic event in person.
• Learning that the traumatic event occurred to a close family member or friend.

Intrusive Experiences:

• Recurrent and involuntary distressing memories of the traumatic event.
• Distressing dreams related to the traumatic event.
• Flashbacks or intense p
• sychological distress when exposed to cues that resemble the traumatic event.
• 
  

Avoidance:

• Avoidance of distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings associated with the traumatic event.
• Avoidance of external reminders that trigger distressing memories.

Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood:

• Persistent negative beliefs or expectations about oneself, others, or the world.
• Persistent distorted blame of oneself or others for causing the traumatic event.
• Persistent negative emotional state.
• Markedly diminished interest in significant activities.
• Feelings of detachment or estrangement from others.

Unusual Responses and Reactivity:

• Irritable behavior and angry outbursts.
• Reckless or self-destructive behavior.
• Hypervigilance.
• Exaggerated startle response.
• Problems with concentration.

  The recommended evidence-based treatments for PTSD include:

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT):

• Trauma-focused CBT, which addresses distorted thoughts and beliefs related to the trauma.
• Prolonged exposure therapy, where individuals gradually confront and process traumatic memories in a safe environment.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR):

• Involves guided eye movements while recalling traumatic memories to help process and reduce distress.

Medications:

• Antidepressant medications, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), may be prescribed to alleviate symptoms.

As part of a wholistic treatment plan, your Clinical Psychologist will also support you in identifying helpful lifestyle factors to support your recovery and in reducing unhelpful coping methods.

At the Luna Clinic, we offer both CBT and EMDR as treatment options for clients experiencing PTSD.  Clinical Psychologist, Dee Thompson, will discuss options and recommend treatment options at your initial intake session.  Should medication be considered, she will recommend that your treating GP or psychiatrist be involved in your treatment.