It is exhausting to have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which causes sensory overload. A brain at war with itself, fighting and tugging various areas of your mind in various directions, is how doctors frequently compare PTSD. Sometimes you want to cover your ears because the ideas, concerns, and instincts that go through your head are so loud.
It seems to sense that people with PTSD would feel overstimulated by the outer world because of all that is going on inside their thoughts. People with PTSD may struggle with sensory processing impairments as they go about their daily lives, much like those with autism or ADHD. So, what exactly is PTSD, and how does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy help with it? Read on to find out!
PTSD: What is it?
It is possible to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after witnessing or experiencing a scary event.
Flashbacks, nightmares, excruciating anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the incident are just a few possible symptoms.
The majority of people who experience traumatic circumstances might initially struggle to adjust and cope, but with time and adequate self-care, they typically get better.
In addition to worsening symptoms and affecting your daily life, PTSD can also last for weeks, months, or even years.
An overview of CBT
The link between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors is the emphasis of cognitive behavioral therapy, which also emphasizes how improvements in any one domain can enhance the functioning of others.
For instance, changing one’s negative thought patterns can result in healthier actions and better control over their emotions. CBT normally lasts 12 to 16 sessions and can be given to an individual or a group. It targets present problems and symptoms.
For the treatment of PTSD, this procedure is highly advised.
How CBT Can Be Useful for PTSD
There are a number of trauma-specific ideas that explain how CBT can be effective in easing PTSD symptoms.
In social cognitive theory (Benight & Bandura, 2004), the experience of trauma can sometimes result in unhelpful understandings of one’s experience and perceptions of control, oneself or the world when attempting to integrate it into existing beliefs about oneself, others, and the world and the environment (i.e., coping self-efficacy).
For instance, emotional processing theory (Rauch & Foa, 2006) contends that individuals who have gone through a traumatic incident may create links between meaning (e.g., the world is hazardous), reactions, and objectively safe reminders of the event (e.g., news reports, events, or persons) (e.g., fear, numbing of feelings). The core of emotional processing consists of changing these linkages that result in harmful functioning.
For instance, being raped does not prove that one was unfairly violated if one believes that bad things only happen to evil people.
The therapist can work more effectively if they are aware of these theories.
CBT for PTSD Treatment
To help their patients with symptom reduction and functional improvement, therapists employ a range of strategies. In order to distinguish unhelpful patterns in thought (often referred to as “distortions”), such as overgeneralizing negative outcomes, negative thinking that undercuts positive thinking, and always expecting catastrophic outcomes, to more balanced and effective thinking patterns, therapists using CBT may encourage patients to reevaluate their thinking patterns and assumptions. These are meant to aid the individual in rethinking their perceptions of traumatic events, as well as their perceptions of themselves and their capacity for coping.
To assist the patient in reducing avoidance and unhealthy associations with the trauma, the trauma narrative may be exposed, as well as reminders of the trauma or emotions connected to the trauma.
Keep in mind that this exposure is planned and carried out in a controlled manner with the patient’s active participation. The objective is to lessen the patient’s flight and avoidance behaviors and provide them a sense of control, self-confidence, and predictability.
Both education regarding how trauma can impact a person and instruction in various relaxation techniques are extremely prevalent. Planning for possible crises and managing stress can both be crucial aspects of CBT therapy. When deciding which components of cognitive behavioral therapy are most likely to be successful with a specific patient, the practitioner has some discretion with the patient.
Final Thoughts
CBT can help you become more aware of your physical, emotional, and cognitive states if you are suffering from PTSD symptoms. Even though reaching out for help can be difficult, it can have a huge impact on your quality of life.
So, if you or your loved one is having a hard time. We are here to help.
At Suave Concierge, we attain the desired outcomes only by building the right bridge between the physician and the patient.
It’s a well-integrated and comprehensive program that offers a unique and holistic approach to health and wellness.
Reach out to us now to know more!
