Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex condition that can arise after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, and several evidence-based therapies offer effective paths to recovery.

Experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event can have profound and lasting effects on an individual's mental and physical health. For some, these experiences can lead to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a condition characterized by intrusive memories, avoidance behaviors, negative changes in thinking and mood, and alterations in arousal and reactivity. Fortunately, a range of evidence-based therapies has been developed to help individuals manage and overcome the challenges of PTSD, offering hope for recovery and improved quality of life.

Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after a person has been exposed to a traumatic event, such as combat, natural disasters, accidents, or assault. The symptoms can be debilitating, affecting daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. Trauma itself can manifest in various ways, sometimes leading to conditions beyond PTSD. For example, traumatic brain injury (TBI), which affects a significant portion of the global population, can result in persistent cognitive, neurological, and neuropsychiatric symptoms for many months or even longer [4]. Mild TBI, often from concussions, can also lead to post-traumatic headaches in a high percentage of affected individuals [6]. These examples highlight the broad and complex impact trauma can have on the body and mind.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as a Foundation

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely recognized and empirically supported treatment approach for a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and behavioral disorders [2, 3]. CBT focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors that contribute to distress. For children and adolescents, cognitive-behavioral and behavioral interventions are among the most well-supported psychosocial treatments [2].

Within the realm of anxiety disorders, which often co-occur with PTSD, CBT treatments are based on specific protocols designed to target individual disorders. However, given the frequent co-occurrence of anxiety and mood disorders, and their shared underlying vulnerabilities, newer transdiagnostic CBT approaches have also emerged. These aim to address commonalities across different conditions, showing promising results in reducing primary anxiety symptoms and related diagnostic comorbidity [3].

Prolonged Exposure (PE) Therapy for PTSD

One specific form of CBT that has shown significant promise for PTSD is Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy. PE is designed to help individuals confront traumatic memories and situations they have been avoiding, thereby reducing their power to cause distress. A pilot randomized controlled trial investigated PE therapy for patients diagnosed with both psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) and comorbid PTSD. The study compared PE to psychoeducation, enrolling participants with video EEG-confirmed PNES and PTSD. The findings indicated that PE therapy led to reductions in PTSD symptoms and, notably, also in seizure frequency, along with improvements in depression symptoms [1]. While this was a pilot study, its results suggest PE's potential for individuals facing the complex challenges of co-occurring PTSD and neurological conditions.

Expanding Access Through Telehealth

Access to effective mental health treatments can be a significant barrier for many. Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool to overcome these challenges, making evidence-based therapies more accessible. Behavioral interventions, including forms of CBT, have demonstrated clinical efficacy for various conditions, but their clinic-based delivery can limit access. Studies are exploring the feasibility of delivering CBT protocols via telehealth, such as for chronic migraine, demonstrating how technology can expand the reach of these crucial treatments [8]. This means that therapies like PE and other CBT-based approaches for PTSD can potentially be delivered remotely, allowing more individuals to receive care regardless of their geographical location or other limitations.

Seeking Professional Support

If you or someone you know is struggling with symptoms of PTSD or the aftermath of trauma, it is important to seek professional help. Evidence-based therapies like CBT and Prolonged Exposure offer structured and effective pathways to recovery. A qualified mental health professional can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan tailored to individual needs.

Sources

This article summarises published research for a general audience. It is not medical advice — talk to a qualified clinician about your own situation. Need help finding one? Browse doctors.