Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is classified as an anxiety disorder resulting from the experience of witnessing or seeing a traumatic event. This diagnosis changes over-all brain chemistry and the bodies fight or flight response and results in increased arousal when .
PTSD is an important public health issue, and it is becoming increasingly common and known within the general population. There are many different treatment methods used to address PTSD, and one of these is specifically group therapy methods which I will go into:
When dealing with anxiety disorders and other similar mental health challenges, it should be known that group therapy fall into three categories; Psychodynamic, interpersonal and cognitive behavioral groups. These groups specifically involve focusing on awareness, insight, sense of self and can also incorporate controlling specific symptoms by identifying patterns in behavior and changing them over-time.
“Group treatments for PTSD are assumed to involve a number of mechanisms that offer benefit beyond those provided by the individual therapy format. First, patients with PTSD are often socially isolation and have difficult trying others” (Sloan, Bovine, Schnurr, 2012). This is important to note because isolation can also cause worsening symptoms and anxiety.
Groups can provide social support, but also include exposure therapy as well as skill training and cognitive re-structuring. Within these groups, other members provide support and feedback which can be a positive experience for members, and provide a sense of community as well as encourage active engagement. “One additional group treatment approach is psycho-education, in which general information is provided regarding common symptoms of PTSD and how PTSD symptoms are maintained” (Sloan, Bovine, Schnurr, 2012). This is often a move toward finding longer term care for many people as it educated about treatment options in regard to PTSD.
However, individuals with PTSD are variant in their needs just as with any other diagnosis, and when group therapy does not seem to be working, and the individual finds themselves unable to participate, they can also still use private therapy as well. Some of the methods used in group settings can be utilized privately one-on-one such as identifying patterns of cognition, educational information, self-awareness, insight and goal setting with the individual to meet their over-all needs.
There are a lot of different options for individuals today, and it is important those looking for treatment are educated so that they are aware of their options and can take an active role in their healing process. Treatment plans should also be goal oriented, trauma informed and human centered so that people can get the absolute most out of it and have their needs met.
-EpicThunderCat
References:
Sloan, D. M., Michelle, P., & J., M. (2012, May 9). Review Of Group Treatment For PTSD. Retrieved February 27, 2020, from https://www.rehab.research.va.gov/jour/2012/495/sloan495.html