E16 | PTSD: Healing Trauma with Therapy and Empathy

PTSD can result from any traumatic experience, not just military combat. Taylor and Sarang emphasize the importance of screening every patient for trauma, since many people don’t realize how past events impact their current mental health. Symptoms like nightmares, avoidance, and hypervigilance may be signs. Diagnosis depends on duration: less than one month may be acute stress, one to three months could be adjustment disorder, and beyond that may indicate PTSD.
Effective treatment often includes both therapy and medication. Trauma-informed therapy, such as EMDR, helps patients process experiences, though symptoms may worsen before they improve. Medications can target sleep issues, anxiety, and depression, even if used off-label. Most importantly, providers should lead with empathy, actively listen, and help patients feel safe. Support groups can also play a valuable role in recovery. Healing takes time, but the right approach can make a lasting difference.

 

00:00 Introduction to PTSD
01:00 Understanding PTSD Diagnosis
03:30 The Timeline of Trauma
05:40 The Role of Therapy in PTSD Treatment
09:10 Recognizing Symptoms of PTSD
11:40 Exploring Treatment Options
14:30 Navigating the Treatment Process

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