The Treatment Of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder - 1174 Words

The family has good intentions by taking care of the veteran who is experiencing difficulty, but the caretaking becomes compulsive and defeating. Co-dependents often take on a martyr’s role. The problem is that these repeated rescue attempts allow the needy individual to continue on a destructive course and to become even more dependent on the unhealthy caretaking of the family. As this reliance increases, the co-dependent develops a sense of reward and satisfaction from â€Å"being needed† (Mental Health America). The family will begin to feel helpless in the relationship, but are unable to break away from the cycle of behavior that causes it: viewing themselves as victims. Clinicians have several treatment options to consider in the†¦show more content†¦The psychotherapies with the most evidence typically include one or more of several productive therapeutic approaches including exposure to traumatic memories, stimuli or situations; cognitive restructuring of trauma-related beliefs; and stress reduction techniques. â€Å"The table below summarizes effective PTSD psychotherapy approaches detailed in Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense (VA/DoD) clinical practice guidelines. These treatments should be considered the first line of treatment for patients with PTSD† (Defense Centers of Excellence, 2015) Therapy Approach Therapeutic Elements Examples Exposure-based Therapies Includes in-vivo, imaginal, or narrative (oral and/or written) exposures to traumatic memories, situations, or stimuli. These therapies also generally include elements of cognitive restructuring (e.g., evaluating the accuracy of beliefs about danger) as well as relaxation techniques. Prolonged Exposure Therapy Brief Eclectic Psychotherapy Narrative Therapy Cognitive-based Therapies Emphasizes cognitive restructuring strategies including challenging beliefs connected to the traumatic event. Also includes relaxation techniques and discussion of the traumatic event either orally or through writing. Cognitive Processing Therapy Cognitive Therapy Stress Inoculation Training Especially emphasizes breathing retraining and muscle relaxation. May also include