How does a psychiatrist treat PTSD?
Psychiatrists can prescribe medications to a PTSD patient that can improve their symptoms and enhance their daily life functionality hampered by their PTSD. These can include antidepressants which can help with anxiety, depression, sleep issues, and concentration; anti-anxiety medications which can help to relieve severe anxiety; and prazosin which can reduce nightmares in some patients.
Can psychiatric medications help a PTSD patient completely recover?
Psychiatric medications can help manage the symptoms temporarily, but therapy in conjunction can help the patient learn to cope with the trauma and process it, recognize and change the negative thought patterns about the trauma that is keeping them stuck, and learn stress management skills – leading to long-term recovery.
Are psychiatric medications necessary for treating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder?
Not always. For some patients, psychotherapy could be sufficient in helping them cope with their symptoms and overcome the trauma. However, for some patients, due to the severity of the case, psychotherapy alone may not be enough and thus the patients may require medications that can help them with the intense emotional reactions that might be making their day-to-day functioning difficult.
What is the job role of a psychiatrist?
Psychiatrists conduct evaluations and assessments and can diagnose various mental, emotional, as well as behavioural disorders. They develop treatment plans, prescribe medications, and oversee the treatment progress of the patients.
