Comparing PTSD Treatments

PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is a complex mental health condition that affects approximately 6% of Americans at some point in their life and 14% of all veterans every year. 

Dr. Karen Giles and Dr. Cecilia Kwong at Atlanta-based Breakthru Psychiatric Solutions specialize in helping PTSD sufferers find effective treatments. Our guide explores various approaches, offering insight into innovative approaches for standard and treatment-resistant cases.

Conventional treatments for PTSD 

PTSD treatment calls for a personalized approach that considers the severity of your symptoms, the success or failure of past treatments, your health history, and your preferences. The traditional approach usually  begins with conservative treatments.

Medication 

Medications often serve as the first line of defense in managing PTSD symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as sertraline (Zoloft®) and paroxetine (Paxil®), are FDA-approved for treating PTSD. These medications work by adjusting serotonin levels in your brain, helping regulate mood and anxiety.

However, not everyone responds adequately to SSRIs. Side effects and the need for long-term use can also limit their effectiveness for many people. 

Talk therapy

Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is a time-honored treatment of PTSD. 

Evidence-based therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) help you process trauma and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Your therapy sessions address intrusive thoughts, avoidance behaviors, and uncontrolled emotions.

Talk therapy is  effective for many people and is a foundational element of PTSD treatment plans. However, when symptoms persist despite therapy and medication, you may need to explore other options.

Innovative approaches for treatment-resistant PTSD

When traditional treatments fail, Breakthru Psychiatric Solutions offers interventional therapies that provide hope for patients with treatment-resistant PTSD.

Prism for PTSD

Breakthru Psychiatric Solutions is one of the first 15 clinics in the country to offer Prism therapy, a new FDA-cleared approach designed explicitly for PTSD. This innovative treatment uses neurofeedback to target the amygdala, your brain’s center for the fight-flight-freeze response.

During your Prism session, you wear an EEG headset that monitors your brainwave activity in real time. You then engage in a virtual simulation where you learn mental strategies to calm your amygdala’s hyperactivity. 

The goal is to provide long-term symptom management and relief by empowering you with techniques you can apply in everyday life. Prism therapy is noninvasive, medication-free, doesn’t require you to revisit past traumas, and has little to no side effects.

IV ketamine therapy

IV ketamine is an anesthetic with rapid-acting antidepressant effects. Administered through an intravenous drip, ketamine has shown significant promise in reducing PTSD symptoms, especially in people who haven’t responded to other treatments. IV ketamine can be combined with Prism for maximum effectiveness.

Finding the right path to relief

PTSD is deeply personal, and no two experiences are the same. After getting to know you and exploring your unique symptoms and circumstances, our specialists recommend tailored treatment plans and work with your primary psychiatrist to reduce your PTSD symptoms and help you cope with them more successfully.

To schedule a consultation, call Breakthru Psychiatric Solutions in Sandy Springs or Alpharetta, Georgia, or request an appointment online.