Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Treatment At BRC

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a very common disorder among people who have experienced a terrifying event, such as sexual abuse, combat, a natural disaster, or a mass shooting.

At Bedrock Recovery Center, evidence-based approaches to recovery from PTSD are provided in a residential setting, offering 24/7 access to care and support. Our state-of-the-art, recently updated facility near Boston also features a fully equipped fitness center, an expansive outdoor recreation area, and more for a holistic approach to mental health care.

Our PTSD Treatment Program

Bedrock Recovery Center is a primary mental health treatment provider offering comprehensive psychiatric services. Our multidisciplinary treatment options include stabilization services, medication management, one-on-one psychotherapy, group therapy, peer support, recreation and wellness activities, aftercare planning, and more.

Treatment of PTSD primarily involves psychotherapy, though supportive medications may be prescribed if needed. Your treatment plan will be determined through an evaluation and assessment shortly after your arrival, with your care team taking into consideration your personal recovery goals every step of the way.

Holistic care at BRC includes wellness and prosocial activities such as yoga, meditation, group fitness classes, use of our onsite gym, movie and game nights, karaoke, and more.

Stabilization Services

If you are experiencing a crisis, our first goal will be to help you stabilize. This may involve closer monitoring and supervision from our psychiatric nurse practitioners, therapists, or other members of your care team. Clients requiring stabilization will also typically be introduced to therapy and psychoeducation to gain a better understanding of what they are experiencing.

Psychotherapy

Different forms of evidence-based talk therapy are available from our master’s-level therapists and counselors.

These include:

• cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help you recognize and change problematic thoughts and beliefs related to the traumatic experience
• exposure interventions to help you safely and gradually face situations and memories that are triggering so that you can learn how to cope with them in a healthy way
• group therapy to help you connect with and learn from others who have gone through similar experiences

Medication Management

If you come to BRC already taking a prescribed medication, your care team may adjust it until the desired outcomes are achieved. This may involve changing your dosage or replacing your medication, if necessary. Clients not taking medication may also receive a prescription to help manage difficult symptoms.

Four antidepressants are approved by the FDA to treat PTSD:

• the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medication sertraline (Zoloft)
• fluoxetine (Prozac)
• paroxetine (Paxil)
• the selective serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) venlafaxine (Effexor XR)

Benzodiazepines may also sometimes be prescribed, though these short-term medications carry a higher risk for abuse and addiction and so may be avoided.

Peer Support Groups And Aftercare

People with mental health disorders including PTSD often benefit from participating in peer support groups. Similar to group therapy, peer support groups at BRC offer the opportunity to connect with people facing similar experiences and learn from them. This can sometimes lead to life-long connections for added social support.

BRC’s aftercare coordinator may also help you find such groups in your own community before leaving us, or help connect you with other resources to support your recovery.

Learn More About PTSD

PTSD is a complex disorder that occurs when a person is unable to process a terrifying experience, producing symptoms that can greatly impair their quality of life and overall well-being.

The condition may develop months or years after the traumatic event takes place and can last for years unless treated using modern, evidence-based approaches.

There are three main types of PTSD as defined in the DSM-5.

Uncomplicated PTSD

This disorder is linked to a single traumatic event and produces classic PTSD symptoms. It is generally the simplest to treat.

Complex PTSD

Complex PTSD stems from multiple or repeated traumatic episodes, as is common with domestic abuse, warfare, natural disasters, or community violence.

Those dealing with complex PTSD may experience more emotional intensity and unpredictability, and often develop symptoms of personality disorders or substance use disorders.

Comorbid PTSD

This condition involves PTSD that develops alongside other mental disorders like major depression, anxiety disorders, or schizophrenia.

Comorbid PTSD should be addressed through a personalized, cohesive, and comprehensive treatment plan that considers both disorders the person is facing.

Diagnosis

Psychiatrists and other mental health professionals can diagnose PTSD using criteria laid out in the DSM-5. This process involves both a physical exam as well as an in-depth psychological evaluation.

PTSD stems from first-hand exposure to a terrifying event or a series of such events. It may be diagnosed if this experience then produces problematic symptoms that continue for more than a month with a significantly negative impact on your day-to-day life.

Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms of PTSD can vary from person to person, but there are some common ones.

PTSD symptoms include:

• trauma-focused intrusive memories (flashbacks)
• avoiding places, people, or activities related to the traumatic event
• persistent hopelessness, guilt, shame, and negative mood or outlook
• being easily startled, tense, or volatile when faced with stressors
• struggling with sleep, memory, or concentration

Also note that PTSD symptoms may be expressed differently by children and teens.

Risk Factors

The number one risk factor for PTSD is exposure to abuse, combat, a natural disaster, or another event that causes terror or extreme anxiety. However, most people who experience trauma do not develop apparent symptoms that meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD.

Other risk factors for the condition include:

• factors specific to certain personality types
• childhood trauma
• co-occurring behavioral or mental health disorders
• lack of a healthy support system in the form of loved ones and family members

Statistics

Between 3% and 5% of U.S. adults have PTSD in any given year. Women may be more likely to develop the condition (5-8%) than men (2-4%), a discrepancy at least partially attributable to violent sexual assaults and domestic violence, which disproportionately impact women. More women also may seek care and thus be diagnosed.

Combat veterans and first responders are also at an especially high risk for PTSD and other related issues, including suicide.

Start Recovery From PTSD Today

Our inpatient program provides discrete, evidence-based treatment for adults with PTSD from across the United States. Please contact us today if you’d like to learn more.