Treatment of PTSD among Veterans

" Cognitive-behavioral graduated exposure

" Rational-emotive therapy to reduce delusional or irrational thinking patterns

" Defragmentation of memory

" Readjustment counseling and formal/informal group therapy involving other veterans

" Traumatic grief

" Identification and amelioration of burnout, trauma fatigue, and low interpersonal tolerance

" Trauma-focused exploration as able to improve realism, confidence, self-esteem, and coping mechanisms

" Psychodynamic retelling, if able

" Comorbid treatment and crisis managementas necessary

" Anticipation and preparation around trauma triggers

" Assessment and treatment of anger and explosivity

" Assess and manage substance abuse or dependence

" Family and system impact

" Depersonalization related to emotional numbness, frustration, and withdrawal

" Sleep management

" Reduction of helplessness through motivational interviewing and support

" Management of dissociation and uncontrollable arousal

" Related physical health problems

" Medication support and management

" Reduction of related or connected stress



All good PTSD treatment is individualized in nature, shared and mutual within the treatment model, and usually done best when there isn't a current or significant crisis.