Research Aims to Compare PTSD treatments

Post traumatic stress disorder is a mental condition that is characterized by anxiety, mood swings, flashbacks, and depression. The symptoms are very often seen in a person who has experienced a dangerous event.

For instance, a person who has been involved in a maritime accident like an oil rig explosion or maritime fire, or is injured in a massive truck or auto accident, or has been the victim of a crime or assault, may begin to suffer symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder just a few weeks after the event. Persons who have suffered a brain injury are more likely to develop symptoms of PTSD.

A new study aims to compare two separate techniques for the treatment of post traumatic stress disorder to determine which of these is most effective in the treatment of this condition. Post traumatic stress disorder has become a familiar term to Americans since the 2 wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Many of the veterans, who have returned from combat duty in these zones, have been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder. The U.S. military has been investing heavily in post traumatic stress disorder treatments, and the Veterans Administration is sponsoring this new study.

In the study, the researchers are focusing on 2 PTSD therapies -cognitive processing therapy and prolonged exposure.

In cognitive processing therapy, the patient is encouraged to understand how his traumatic experience modifies his thoughts and beliefs, and is trained to identify and deal with unhelpful thoughts. In prolonged exposure therapy, there is a greater emphasis on reliving painful memories from the traumatic event in a safe environment.

The researchers say that by the end of the study, they want to understand which technique is most effective in specific situations, so that patients can be matched with the treatment that is most suitable to their condition.

The Texas brain injury lawyers at Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, L.L.P., Accident & Injury Lawyers  represent persons who have suffered brain injury across Texas.