PTSD and its Response to Traditional Treatment
Author: Blake Estape L.Ac.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a common condition. World-wide, it is estimated that up to 70% of people experience a traumatic event at some point in their life. At any given time, about 8 million people in the U.S. suffer from symptoms of PTSD. These include nightmares, persistent memories of traumatic events, avoidant behavior, heightened anxiety, depression, trouble sleeping, self-destructive behavior, irritability and a sense of feeling overwhelmed. The intensity of these symptoms can fluctuate but persist over long periods.
June is PTSD Awareness Month and I wanted to take a moment to address this difficult condition. Thankfully humans are a resilient species and can learn to overcome these troubles, but for some more proactive help is necessary. Unfortunately there are a number of barriers that make obtaining help a challenge. Recognizing and acknowledging the symptoms of PTSD may be difficult for some survivors, especially if avoidance behavior makes speaking about their trauma more difficult. Treatment for PTSD, which ordinarily includes medication and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can also be prohibitively expensive or hard to obtain.
Traditional Medicine for PTSD and How it can Help
A number of studies have proven acupuncture’s effect on the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which is the primary controller of our Fight, Flight or Freeze response. By down-regulating a hyperactive ANS, acupuncture can reduce the biological effects of heightened stress and break the self-perpetuating cycle of stress -> feel bad -> more stress. In even more extensive effects, acupuncture has been shown to moderate the brain’s limbic system in the regulation of emotional disorders.
Additionally, concurrent use of herbal medicine saw impressive results. When compared to a placebo, 20% more patients saw dramatic reductions in primary when taking an herbal formula. Further improvements were noted in secondary symptoms such as depression and insomnia.
Ideally these holistic measures can and should be taken with traditional treatments such as CBT to increase efficacy and reduce the need for prolonged medication. When used appropriately, studies have shown that most patients can improve to the point where they would no longer be classified as suffering from PTSD.
Especially following the difficult year we have all suffered, it is important to pay attention to our mental state and those of the people we love. Recognition of potential PTSD symptoms is the first step to treatment. If you suspect you may be suffering from PTSD or related symptoms, or you know someone who may, reach out for help.
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