Treatment

Treatment for PTSD at a Maui Recovery involves evidence-based therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), Experiential therapies, and mindfulness practices. Our holistic approach aims to alleviate trauma’s impact, fostering healing, resilience, and personal growth amidst Maui’s tranquil surroundings.

What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Such events might include natural disasters, severe accidents, combat, sexual assaults, or any situation that poses a threat of serious injury or death. Those with PTSD often find themselves reliving the traumatic event through distressing memories, nightmares, or flashbacks, which can feel as real and intense as when the event originally occurred.

The impact of PTSD extends beyond these intrusive memories. Individuals with the disorder might experience heightened alertness or a “fight or flight” response even in non-threatening situations, leading to difficulty sleeping, irritability, and an aversion to places or activities that remind them of the trauma. They may also experience feelings of guilt, detachment from loved ones, and a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities. Over time, untreated PTSD can have cascading effects on one’s physical and mental well-being.

6 Facts about PTSD

PTSD is more common than many people think.

  • Roughly 8 million adults in the United States will experience PTSD each year
  • It’s also estimated that 7-8% of the United States population will have PTSD at some point in their lives

Anyone who has experienced a traumatic event is at risk for PTSD.

  • Combat or other warlike events
  • Vehicle accidents
  • Natural disasters
  • Sexual assault
  • Child abuse
  • Brutal violence
  • Life-threatening medical incident

PTSD symptoms typically fall within four major categories.

  • Intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares
  • Avoidance of people, places, or activities that remind them of the trauma
  • Increased feelings of hyper-vigilant
  • Extreme negative thoughts and feelings

The PTSD journey is not the same for any two people.

  • The onset of PTSD can vary. Some people can go for several months without showing or experiencing any symptoms. In contrast, others may experience shortly after watching a movie that depicts a traumatic event similar to what they experienced
  • For some people, the symptoms may not arise for many years after they have lived through the trauma

When it comes to the treatment of PTSD, therapy has been shown to be highly effective.

  • Cognitive Processing Therapy, also known as CPT
  • Prolonged Exposure Therapy

Support is an essential key to treatment. Loved ones should do the following to show their support:

  • Educate themselves on what PTSD is and what their loved one is struggling with.
  • Let the loved ones know that they have support but are not required to talk about the traumatic event until they are ready.
  • Understand that their loved one may be acting out of character due to PTSD.
  • Encourage the loved one to seek help or treatment.

What are the Symptoms or Signs of PTSD?

To be diagnosed with PTSD, an adult must have experienced all the following for at least one month:

  • At least one re-experiencing symptom
  • At least one avoidance symptom
  • At least two arousal and reactivity symptoms
  • At least two cognition and mood symptoms

Children’s symptoms may not be the same as adult’s.

  • Wetting the bed after having learned to use the toilet
  • Forgetting how to or being unable to talk
  • Acting out the scary event during playtime
  • Being unusually clingy with a parent or other adult

Understanding Complex PTSD

Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) is a variation of PTSD that results from prolonged, repeated exposure to traumatic events, often occurring during crucial developmental periods such as childhood. It’s commonly seen in those who’ve experienced long-term abuse, neglect, or exposure to ongoing conflict or violence. Unlike the triggers for standard PTSD, which can stem from a single event, C-PTSD arises from enduring harmful situations over extended periods.

Symptoms of C-PTSD overlap with PTSD but also include challenges in regulating emotions, persistent feelings of shame or guilt, difficulty with relationships due to distrust or feelings of isolation, and a distorted perception of the perpetrator, which might involve a preoccupation with revenge or feelings of captivity. Recognizing the unique characteristics and origins of C-PTSD is essential for providing specialized care and understanding.

PTSD Statistics

About 10 of every 100 women (or 10%) develop PTSD sometime in their lives compared with about 4 of every 100 men (or 4%).

46.4% of people with PTSD also meet the criteria for a substance use disorder.

Twenty percent of people who experience a traumatic event will develop PTSD.

The amount of mild, moderate, and severe cases is nearly equal, with 36.6% of cases being severe, 33.1% being moderate, and 30.2% mild.

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Amory Mowrey

MPH | Executive Director | CASAC-T | CRPA | CARC

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Tricia Silva

Licensed Mental Health Counselor | Board Certified Member of the NBCC

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Zanny

Trauma Therapist | NLP

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Dr. Reza Danesh

Medical Director | MD

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Dr. Bradley Kuo

DNP, M.Ed., FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, CARN-AP

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Tania Lynch

MSN, MPH, APRN, PMHNP-BC

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MSN, APRN-RX, PMHNP-BC

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Operations Manager

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Recovery Therapy | Leadership Training.

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