PTSD: recognize and treat
When trauma persists
Dr. Chloé Vidal
Psychiatrist
A response to extreme trauma
Post-traumatic stress disorder occurs after exposure to a traumatic event (attack, accident, violence, war, abuse). About 6% of the population will be affected during their lifetime.
Symptoms
- Re-experiencing: flashbacks, nightmares, distress upon reminder
- Avoidance of related places, people, thoughts
- Negative alterations in mood and cognition
- Hyperarousal: irritability, hypervigilance, sleep disturbances
First-line treatments
Trauma-focused CBT, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), prolonged exposure therapy. Effectiveness demonstrated.
Medications
SSRIs (sertraline, paroxetine): first-line. Prazosin for nightmares. Avoid benzodiazepines (worsen the disease in the long term).
Innovative approaches
MDMA-assisted therapy in clinical trials. Group therapies, social and family support are essential.
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