After a traumatic event, it is preferable to seek care from a general practitioner trained in this type of care, or from a psychiatrist. The treatment of ptsd therapy is based on psychotherapeutic measures that can be supplemented by the prescription of medication.

What are the treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder?

The treatment of post-traumatic stress syndrome uses behavioral and cognitive therapies, EMDR, a technique of desensitization and reprogramming through eye movements developed in the 1980s in the United States, hypnosis or to sophrology. They have all shown some effectiveness in its treatment. Hypnosis can be beneficial for symptoms such as anxiety, nightmares, or pain. Some antidepressant medications also have a beneficial effect.

What medications are used for post-traumatic stress?

Certain antidepressant medications also have a beneficial action, demonstrated in clinical studies, even if the person is not depressed. Paroxetine (Déroxat, Divarius and generics) and sertraline (Zoloft and generics) are the only molecules with an official indication in the treatment of post-traumatic stress. If this fails, another antidepressant may be prescribed by the psychiatrist. If sleep problems are significant, hypnotic treatment may be offered.

Treatments can be implemented as soon as stress becomes abnormally persistent (more than a month after the traumatic event). In general, their positive effects are felt after three to four months.