Choosing In-Patient or Out-Patient Care for PTSD

Choosing Inpatient or Outpatient Care for PTSD

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Fearfulness, stress, and anxious feelings are common after either witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event. In many cases, these symptoms lighten and eventually disappear as time passes. However, if they worsen instead of improving, this may signify the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This serious mental health condition can disrupt an individual’s day-to-day life. It makes tasks extremely difficult to complete and takes the joy out of previously enjoyable things. 

A common myth surrounding PTSD is that only war veterans experience the condition. The reality is that it can happen to anyone. If you believe that you or a loved one may be facing PTSD, don’t wait to seek treatment.

As many as 3.6% of U.S. adults in the previous year are affected by this condition. With a lifetime prevalence of 6.8%, PTSD spans far and wide. There are many symptoms involved in PTSD, including re-experiencing, avoidance, reactivity, and issues regarding cognition and mood. 

Comparing Treatments for PTSD

When left untreated, the effects of PTSD can seriously impact a person’s daily life and overall well-being. The symptoms of the disorder can progress to higher severity levels and lead to other harmful mental health concerns. These may include but are not limited to depression, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts or attempts. Fortunately, PTSD is treatable and studies have proven the following methods to be very successful.

Therapy

Trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), a sub-branch of psychotherapy (talk therapy), is the most common form of treatment for PTSD. This branch of CBT is geared specifically toward people facing the challenging aftermath of trauma. TF-CBT is an evidence-based option and aids in the ultimate goal of overcoming PTSD.

Multiple studies support and show just how effective and successful this therapy is in combatting the effects of PTSD. It can be found in many all-encompassing treatment plans, whether outpatient or inpatient style.

Medication

In addition to therapy, medication can also be prescribed in both inpatient and outpatient programs to help relieve symptoms of PTSD. One common form of medication used is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a kind of antidepressant medication. This helps to increase the levels of serotonin in the brain. More serotonin means more stabilized moods, appetite, and sleep.

Other medications prescribed to help combat PTSD symptoms may include antianxiety medication and sleep aids. Both of these medications assist in counteracting anxiety and helping to alleviate nightmares and trouble with sleep. 

Inpatient Treatment

Residential or inpatient treatment is widely used in the treatment of PTSD and other trauma-related conditions. These programs provide professional care day and night within a wonderfully cozy residential-style environment. Participants feel at home with full-time access to caring staff members. Additionally, inpatient programs give them the benefit of gaining camaraderie with a range of individuals who are also on similar journeys.

In advanced cases of PTSD, inpatient care can be crucial to recovery. People can put aside their worldly worries and stress and focus solely on their mental health recovery. This new environment can be the catalyst some people need to find their footing again in life. Deciding to go all-in on mental health by choosing inpatient care isn’t easy, but it can be an incredibly beneficial step for many people.

Outpatient Treatment

If inpatient care doesn’t sound like the right fit, there’s another option that can be equally effective in treating PTSD. Outpatient programs utilize all of the same successful treatment forms that inpatient care plans offer, just without the residential setting. These programs allow individuals the freedom and flexibility they need to continue their daily life and responsibilities while still receiving quality treatment.

Outpatient treatment is a great option for those who still need to work or tend to things at home. With programs such as this, participants are in control of their schedule and have the ability to work their appointments around other responsibilities in life. Depending on the individual’s unique circumstances, they may find they need the flexibility that outpatient plans can offer. If someone is still unsure what the best choice is for them, a consultation can help. 

PTSD and Me: Finding Freedom Again

It can be difficult to know when to reach out for help. It’s even harder to actually make that call. However, putting the fear and difficulty aside for a moment can help people achieve great mental health improvement.

Facing the challenges of PTSD is hard. The thing is, treatment can help take that all away. There is a beautiful world out there that’s free of the burdens of PTSD. Anyone who has suffered through a traumatizing experience is still an incredible human being who has survived despite the odds. They have a powerful story to share and a happy future to live. Why not make the move today and start the treatment path to freedom?

The burden of PTSD can be insurmountable. It is a heavy weight, but you do not have to carry it alone. Let us help shoulder this burden so you can take the time you need to heal. At Alter Behavioral Health, your happiness is important to us. We can show you the life you were meant to live outside of the challenges of PTSD. There is so much joy and laughter waiting for you to take hold of it. Call us today at (866) 691-4386. We aren’t just another health care facility. We are real people who care deeply about you and your future beyond PTSD. Whatever you need and whenever you need us, we will be there for you. 

The Co-Occurring Disorders of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)

The Co-Occurring Disorders of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)

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Dealing with intense amounts of worry and/or stress can result in moments of dissociation. This condition comes as the mind’s natural coping mechanism of “pulling away” when one endures too much pressure too often. Dissociative disorders are defined as mental illnesses “characterized by an involuntary escape from reality.” This cognitive pullback looks like a “disconnection between thoughts, identity, consciousness, and memory.”

It is estimated that roughly 75% of individuals experience dissociation at some point during their lifetime. However, only about two percent meet the requirements to be diagnosed with a chronic dissociative condition.

What Is Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)?

Dissociative identity disorder (DID) was previously known as multiple personality disorder. DID is a severe form of dissociation that involves amnesia-like symptoms. These are characterized by recurrent memory gaps where individuals cannot recall personal information, recent events, or essential facts.

While there are multiple forms of dissociative disorders, DID is individualized by the involvement of two or more distinct identities. These appear as unique personalities that exist simultaneously within a person who attempts to take control. They often have different names with independent likes, traits, and mannerisms. 

In the past, predominantly women were diagnosed with such conditions. However, research has shown that it occurs in men as well. One study indicates that men only seem to take up a smaller percentage due to being less likely to seek professional care. Per the data, men with dissociation have a higher chance of landing in legal trouble versus the health system.

Co-Occurring Disorders at a Glance

Co-occurring disorders, also called comorbid conditions, occur when two or more conditions occur simultaneously within an individual. Having multiple conditions leads to interactions between disorders that often irritate each others’ symptoms. Despite these interactions, the conditions remain independent of each other. DID is widely known to co-occur with other mental health disorders. 

Comorbidity Among Individuals With DID

There are many comorbid conditions associated with DID. Proper diagnosis is essential before beginning any form of treatment. Facing any mental health disorder can be very challenging, especially without guidance from experts in the field. Below are some of the most common conditions that co-exist in individuals who face DID. 

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

BPD has been diagnosed in a range of 30%-70% of individuals with DID. This disorder generally begins during a person’s adolescent years or early adulthood. It is defined by the National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorders (NEA BPD) as “a serious mental illness that centers on the inability to manage emotions effectively.” Its primary symptoms involve an individual’s emotions. These symptoms may vary depending on the type of BPD diagnosed. 

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Given that both DID and PTSD are trauma-related conditions, it comes as no surprise these are well-known comorbid conditions. PTSD is a serious mental health disorder that is the result of undergoing or witnessing a traumatic circumstance.

It is a common misunderstanding that PTSD is exclusively found in war veterans. However, this condition can develop in anyone after experiencing a traumatic event. The most common symptom is extreme terror, which initiates a “fight or flight” reaction in the body to prevent personal harm.

Depression

Studies have shown depression to be very common among DID patients. An estimated 280 million people across the globe face depression. It comes in various types and has also been called clinical depression. While the different forms of depression have distinct markers that individualize them, all variants involve a constant sense of unhappiness or sorrow. Major depressive disorder (MDD) is the most common form found to co-occur with DID. 

Treating DID and Comorbid Conditions

Dissociative disorders like DID and their co-existing conditions can be treated. All it takes to get started is getting in touch with a professional to initiate the diagnosis process. This typically involves an initial patient intake with a physical and mental evaluation. Once a diagnosis has been established, the next step is to begin treatment. Treatment programs vary depending on an individual’s unique needs.

Trauma-related conditions can often be treated with medication. These prescriptions can ease the symptoms that trauma inflicts on a person. Medicine can also aid in treating comorbid conditions like depression and BPD. Antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can assist by increasing the level of serotonin in an individual. This boost helps control mood and appetite. It has also been known to aid in sleep troubles associated with DID. 

Psychotherapy is another highly effective treatment for DID and co-occurring disorders like depression, BPD, and PTSD. The most common form of therapy for these disorders is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). This type of therapy helps the individual learn how to recognize distinct triggers and damaging thought habits. Then, the person can work through these matters as they go and eventually retrain the brain to higher positivity and productivity. 

Achieving a Happy Future

When DID takes over and its comorbid conditions are impacting an individual’s everyday life, it’s important to reach out for help. Everyone deserves a life of happiness without the weight of mental health concerns. By being proactive and taking the proper steps to better themselves and their mind, individuals ensure a future that they can genuinely look forward to living.

The challenges of DID can be especially difficult when dealing with other mental health concerns. Conditions like depression can pull you down, making you feel like giving up. Your story matters to us. At Alter Behavioral Health, we believe your future chapters in life can be beautifully written. Never give up and never give in. We can help you and be the rock you need to build a solid foundation for your mental health journey. Let us guide you through your DID and comorbid disorders toward a bright and happy future. Chapter one starts with one phone call that will change your life for the better. Call us today at (866) 691-4386 and let’s write the rest with you.