Mental Health and Wellbeing
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
At Paracelsus Recovery, we recognise that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a deeply challenging and complex mental health condition. Our treatment programmes for PTSD use the latest psychotherapeutic techniques and biochemical restoration practices to heal the whole person – mind, body and soul.
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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition characterised by traumatic stress that has worsened or remained unchanged over an extended period of time. Traumatic stress occurs when a distressing event overwhelms the nervous system, leaving a person unable to process what they went through. Traumatic stress can be triggered by a single event such as a car accident, sexual and physical assault or a near-death experience. It can also arise in response to numerous persistently frightening experiences such as domestic abuse. Traumatic stress should ease over time as the mind and body processes what happened but if the event was too traumatic to process and symptoms do not lessen, then PTSD can occur.
‘Moderate’ symptoms of traumatic stress will make a person feel irritable, unfocused, exhausted and have trouble sleeping. Severe symptoms will manifest as intrusive memories, night terrors, flashbacks of the traumatic event and tremors.
When we think of PTSD, we often think of war or terrible tragedies, but while these events can certainly cause PTSD, it can also be triggered by more subtle difficulties. For example, becoming famous overnight and suddenly having to navigate frenzies of paparazzi and stalkers could trigger symptoms of PTSD.
Symptoms of PTSD are usually categorised into three groups:
Re-experiencing symptoms or reliving the traumatic event
Intrusive, upsetting thoughts and memories.
Flashbacks or reliving the event.
Nightmares of the traumatic event or other frightening things.
Intense distress brought about by reminders of the traumatic event.
Strong physical reactions to reminders of the trauma such as nausea, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, muscle tension or sweating.
Avoidance of events that trigger memories of the trauma
Avoidance of places, activities, feelings or thoughts that remind you of the traumatic event, such as large crowds or frightening movies.
Forgetting certain aspects of the traumatic event.
Loss of enjoyment in certain activities and loss of interest in life in general.
Feelings of emotional numbness or detachment.
A feeling that the future is hopeless or that life may be short.
Anxiety
Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
Feelings of anger, resentment or hostility.
Lack of attention or concentration.
Feelings of being constantly aware and on alert (hypervigilance).
Feeling jumpy or jittery.
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a highly challenging and complex mental health condition which can severely impact a person’s relationships, state of mind, physical health and general quality of life. For people struggling with PTSD, it can feel like they will never get their happiness back, but treatment is available and recovery is possible.
Treatment for PTSD is centered on three pillars
Psychotherapy
We use a range of cutting-edge psychotherapeutic techniques, such as eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) and trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to improve symptoms and to help process what has happened. Each client is also assigned a live-in therapist who will stay in the same residence as the client and be available for emotional support and therapeutic assistance 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Biochemical restoration
We provide extensive biochemical testing to identify all physical imbalances and chemical deficiencies. Based on the results of the testing, we develop an individualised formulation of micronutrients and amino acids that when combined with lifestyle counselling and a healthy diet, help to restore balance. Often, these lifestyle improvements reduce or eliminate symptoms of PTSD.
The mind-body relationship
Just as stress and trauma can live in the body, they can make a person feel ‘detached’ from their body. Our PTSD treatment programmes de-stress the body on an emotional, physical and cellular level by incorporating relaxation techniques such as yoga and massage into our treatment plans.
We can provide treatment for PTSD in our residential treatment centre in Zurich and in London.
FAQs
What is PTSD?
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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that can develop after a highly distressing and traumatic experience. It is a reaction to psychological trauma which develops in response to actual or threatened extreme danger.
What are the different types of PTSD?
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There are three types of PTSD: uncomplicated PTSD, co-morbid PTSD and complex PTSD. Uncomplicated PTSD is the most commonly diagnosed type and is characterised by persistent re-experiencing of the traumatic event, avoidance of any stimuli related to the event and emotional difficulties. Co-morbid PTSD is diagnosed when someone is suffering from both uncomplicated PTSD and another mental health condition. Complex PTSD occurs when an individual has been exposed to prolonged traumatic events such as ongoing sexual abuse in childhood. At Paracelsus Recovery we can treat uncomplicated, co-morbid and complex PTSD at our treatment centre in Zurich and in London.
What is the treatment programme for PTSD at Paracelsus Recovery?
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At Paracelsus Recovery, our PTSD treatment is based upon our core values of empathy and pragmatism. We treat one client at a time to ensure that they receive maximum care and confidentiality. When the client arrives, we carry out extensive assessments to identify all physical and psychological issues that have contributed to the PTSD and any other problems the PTSD has created for the individual. Once the assessments are complete, we tailor-make a unique treatment programme designed to address a client’s specific set of needs.
Is PTSD treated holistically at Paracelsus Recovery?
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Our approach to the treatment of all mental health conditions is focused on holistic medicine, multidisciplinary techniques and pragmatism. Our psychiatrist can prescribe medication but would only do so if the symptoms of PTSD remain severe and unchanged after biochemical restoration and intense therapeutic interventions.
Can PTSD cause substance abuse issues?
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PTSD is a very common cause of substance abuse with the ‘substance’ often used as a coping mechanism due to the psychological pain PTSD can cause. It is also common for the same trauma to trigger both PTSD and substance abuse issues. At Paracelsus Recovery, we ensure that all co-occurring mental health issues are addressed.
Testimonials
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I have been referring to Paracelsus over the past 5 years. I have found the service to be exceptional in every aspect. This is truly a family run service that provides individualised care to their clients. They have managed very complicated presentations with a sensitive, client-centred, well thought trough, evidence-based strategy. It is a privilege to refer to a team of experts whom I can trust to put the needs of my clients first!
