PTSD Treatments: Psychiatric Medication vs. Art Therapies

By Harley Braun

What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder?

Defined as a stress-related disorder that can be experienced by adults and children

Must be triggered by exposure to one or more of the following:

Directly experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event

Learning that a tragic event occurred to a close friend/family member

Being constantly exposed to extreme details of the event (smell, sight, etc.)

Symptoms of PTSD Re-experiencing the event

Avoiding certain situations that may bring back memories of the event

negative changes in beliefs and feelings

hyper arousal

nightmares

flashbacks

Avoiding large social settings

Trouble sleeping

Trouble concentrating

Startled easily

Pros and Cons of Drug Therapy

PROS The use of antidepressants

can be helpful to lessen sadness/depression that comes along with PTSD

The use of anti-anxiety meds can reduce symptoms of hyper arousal

In some cases PTSD patients may have underlying mental health issues that need to be addressed and certain medications are able to help ease their hidden symptoms

CONS All psychiatric medication

has potential side effects Nausea, dizziness,

insomnia, restlessness, decrease in sex drive, increased anxiety, weight changes, tremors, sweating, sleepiness/fatigue, dry mouth, diarrhea, constipation, blurred vision, skin rashes, change in appetite, rapid heart beat etc.

**increase risk of suicide/depression**

Art TherapyOftentimes individuals with PTSD have difficulty

expressing themselves and verbalizing their experiences

Art therapy offers a means of expression and communication in an alternative way to traditional treatment methods

Art therapy can include but is not limited to: Drawing Painting Music therapy Singing

Art Therapy

“Through art, participants were able to express positive feelings, externalize difficult emotions and gain insight into their PTSD symptoms,”

Cheryl Miller