Because PTSD often occurs at the same time as other physiological and mental health disorders, PTSD symptoms may be masked or difficult to identify. Trauma survivors may also experience headaches, chest pain, digestive or gynecological problems as well. However, there is a growing number of clinicians who are skilled at recognizing PTSD and still others who are specializing in treatment of traumatic stress disorders. If you think you might have PTSD you should seek professional help for a thorough physical and mental health assessment. A person who has survived a traumatic event will probably never feel as if the event didn't happen, but the disruptive, distressing effects of PTSD are completely treatable.
Treatment involves both managing symptoms and working through the traumatic event.
Most experts agree that psychotherapy is an important part of recovery. Medications can help reduce some symptoms allowing psychotherapy to be more effective. Sidran Foundation is the only national nonprofit, charitable organization specifically devoted to providing mental health information and referral services, technical assistance, resources, publications, and education to survivors of psychological trauma, their supportive family members and mental health care service providers. Our mission is to support trauma survivors through advocacy, education and research. The Sidran Press publishes books and educational materials on traumatic stress and dissociative conditions.