1. Take the PTSD Quiz!
2. Stress-Reducing Foods Slideshow
3. Take the Panic Attacks Quiz!

Medical Author:

Maria Pease, MD

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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There are several types of therapy for PTSD. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic therapy are the two main branches of treatment. There are a few different types of CBT as well. Many clinicians use both and integrate them into the work that they will do with you.

CBT cognitive behavior therapy for PTSD involves two main aspects. First there is exposure therapy.

1. This can be done verbally by talking about the memories and learning to process these memories or cues and get past them.
2. You can also do eye movement therapy called EMDR. During eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, you talk about the trauma while you follow the therapist's finger with your eyes. This helps your brain process your memories and reduce your "overanxious" response to the memories.
3. Another new type of exposure therapy is called virtual reality exposure. You are placed in a virtual world that immerses you in your trauma and prevents you from avoiding it. You relive it with the help of your therapist to decrease your "over-responsiveness" to the past trauma.

Psychodynamic psychotherapy focuses on identifying current life situations that you were previously unaware of that may be setting off traumatic memories and worsening PTSD symptoms. You get help coping with intense feelings from the past. It helps you become more aware of your current feelings so that you can change your reactions to them. This therapy helps you understand how your past affects the way you feel now.

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