Is Medication Enough?

[bell]

I agree with TeaLeaf. It's most likely going to take a matter of months, not weeks to get to the real work. And, many times, it gets worse before it gets better. But... the good news is that it does get better. It's just a rocky road to start. Sometimes a very rocky road. And, every once in awhile I meltdown (less than I was when I started therapy a year ago for PTSD), and it's 3 steps back, 2 steps forward for awhile until I get back on my feet.

And, I've been in CBT, and it's not like the doctor/therapist announces, "This is CBT." It just is. Therefore, he may be doing CBT work, but not know it. As my doctor reminds me all the time, it's like peeling the layers of an onion... and this crap goes deep. And sometimes you're talking about the trauma from long ago and something weird that happened yesterday pops up... i.e., it can be all over the place up in therapy, but it's a wonderful step that he is in therapy.

 

[LizardViolet]

When I experienced secondary trauma symptoms, I went straight to a therapist with an EMDR certification. CBT is helpful for some, but sometimes you can't just talk yourself out of having triggers. EMDR addresses the underlying trauma and the way trauma rewires the brain. You and your fellow might look into it.

 

[Mistyeyed2013]

That's comforting to know...thanks for your input. I've never been to therapy so I don't know how it works. I'll just wait it out to see how it goes with his therapy. I guess I'm just anxious to get it done but I know it doesn't work that way.

 

[Abstract]

Hi Misty,

Has meds been enough for those with PTSD or complex PTSD??

Never ever.

If he has complex trauma you are talking about years of therapy I am afraid. He needs to process the trauma but if he doesn't have the correct coping skills and other means of managing doing that then he could be re traumatised or end up in a very dangerous situation and if he has anger issues that could be very problematic for you.

When he processes the trauma expect things to get worse. Normally smptoms step up a lot and if someone isn't properly managed then that can dangerous.

It seems the first priority will be a bit of trust with his t and then anger management followed by coping skills. Then you start processing the trauma and there are many stages to that. Remember too that growing up with abuse almost always means personality issues develop and those have to be resolved as well and can take longer.

I am afraid that a lot of times progress doesn't look like progress for a long time.

 

[ashdawn8287]

CBT has worked wonders on me. Therapy is a slow process and because of his deep rooted issues they are going to start with surface issues and eventually begin to peel back the layers. Think of it as an onion and peeling back the layers to get to the root.

Don't rush him. He has been through a lot. Seems like the trauma has accumulated over the years. With CBT I literally had to change the way I think and process information-that takes times and everyone heals at there own rate.

 

[Spiderallis]

Complex trauma can make therapy go a little slower- it slows down the process of building trust. If the therapist is working at a pace which is comfortable for your sweetie, they might be a great therapist to help him. Medication alone won't change anything, but it is a very helpful tool for the work ahead.

CBT can be amazing. There's also an offshoot of CBT called DBT, dialectical behavior therapy. It was first created to treat borderline personality disorder so it's not as easy to find trauma-specific research on DBT, but the few studies I found showed very promising results. Complex type traumas share a lot of common ground with the causes of Borderline, so it makes sense. I'm only a few weeks into DBT, but it's already helping me a lot. CBT is a great choice. If that doesn't address all the things he wants to work on, DBT is another option. I'm glad he's got your support.

 

[Abstract]

Just wanted to come back here as I realised I may have come across as a little bit doom and gloom! I just didn't want you to to be despairing in two weeks or a months time when you realise all is not sorted.

I think it's important to prioritise anything that is affecting general functioning for you both first.

I think he needs some type of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and/or some type of anger management therapy

This struck me when I read this again. Is his therapist a trauma specialist? It may be worthwhile finding out what approach the therapist uses. CBT is one example of an approach. He may also not be discussing the anger issues with the T and the T may therefore not prioritise something like this. I think you instincts on this sound spot on to me. It sounds like doing both would be a very important priority at present. For you both.

Personally CBT didn't do it for me but it works very well for most people and is an excellent first step.

I will say that I personally believe the deeper healing comes from other types of therapy for a lot of people but that can wait.

Does the T have a website that you can glean some of this information from? Can you ask for a joint session as it may give a much more accurate indication of how he is if you have some input too?

It is normally the deeper types of complex trauma related problems that take the longest to tackle. Such as attachment disorders and personality issues. I agree too with Spiderallis that it can just slow down treatment and make it more complicated. I recently have started viewing it as forming an obstacle course around the trauma that impedes dealing with it. All these things can be helped though and I just wanted to make sure that it comes across that I do totally believe in recovery. And as one goes along there can be real help in symptoms and management.

If he thinks he is all better that is probably a bit of denial but as long as he is still being treated that is the main thing.

 

[Mistyeyed2013]

Thanks for everyone's input. My BF is seeing a neuropsychologist. I don't know that I can attend therapy with him yet. Doesn't he have to work on his issues before we start working on ours? I really don't know.

 

[Abstract]

Hi Misty,

It's just an idea and sorry if I wasn't clear. I did not mean to have a joint therapy session to work on your relationship and rather to give the t input on how he is. It's not essential. As for the approach and content of his therapy, if you trust the direction T is going for him then there is no need to do anything else.

 

[Mistyeyed2013]

Thanks Abstract. I appreciate all input...trust me.

 

[Abstract]

https://www.myptsd.com/threads/what-is-a-trauma-therapist.16495/

This might help too. Directive and CBT therapy doesn't suit me personally but there is a lot of relevant info in here.

 

[Mistyeyed2013]

Thank you soooo much! I enjoyed the link and will read it again when I have more time. :)