A broad palette, if you are offered it
The treatment of PTSD is based on solid evidence. The directive has been expanded, not limited, in recent years. The question is not whether there is an appropriate treatment, but whether it reaches you.
What a treatment program could look like
EMDR or trauma-oriented cognitive behavioral therapy
The two treatments with the strongest international evidence, aimed at directly processing the traumatic memory.
A broader palette if necessary
Cognitive Processing Therapy, Imaginary Rescripting, concise eclectic psychotherapy (BEPP), narrative exposure therapy (NET) or writing therapy are also recognised options.
Sufficient sessions according to protocol
Each selected therapy is offered at least the recommended number of sessions, unless recovery occurs earlier.
If the result is insufficient: change
If the first treatment does not respond sufficiently, then switching to another trauma-oriented therapy is the recommended next step, do not give up.
For complex PTSD: preparation is individual, not an automatic long phase
A treatment goal can be concrete: travelling to work again, taking a child somewhere or being able to ride as a passenger. In-vivo exposure may address situations that are now safe but have been avoided because of the trauma. What is appropriate and safe belongs in an individual treatment plan; it is not a general instruction to force yourself. Read about PTSD, travel and driving →
Some people can start trauma-focused treatment without a long stabilisation phase; others may benefit from preparation or additional support. The choice should follow an individual assessment and a clear plan with evaluation points.
What you can ask yourself
Ask explicitly about trauma-oriented treatment
EMDR or trauma-oriented CBT are the first choice. Ask specifically if it does not come up on its own.
Ask further about a previous other diagnosis
Have you previously been diagnosed as an anxiety disorder or borderline, and do you also recognise trauma? Discuss this explicitly, it can be complex PTSD.
Don't be too quick to accept 'stabilize first'
Ask what the preparation is meant to achieve, how long it is expected to take and when trauma-focused treatment will be reconsidered. Preparation should not become an indefinite waiting room without evaluation.
Seek free support if you get stuck
If you cannot find a solution with care, an independent client support worker can you think along. That's free.
🏎 Need immediate help?
In case of immediate danger to yourself or someone else: call 112. Are you in distress or are you thinking about suicide? You can call or chat with 113 Suicide Prevention day and night via 0800-0113. Zorgfuik is not a crisis service and cannot solve acute requests for help, but we think it is important that you know where you can go.
Reliable explanation and help
- Thuisarts: PTSS - explanation about signs, help and treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder.
- GGZ Standaarden - care standards and guidelines for Dutch mental healthcare.
Is recognition or diagnosis taking a long time?
Answer a few questions. You do not get a diagnosis or advice, but you do get points and questions you can take into a next conversation.