How to Treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder after a Car Accident
You may already know that car accidents are a leading cause of brain trauma, spinal cord injuries, and whiplash. What you may not know, though, is that the psychological effects of a serious collision can be just as debilitating as the physical wounds.
According to the American Psychological Association, motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of post-traumatic stress disorder in the United States. Many people with PTSD do not seek treatment due to the high cost of medical care, but if left untreated, PTSD can affect your relationships, career, and enjoyment in life.
If your PTSD was a result of a car accident with a negligent driver, you may be entitled to compensation to pay for treatment. An injury lawyer from Rensch & Rensch Law can evaluate your case to determine if you have grounds for a claim.
Our lawyers have more than 45 years of combined legal experience. Call 1-800-471-4100 to schedule a free initial consultation with an accident attorney in Omaha.
PTSD Treatment Typically Involves Psychotherapy and Medication
A combination of psychotherapy and medication can treat the symptoms of PTSD and possibly help patients make a full recovery. Your doctor will likely recommend two types of psychotherapy: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy.
The goal of CBT is to help you identify and change irrational thoughts that cause your PTSD symptoms. Your therapist will help you replace those thoughts with less stressful, more accurate thoughts. You will also learn effective strategies to cope with depression, fear, guilt, and anger. If you feel irrational guilt about an accident that you did not cause—which is common when someone dies—CBT will help you understand that the traumatic event was not your fault.
The goal of exposure therapy is to change how you react to traumatic memories. It involves openly discussing your accident with a therapist, which will be difficult at first but over time will become easier and less stressful. As a result, you will learn not to be afraid of stressful memories. This process is called “desensitization.”
Medications for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
People with PTSD often feel depressed and anxious. Antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can reduce these feelings and help patients cope in the short-term.
Group Therapy
PTSD is incredibly common, and interacting with people who have had similar experiences can help you feel more comfortable expressing your thoughts. Group therapy may help you cope with traumatic memories, depression, and other symptoms of PTSD.
If you currently suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder because you were injured by a negligent driver, you should not have to pay for treatment out of your own pocket. An Omaha injury lawyer from Rensch & Rensch Law can evaluate your case to determine if you have grounds for a personal injury claim.
Our attorneys have litigated more than 100 jury trials, and we will compassionately represent your interests. Call 1-800-471-4100 today to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury attorney in Nebraska.
