1. PTSD Treatments: Psychiatric Medication vs. Art Therapies
By Harley Braun

2. What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder?
Defined as a stress-related disorder that can be experienced by adults and children
Must be triggered by exposure to one or more of the following:
Directly experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event
Learning that a tragic event occurred to a close friend/family member
Being constantly exposed to extreme details of the event (smell, sight, etc.)

3. Symptoms of PTSD Re-experiencing the event
Avoiding certain situations that may bring back memories of the event
negative changes in beliefs and feelings
hyper arousal
nightmares
flashbacks
Avoiding large social settings
Trouble sleeping
Trouble concentrating
Startled easily

4. Pros and Cons of Drug Therapy
The use of antidepressants can be helpful to lessen sadness/depression that comes along with PTSD
The use of anti-anxiety meds can reduce symptoms of hyper arousal
In some cases PTSD patients may have underlying mental health issues that need to be addressed and certain medications are able to help ease their hidden symptoms
All psychiatric medication has potential side effects
Nausea, dizziness, insomnia, restlessness, decrease in sex drive, increased anxiety, weight changes, tremors, sweating, sleepiness/fatigue, dry mouth, diarrhea, constipation, blurred vision, skin rashes, change in appetite, rapid heart beat etc.
**increase risk of suicide/depression**

5. Art Therapy
Oftentimes individuals with PTSD have difficulty expressing themselves and verbalizing their experiences
Art therapy offers a means of expression and communication in an alternative way to traditional treatment methods
Art therapy can include but is not limited to:
Drawing
Painting
Music therapy
Singing

6. Art Therapy
“Through art, participants were able to express positive feelings, externalize difficult emotions and gain insight into their PTSD symptoms,” Cheryl Miller