“MEDICATION FOR MY CPTSD”

I am not a psychopharmacologist so I cannot answer your question.

I am not an MD, a psychiatrist, so I am not the best person to ask about medication combinations. Given your description of your history and symptoms, however, I hope that in addition to medication treatment, you are receiving or plan to receive individual psychotherapy. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in combination with medical treatment has been shown to be more effective in treating panic than medication alone. In terms of dealing with trauma, there are many methods and practitioners. I would urge you to approach finding a therapist as an active process in which you have agency and choices to make. In an introductory session or sessions, pay particular attention to how curious and attentive the therapist seems to be. Do they ask good follow-up questions, and give you time to elaborate on your answers? Do they seem comfortable with not knowing everything about you right away? Or do they seem anxious to jump to conclusions about who you are, how you got to be like this, and what you need? The person who presents themselves in the most authoritative way is not always the wisest or most effective practitioner. Give yourself time to find someone who is respectful and makes you feel heard.

Hello, thank you for reaching out, and I appreciate your understanding as I provide an honest response to your inquiry. I regret to hear that you've been grappling with this challenging situation. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that is typically considered chronic, requiring ongoing management rather than quick resolution. Despite its persistent nature, the positive news is that it can be effectively managed through appropriate therapy and, in some cases, medication. It's essential to note that as of today, Complex PTSD (CPTSD) is not officially recognized as a diagnostic term in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manuel of Mental Health Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). I do understand that terminally is commonly used to emphasize childhood trauma but again the diagnosable term is still PTSD. The American Psychiatric Association defines diagnostic terms to facilitate clear communication within the medical community, including physicians and insurance providers. I personally believe it will be added sometime in the future. I want to emphasize that addressing your question solely in the context of medication is challenging without knowledge of the psychological services you've received. It would be inappropriate for me to recommend or discuss medication without a comprehensive understanding of your unique situation and therapeutic history. Treating PTSD involves a multifaceted approach, and medication is just one component. Considering your age and the likelihood that much of the trauma occurred in childhood, it's crucial to explore therapeutic interventions tailored to address these specific issues. Various therapeutic approaches, such as somatic therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Narrative therapy, have proven effective in dealing with childhood trauma. Narrative therapy, in particular, has shown success in addressing such experiences. I understand this may not be the definitive answer you were seeking, but my intention is to uphold ethical standards and express genuine concern for your well-being. If you're comfortable sharing more information, I may be able to offer a more informed perspective. However, please be aware that any opinion provided would still be limited without a comprehensive understanding of your entire history and a proper assessment. Lastly, it's worth noting that while Zoloft (sertraline) is sometimes used in conjunction with other medications, I cannot speak to its appropriateness for your situation without a thorough understanding of your medical history. I hope this explanation clarifies my response and guides you on the next steps in your journey towards healing. Dr. Carrie Jacobs Carrie Jacobs PSYD, LLC Psychologist Clinical Sexologist ABS #21156 818.419.4582 <mailto:Carrie@drcarriejacobs.com> Carrie@drcarriejacobs.com DrCarrieJacobs.com