Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN)
Low‑dose naltrexone (LDN) is a low dose of naltrexone that is thought to briefly block opioid receptors to boost natural endorphins and support immune balance.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that develops in some people who have experienced or witnessed a shocking, scary, or dangerous event. The event could be a natural disaster, serious accident, terrorist act, combat, physical or sexual assault, abuse, or the sudden and unexpected death of someone close. As a result of the trauma, PTSD may occur in men or women of all ages.
It’s natural to feel afraid during and after a dangerous or shocking situation. Nearly everyone will experience short-term stress symptoms after trauma, but many people recover naturally. However, if symptoms last longer than a month or are severe enough to make work or life difficult, it may be post-traumatic stress disorder.
Belmar Pharmacy compounds medications, including low dose naltrexone (LDN), in a variety of dosage forms and strengths as adjunctive therapy to help with symptoms of PTSD such as anxiety, depression, anger outbursts, nightmares, and other sleep issues.
Belmar Pharmacy’s PTSD Medication Offerings
About Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Causes
The causes of PTSD are lingering effects of experiencing a traumatic event. About one in three people who experience severe trauma develop PTSD. There is no definitive answer as to why some people develop PTSD while others don’t.
Researchers have found two physical differences in people with PTSD. One difference is that the hippocampus (one part of the brain) appears to be smaller in people with PTSD. A malfunctioning hippocampus could keep the brain from processing trauma normally, leading to PTSD.
The second difference is that people with PTSD have abnormally high levels of stress hormones, which could cause arousal and reactivity symptoms beyond one’s control.
However, it’s unclear which comes first. Does PTSD cause changes in the body, or do physical differences make you a person susceptible to PTSD?
Diagnosis
PTSD is diagnosed by its symptoms. There are no physical tests for it. However, healthcare providers may perform a physical exam to check for medical issues that could be worsening symptoms. A psychological evaluation that includes a discussion of symptoms and the event(s) that led to them is also necessary.
There are four types of PTSD symptoms: intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and mood, and changes in physical and emotional reactions. Men and women diagnosed with PTSD often experience all four types of symptoms in some form, but they vary from person to person. To be diagnosed with PTSD, a person typically has symptoms in all four categories for at least a month.
The course of this disorder also varies. In most cases of PTSD, symptoms start soon after the traumatic event (early onset). However, others may not have any symptoms until 6 months afterwards or more (delayed-onset). Without treatment, these difficult symptoms can last for years or even a lifetime.
PTSD is often also accompanied by depression, anxiety, or substance abuse. PTSD can interfere with daily life and lead to problems in relationships with friends, family, and coworkers. Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms can also affect physical health, potentially raising the risk of heart disease and digestive disorders.
Commonly Asked Questions About PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that results from witnessing or being part of a terrifying life event. It could be the result of being in military combat, witnessing a natural disaster, seeing a loved one suffer a fatality, or any other event or situation that leads to long-term fear, stress, and anxiety, among other symptoms. For some people with post-traumatic stress disorder, they are unable to function at work or at home because of negative thoughts, depression, or emotional issues.
Symptoms of PTSD typically begin within the first 3 months of a traumatic event, but sometimes don’t appear until as long as a year after. Symptoms may include intrusive thoughts, memories, and nightmares about the tragic event, and avoidance behaviors, such as not being able to be in a certain location or with people who remind you of the event.
Negative changes in thinking and mood are also common for people diagnosed with PTSD. They may have daily negative thoughts about people and the world in general, or ongoing emotions of fear, blame, anger, guilt, or shame. PTSD can lead to feelings of doom, loneliness, and no longer being interested in activities or hobbies that once brought pleasure. Some people with PTSD describe feeling “emotionally numb” in their daily lives.
Other PTSD symptoms may include sleep disorders, self-destructive behaviors, alcohol or drug abuse, and irritability or aggressive outbursts.
Treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder often includes a combination of psychotherapy (talking to a licensed professional) and exposure therapy. Exposure therapy is a way to safely face the fears and memories of the traumatic event so it becomes manageable in daily life.
Additionally, treatment for PTSD may involve medications like antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs, or a compounded form of low dose naltrexone (LDN). Low dose naltrexone can help address depression and anxiety, chronic fatigue, anger outbursts, nightmares, and sleep problems related to post-traumatic stress disorder.
