Information Technologies: An Augmentation to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment Among Trauma Survivors

Abstract

This review article presents existing research describing how information technologies can be used to improve mental health services for trauma survivors, either by enhancing existing treatment approaches or as a stand-alone means of delivering trauma-relevant interventions. The potential ways in which technology aids in overcoming barriers to care are first addressed in terms of providing mental health treatment. The use of technologies enables shifting the locus of care from the traditional provider's office to mobile, online, and virtual environments which are less threatening for patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), helping to overcome the core nature of the illness which includes avoidance and increased personal isolation. We then outline how different technological tools can be used for key therapeutic tasks and conclude by discussing key emergent issues that are shaping current and future use of electronic technologies as part of the continuum of care for trauma-related disorders such as PTSD.

Use of Virtual Reality as a Tool to Overcome the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder of Pensioners

“…As can be deduced from other research papers and also from this paper, there are generally positive impacts of VR on human health. [2], [3], [4] VR has a widely positive impact on a person's mental health. It is certain that this modern technology will continue to be developed and refined, making it even more widely applicable in supporting human's health.…”

“…Conclusions from different studies show us that treatment of PTSD is not optimal and very often the use of mood stabilizers, antipsychotics or anxiolytics (anxiety medications) is the core option how to deal with this disease [1], [2]. The use of modern technologies enables moving the spot of care from the traditional provider's office to mobile, online, and virtual environments which are less threatening for patients with PTSD, helping to overcome the core nature of the illness which includes avoidance and increased personal isolation [3]. The aim of this paper is to research whether it is possible to improve the health status of the monitored seniors through the purposeful help of VR.…”

Trauma-Informed Telehealth in the COVID-19 Era and Beyond

“…19 Telehealth is fundamentally more patient-focused than traditional encounters, overcomes service delivery barriers, offers a greater range of options for treatment engagement, and can enhance clinician-patient partnerships. 6,31,32 Although the rapid transition to telehealth may be challenging for those new to it, experienced clinicians and patients express high degrees of satisfaction with virtual care because direct communication is unhampered by in-office challenges and travel logistics. 33 While it may feel daunting to integrate principles of TIC into telehealth during a crisis-driven scale-up, a growing practice and body of research can inform these efforts.…”

Digital Technology Adoption in Psychiatric Care: an Overview of the Contemporary Shift from Technology to Opportunity

“…Additionally, HBTMH might initially decrease the exposure to triggers and would lay the foundation of trust necessary for expanding one's environment when coping with avoidance behaviors as the next therapeutic goal during graduated exposure. For instance, VA medical centers are maledominated settings with potentially difficult trauma cues for female veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma (Azarang et al 2018). Azarang et al (2018) listed various MHapps and their applicability in individuals who have experienced trauma.…”

“…For instance, VA medical centers are maledominated settings with potentially difficult trauma cues for female veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma (Azarang et al 2018). Azarang et al (2018) listed various MHapps and their applicability in individuals who have experienced trauma. The PTSD Coach app is a helpful psychoeducational and selfmanagement tool for trauma survivors, which normalizes distress, helps individuals cope with acute symptoms, provides information about PTSD and treatment options, and encourages self-assessment.…”