Wednesday 30 July 2014

Telepsychiatry For Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

By Annabelle Holman


Although there are a lot of people who are suffering from post traumatic stress disorder, only a few of them would actually get treatment because of the distance. Now for those who have this problem, there is a method that is known as telepsychiatry for post-traumatic stress disorder. Basically it is a method wherein one would use video conferencing in order to treat patients who are far away.

This type of method was first used in the year 1950 in the Nebraska Psychiatric Institute as an aid for teaching. Eventually, the researchers in that university realized that a lot of patients and their families actually liked it. Now researchers from Dartmouth Medical School discovered that this method was extremely effective in gaining rapport with the patients and also establishing a good connection with psychiatrists.

By 1994, it was being utilized in approximately sixteen programs. By 1997, it was further utilized as around twenty five programs were using it. In recent times, there is vast use of this method to provide psychiatric services in patients and it is continuing to increase in usage due to its convenience and efficacy.

Telepsychiatry is slowly becoming a popular way of treating post traumatic stress disorder. Many patients suffering from this condition who were provided psychotherapy through video conferencing showed fewer symptoms and were less depressed, anxious and stressed. Although treatment via video conference does not improve the symptoms as much as in person treatment, it still provides a major improvement.

A lot of patients would have positive feedback about this method. Most of them would say that in the absence of face to face sessions, this alternative would still allow the doctors to be able to check on them. The doctors would also find this useful as they can provide services from miles away.

Now another factor that one would have to take into consideration is that people who are diagnosed with this are afraid to travel and go to congested places. Now it is here where this type of method can be very useful. In order for these patients to avoid reinforcing this fear, this type of method will enable the doctor to be able to still see the patient even though they are miles away.

Now another great thing about this type of treatment is that it is actually cheaper to do than in house treatments. Now one thing about video conferences is that there are fewer cancellations that in person treatments because of the convenience of the method. As compared to in person treatments wherein a cancelled session would result in an opportunity cost. In fact, one cost analysis showed that 106,000 dollars will be spent for in person treatment for a hundred patients while it will only cost 94,000 dollars for the video conference.

Telepsychiatry, as a growing form of treating this condition, is breaking through the barriers in treatment and is proving to be highly effective. It is a breakthrough that is improving the treatment of patients, the collaboration of medical practitioners and the community of psychiatry. More importantly it is showing potential in leaving a profound positive effect in the lives of people suffering from PTSD.




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