Tuesday 29 July 2014

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.



The first use of telepsychiatry was during 1950s in Nebraska Psychiatric Institute wherein it was used as a teaching aide. After a decade, researchers at University of Nebraska learned that patients and their families were responsive to it. In Dartmouth Medical School researchers found that this method was not only good in establishing rapport with patients but also in establishing useful collaboration among psychiatrists.



In the year 1994, around sixteen programs were already utilizing this method. In 1997, more than twenty five programs were already utilizing it. Nowadays, this method is widely being used and it is still continuing to be used because it is extremely convenient to both the psychiatrist and the patient.



Although it has been accepted already, it is still slowly becoming more and more popular. In fact, there are many people who have been diagnosed with thi condition who have said that they were able to reduce their symptoms because of this treatment. Even though nothing beats face to face treatment, this can still be a good alternative just in case the former is not available.



Now there are even some patients who are diagnosed with this disorder who would say that this type of treatment is really good. They said that the doctors can be able to contact them even though they are miles away. With this, the doctor is able to give them psychiatric services even if they are not presently at the clinic of the doctor.



Another thing to take note of is that people who are diagnosed with this condition are very fearful of travelling and going to crowded places. This is where video conferencing can be very convenient and helpful to the patients. Clearly, it will not be helpful to the condition of patients suffering from this condition f they still go to the doctor for an in person treatment given their fear of travel and crowded places as they will just get more anxious.



Aside from the convenience video conferencing provides, it is also proving to be boosting the adherence of patients to the therapy and lowering the cost carried by institutions. There are fewer cancellations of patients in video conferencing as compared to in person treatment. Also, it would cost institutions less if they treat patients via video conferencing. One ongoing cost analysis shows that it would cost around 94,000 dollars treating a hundred patients via video sessions and 106,000 dollars treating them in person.



Telepsychiatry has been growing throughout the years as it has been one of the most effective methods of treating patients who have PSTD. It is in fact a medical breakthrough in this field because it allows the patient and the psychiatrist to connect more easily. This is definitely a great way to treat those suffering from this disorder.









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