PTSD Awareness Month - Healing The Invisible Wounds

Jackie Joachim
MSN, APNP, FNP, PMHNP
Board Certified
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

In a world that often overlooks mental health, the significance of psychiatric care cannot be overstated. Jackie Joachim, a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, has been a dedicated advocate for mental health, especially in her work at American Behavioral Clinics.

Recognizing the need for a deeper understanding of mental health within the nursing field, Joachim earned her Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Certification from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. This advanced training has enabled her to provide specialized care for those suffering from mental illness. In a follow-up discussion, Joachim shares her insights on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), shedding light on its complexities and the paths to managing it.

Understanding PTSD: Is There a Cure?

One of the most common questions surrounding PTSD is whether it can be cured.

According to Joachim, PTSD cannot be cured in the traditional sense, but it is highly treatable. “PTSD can not be cured per se, but rather is treatable and symptoms managed.”

“The goal of treatment is to return the individual to normal functioning by addressing the root cause of the disorder (the traumatic event) and through therapy and sometimes medications alleviate the disabling symptoms they are experiencing,” Joachim explains.

This perspective highlights the importance of managing symptoms and providing individuals with the tools they need to lead fulfilling lives despite their past traumas.

Effective Treatment Options for PTSD

Treatment for PTSD is not one-size-fits-all; it varies depending on the individual and the nature of their trauma. Joachim outlines several effective treatment options:

Therapy: “Therapy is the gold standard for PTSD”, Joachim states. Cognitive Processing Therapy helps change negative emotions and beliefs, while Cognitive Behavioral Therapy teaches trauma-sensitive interventions. Exposure Therapy allows individuals to gain control over their fear and distress, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) helps process traumatic memories.
Group Therapy: Providing a non-judgmental environment, group therapy allows individuals to share their experiences and feel supported.
Residential Treatment: In severe cases, residential treatment in a qualified hospital setting can be beneficial.
Medications: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) can help manage symptoms.
Alternative Therapies: Acupuncture, yoga, animal-assisted therapy, and support groups can also play a supporting role in treatment.

New Promising Treatments for PTSD

Recent advancements in PTSD treatment are showing promising results. Joachim highlights two emerging therapies that offer hope for those struggling with this condition:

Stellate Ganglion Blocks: “PTSD causes the brain to be highly aroused. One of the more recently studied treatments involves a nerve block injected into the neck, causing a sedating effect on the brain. Patients are experiencing about six months of remission, suggesting that multiple treatments may become standard practice.”
Ketamine Infusions: “Ketamine infusions are also being used to treat PTSD symptoms. This treatment offers immediate relief, although the period of relief is relatively short.” Joachim says. With further research, ketamine may become a more viable treatment option for PTSD.

Recognizing the Less Obvious Signs of PTSD

isolated While intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, and hyperarousal are well-known symptoms of PTSD, Joachim points out several less obvious signs. “Less obvious symptoms are isolating, loss of interests, emotional numbness, changes in mood, feelings of guilt or negative self-worth, and hypervigilance with trouble concentrating.

Another less obvious sign of PTSD is when someone goes to great lengths to avoid certain situations, rooms, or places associated with their trauma. For instance, they might choose to sleep in their car or a hotel instead of their own bed if their house is linked to a traumatic event. Similarly, they may completely avoid driving due to a past car accident.” Being aware of these subtle symptoms can help in early identification and intervention.

Preventing PTSD: Is Early Intervention Possible?

ptsd Proactively treating or preventing PTSD is a challenging area of study. “Critical Incident Stress Debriefing is seen in the military after deployment and in civilian life after mass shootings or mass accidents or disasters and is also used for firefighters and police officers. Often family/significant members are involved in this process. It is done in the form of psychological debriefing interventions, to educate victims about normal reactions to trauma and promote restoration.”

However, Joachim notes that more research is needed to understand the effectiveness of these interventions. Family and significant others can play a crucial role in early intervention by being supportive and encouraging professional help.

The Importance of Professional Evaluation

mental health problems For those hesitant to seek help, understanding the evaluation process can be comforting. Joachim emphasizes the importance of a thorough evaluation by a professional.

“At this point in time we have diagnostic criteria along with diagnosis based screening tools. These have limitations in accurately predicting who has PTSD. Because of this, it is important to have a thorough evaluation by a professional to increase the likelihood of correctly diagnosing.” Future research aims to improve methods of predicting individual risks and understanding the underlying mechanisms of PTSD.

Jackie Joachim’s insights provide a comprehensive understanding of PTSD and highlight the importance of tailored treatment plans. While PTSD may not have a definitive cure, managing symptoms and improving quality of life is achievable.

As research continues to evolve, there is hope for more effective interventions and better support for those affected by this challenging disorder.

By raising awareness and encouraging professional evaluation, we can help more individuals embark on the path to recovery and healing.

If you are seeking help with PTSD, we encourage you to contact American Behavioral Clinics today to schedule an appointment.