Disaster Reply 6
TEXT:
Reading
1. Behavioral Health Response to Disasters, Author: Framingham, Julie:
Original Question:
For this week’s Forum, respond to the following: This week, we consider the many options for treatment in disaster situations.
· In addition, discuss the population(s) the treatment will be used with and why this is the most appropriate choice for the population(s) identified.
Reply to the following response with 200 words minimum. (please make response as if having a conversation, respond directly to some of the statements in below post. This is not providing an analysis of the original post. Respectfully address it and even ask clarifying or additional questions.)
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Studies have shown that distress encompasses a range of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral reactions (Teasley & Framingham, 2012, pg. 305). There are a variety of treatment options that are available for those that have endured some form of psychological disaster as a result of a disaster. One disaster specific treatment option that I believe is beneficial to a person that has been diagnosed with PTSD is Mindfulness therapy. To me a person that has PTSD has a greater chance to have a positive recovery using this form of therapy treatment because it serves as an important component and subset of cognitive behavior development (American Military University, 2018). A technique that is used in this treatment is a form of relaxation meditation. This is aimed to create a space for stillness of the mind and body while allowing the person to go into a deeper understanding of their process thought process. Anxiety has been known to correlate with PTSD and as a result of relaxing the mind they are able con control those negative thoughts.
Another disorder that also comes along with a disaster is Acute Stress Disorder. This is a psychological disorder that results in the aftermath of trauma. Being that this disorder has been known to go beyond a 28-day timeframe, its treatment options should be applied appropriate. In knowing that ASD can lead to PTSD, a treatment option that I would use in this disorder is cognitive behavior therapy. Being that those that suffer from ASD often have feelings of numbness from the world around them, cognitive therapy helps in mindfulness training which helps individuals identify the types of negative thinking or numbness associated with feelings of self-blame. In understanding that self-blame can lead to depression it is important that a person attends this type of therapy consistently in order to manage their feelings and decrease the chances of shame and guilt.
American Military University. (2018). WEEK 6: Effects of Disaster on Children and Special Needs Populations Treating Trauma: Long and Short-Term Approaches to Treating Disaster Trauma [Lesson notes]. Retrieved from https://edge.apus.edu/portal/site/366610/tool/230444e4-7d21-400a-b0e4-9642c00902bf
Teasley, M. L., & Framingham, J. L. (2012). Behavioral Health Response to Disasters. Boca Raton, Fla: CRC Press. Retrieved http://apus.intelluslearning.com/v3/course-widget/760/#/document
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hello everyone,
it is crazy to think that we are already into week six of class. In any disaster it is first important to understand what is happening and what needs to be done at that moment to reduce or stop what is happening. Sometimes first responders can not stop what is going on like in a wildland fire or hurricane and their best choice is to get as many people away from danger. Some times they also do not save everyone and that can cause issues for them. There are many treatment options for first responders in situation with disasters, they could be called upon to do emergency medical care, this would be a case of Pharmacological intervention because we could give them pain medication or any other medication that is a temp fix. First responders are also called to many suicide calls and some have already happened so the job is recovery and some of those images stay with first responders for a while and we have PTSD from those calls. Sometimes we get there and we have to try and talk the person out of it and that would be considered Cognitive behavior because we have to not blame the person and sometimes they are going through a lot mentaly and they just need someone to talk with and first responders are there at the time. The same treatments first responders do for people in need also need to be done to them because there are many first responders out there who have ASD and PTSD, just because of the things we see on a regular basis. We have gotten better over the years knowing what causes PTSD, we still do not know how to treat it fully and it is sad because people need help and sometimes they do not get the help they need. Good luck to everyone on everything due this week in class.
Zach C.
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Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can go hand in hand in diagnosing patients after a major disaster or incident. Acute Stress Disorder is often a precursor or a beginning stage prior to the diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. In both cases the treatments can be similar for both diagnoses.
First it is important to understand that patients suffer with either ASD or PTSD have a feeling of self-blame and perpetual fear after experiencing a traumatic event or a major disaster. Cognitive Behavior Therapy is a tool that helps individuals suffering with these disorders learn to cope and manage their emotions and feelings. One of the best ways to recover from this type of incident is to talk and to express all of the feelings that an individual has. By discussing these events they are able to become more self-aware and process through the emotions relate to PTSD and ASD.
Mindfulness therapy is a subcategory of cognitive behavior therapy and focuses on techniques to relax the mind to help process emotions and bring down stress and anxiety levels. Some of these techniques could include meditation or deep relaxation which helps the mind hone in or stay focused on processing through the issues at hand.
Another technique used to assist in the treatment of ASD and PTSD symptoms is the use of pharmaceutical interventions. The uses of cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness therapy should be implement first as to not give medications unnecessarily. However if needed the use of medications in treatment of PTSD and ASD have shown to be quite successful. Medications for acute issue may differ slightly to medications used to treat chronic or longer term PTSD conditions.
A useful tool to help combat potential diagnosis of PTSD or ASD is to help implement preventative measures to assist in preparing a person for a potentially traumatic event. This is seen in military forces pre-deployment and among first responders, police, and fire departments. The units should provide information and training on the potential events that could be experienced and provide education to their team members about signs and symptoms of ASD, PTSD, depression, etc. to help bring knowledge of symptoms forward. This has helped individual become more self-aware and improves the chances of individuals seeking help or treatment.
An additional tool that I have always found helpful since I have experience in military medicine is using the buddy system. Often times symptoms of ASD or PTSD can go unnoticed by most people but those close to the patient may pick up on cues. Being an educated friend or family member may just save someone’s life. I recently lost a friend to suicide and he had been suffering with some mental health troubles while on active duty. If someone seems down always ask and try to lend an ear when you can because you may be the only one who has noticed or truly cares.
** Please don’t just rephrase their info, but respond to it. Remember to answer question at the end if there is one. **
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