When chaos is the norm: How some veterans with PTSD are continuing to engage in trauma-focused treatments during the COVID-19 pandemic

Psychol Trauma. 2020 Aug;12(S1):S69-S70. doi: 10.1037/tra0000718. Epub 2020 May 28.

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many Veterans Healthcare Administration providers working with veterans diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder to question the feasibility and appropriateness of continuing to provide trauma-focused treatment during this crisis. The Veterans Healthcare Administration is in a unique position to continue to provide trauma-informed care because of its capacity to offer telemental health services. Data from a Veterans Affairs medical center's posttraumatic stress disorder clinical team suggest that not only are veterans interested in continuing with treatment but also that the treatments can be modified to accommodate the current climate. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • COVID-19
  • Coronavirus Infections*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Health Services*
  • Middle Aged
  • Pandemics*
  • Pneumonia, Viral*
  • Psychological Trauma / therapy*
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / therapy*
  • Telemedicine*
  • United States
  • United States Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Veterans*