PTSD: National Center for PTSD

Research findings have shown a connection between PTSD and neurocognitive disorders (NCD), including dementia, among older adults and those who experienced traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Existing assessment measures and evidence-based treatments for PTSD are appropriate for patients with mild NCD based on early research, however the impact of moderate to severe NCD on assessment and treatment of PTSD is less clear.

This online course helps providers better understand the co-occurrence between PTSD and dementia. The presenter summarizes research, describes the comorbidity prevalence in Veterans, and discusses assessment and treatment guidelines for Veterans with PTSD and dementia.

Reactions to trauma exposure are common among Veterans seeking mental health care. Because clinicians may not always know the full scope of a Veteran’s trauma history, applying trauma-informed care principles consistently across clinical interactions can help promote safety and support, and increase engagement.

This online course offers mental health providers an in-depth look at the value of considering the impacts of trauma. The authors describe the potential effects of past trauma on Veteran engagement in and response to care. Clinicians will learn how to identify and implement trauma-informed care practices, adopt specific supportive behaviors, and locate resources to enhance this approach.

Health care workers may experience difficult situations that evoke challenges to their morals and values. Morally distressing experiences contradict personal or shared values or expectations. Feelings resulting from such experiences can include guilt, shame, anger, or institutional betrayal. At times, such distress can lead to lasting changes that are termed, moral injury.

This online course shares strategies that mental health and other health care providers can use to reduce the potential for lasting distress resulting from morally difficult situations for themselves and in their roles as colleagues and leaders.

Clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) support the use of shared decision-making which can be challenging. The PTSD Treatment Decision Aid was designed to assist in the process of shared decision-making by describing the leading treatments for PTSD in plain language. The updated PTSD Treatment Decision Aid includes new treatments and other features to align with newer clinical practice guidelines and with changes to clinical practice.

This online course describes the basics of shared decision-making including the use of patient decision aids. The author gives a walk-through of the PTSD Treatment Decision Aid and discusses how to utilize it with patients.

Trauma-informed care is integral to working with Veterans across health care settings. Health care workers may better optimize health care utilization and outcomes by understanding trauma-related considerations in service delivery for Veterans by enhancing feelings of trust and safety.

This online course offers health care workers information about the benefits of adopting a trauma-informed approach to care. The authors summarize relevant literature, use case-based examples, and highlight information specific to Veterans. Recommendations for incorporating trauma-informed care into practice across a variety of health care settings are included.