The Future of Trauma Recovery: The Technology Reshaping Psychiatry

Over 70% of Americans have experienced a type of trauma; this means millions of people can benefit from the right psychiatric treatment plan. With so many patients requiring tailored, hands-on care from psychiatrists, it can be difficult to manage them all. Recovery is faster than ever thanks to innovative solutions from healthcare technology. Not only does the latest psychiatric technology help providers treat more patients, but it can also give patients new hope in treating their symptoms.

Virtual Appointments

It can take a lot of courage to schedule an appointment with a psychiatrist. However, in the wake of virtual medicine, many trauma patients are more eager to open up and schedule mental healthcare from the comfort of their homes. This can also make mental healthcare more accessible for those with mobility issues or who live farther away from their specialists. Patients have more psychiatrists to choose from who specialize in certain traumas or treatment approaches. Neither psychiatrist nor patient is limited to their immediate area when it comes to care.

Patient Messaging

Mental health treatment requires adaptability and versatility. In any healthcare setting, inaccessibility can turn a patient away from a provider. In psychiatry, not adapting to a patient’s communication method of choice can cost not only patients but the entire practice. Telehealth isn’t the only innovation in psychiatry technology. Digital messaging systems on patient portals allow patients to ask non-emergency questions at any time they need, and psychiatrists can respond at their earliest convenience, which is often more accessible than a phone call. If a trauma patient prefers to type instead of showing their face or voice, confidential digital text messaging in virtual health appointments can serve as a comfortable way for patients to communicate without sacrificing therapy altogether.

Scheduling Software

Psychiatrists manage many patients. Traditional scheduling methods lack accuracy and real-time updating that all staff, providers, and relevant patients can access. Scheduling software provides real-time calendar updates and can even allow patients to choose their own appointment slots for additional convenience. Trauma patients may be anxious or avoidant about canceling or scheduling additional sessions; digital scheduling can reduce or eliminate those barriers.

Electronic Health Records and Abuse Reports

Trauma patients can experience a lot of trial and error in finding a mental health professional with whom they connect well. Health records must be transferred between specialists and practices in a timely and confidential manner. With electronic health records (EHRs), not only can patients have an easier time finding the right psychiatrist, but they can also access their records at any time or from any device they choose.

In the context of trauma and abuse recovery, patients and healthcare professionals can use these electronic records to verify or report abuse if applicable. It can be incredibly difficult for trauma patients to report abuse of any kind, despite a psychiatrist’s recommendation. Abuse investigations and reports are more easily managed with electronic records, increasing the success of prosecution even if the survivor does not come forward for a lengthy period or the accused belongs to a powerful organization, like a church. With notable church cases like the Diocese of Marquette sexual abuse allegations, accessible and accurate EHRs allow for careful documentation and reporting to ensure fair removal of convicted individuals. While EHR technology has existed for a while, it plays a valuable role in reporting and investigating trauma from abuse, and more psychiatrists are relying on it.

Diagnostic Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Diagnosing in healthcare is rarely an exact science, but psychiatry requires a lot more finesse. There are typically no blood tests to diagnose trauma, and a careful assessment of symptoms is necessary to come to an accurate conclusion. AI can help psychiatrists sort, identify, and connect symptoms for a quicker and easier diagnosis of any mental health condition, including trauma. AI can even help psychiatrists choose treatment plans catered to specific symptoms. The quicker the accurate diagnosis, the faster a patient and psychiatrist can start a path to recovery and healthy living.

Virtual Reality (VR) Exposure Therapy

Exposure therapy can be incredibly beneficial in helping psychiatric patients confront their trauma and recover. Not all exposure therapy is easily simulated in a controlled environment, but VR is changing that. Psychiatrists can use safe and controlled VR simulations to immerse a patient in a particular setting to “expose” them to traumatic memories or situations they are struggling with. Using VR, the exposure can be as gradual as desired, and both patient and doctor have full control over the session. VR exposure therapy can be particularly useful for trauma patients with PTSD, phobias, or other symptoms causing avoidance.

Wearable Tech

Mental health conditions, including trauma, can result in many physical symptoms that can make daily life difficult. Panic attacks can raise blood pressure and heart rate, while depression can cause brain fog and fatigue. Wearable technology that can monitor blood pressure, heart rate, and sleep quality can help psychiatrists better track symptoms outside of the office and establish a more accurate care plan to address these symptoms.

Mental Health Apps

Smartphone apps can help users achieve many goals, from financial to fitness. More mental health professionals are teaming up with developers to create apps that help manage and document trauma symptoms for better treatment. Mental health apps can help promote mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation during stressful moments or triggering episodes. Symptom logs can help jog patients’ memories about their path to recovery. Other apps can even help patients track their medication dosages and remind them to take doses when necessary. This technology can improve round-the-clock patient care and recovery.

Conclusion

While technology is rapidly changing healthcare, including mental healthcare, providers need to prioritize data privacy at all times. Over-reliance on technology can also make certain treatments inaccessible for those who cannot afford or use certain devices or technologies. To properly incorporate technology into the psychiatric field, there should be a multifaceted approach to diagnosing, treatment, and care.