Research What Would People With Ptsd Like To See Researched?

[Meadowsweet]

Sometimes I look at the studies that are asked about here and can't really see how that study will have any preventative benefits to a person that has experienced recent trauma, or healing benefits to those with established PTSD. To be fair to the researchers, much of the time they are undergraduates developing research for their final dissertation and it would be wrong to expect those to be cutting edge.

But I thought it would be interesting (and perhaps useful to researchers) to look at what people with PTSD would like to see researched into the condition.

There was a significant thread on the forums about the influence that invalidation of trauma had upon the development of PTSD. I personally feel that invalidation of trauma after the traumatic event has been a factor in me developing PTSD. So this is something I would like to see research done on, in the hope that it could be used to educate people that are around to support people who have experienced trauma.

I'd also like to see more research into alternative treatments such as art or drama therapy, particularly in regard to childhood trauma, as language at that time was a limited form of expression, whereas, creativity/imagination was an adept method of communication. I would hope through such research, creative methods of treatment could become more prevalent in trauma therapy.

What would other people like to see more research into? And what might be achieved through the findings of this research?

 

[TonyG]

I believe that focused research is needed but it will be a shame to see our future researchers pushed in one direction, free thinking outside the square is where innovation comes from

 

[Chava]

There is some research, but not enough, regarding somatic forms of psychotherapy for trauma...body psychotherapy. I'd love to see more research on that (not that I personally need validation, it's very helpful for me, but I think the lack of research means lack of services....I drive very far for therapy). Just a whole load of talk therapy in most clinics and that alone doesn't work for all of us.

Also more on treatments for complex trauma and early developmental trauma. Too many traumatized children are misdiagnosed or end up with loads of symptom-based diagnosis that basically fault/shame who they are...like oppositional defiance disorder. Or they just don't get useful help. There are complicated overlapping attachment issues but basically a nervous system that is wired into traumatized mode from the beginning. I read a book about using neurofeedback, in combination with therapy, for early trauma and it was some pretty awesome stuff...training the fear-driven brain to regulate over time.

And definitely more on the traumatized brain...some interesting neuroscience out there, but it's the new frontier. Someday neurofeedback might be able to help us where pills fail.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

I want to see more research into alternative therapies such as supplements that could help our bodies to heal. Right now its largely a guessing game (in terms of what helps PTSD). I know this is horrible, but if I feel a symptom, I google it + supplement and I can find a list of supplements which could possibly help with that issue. I then try the supplements one by one and see what helps. It would be nice to have a doctor who knew about this sort of thing, but alternative practitioners are a bit rare, and finding one who knew a lot about PTSD? Good luck!

After my experiences with taking supplements, I have no doubt that the stress on my body from this disorder has created deficiencies of certain things that my body needs to function well. I don't think these deficiencies could be corrected through a well balanced diet due to the high amounts that I've had to take in order to feel relief.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that supplements are a cure all because I know that they're not. What I am saying is that I think that the nutritional aspects of healing aren't taken as seriously as they should be. Maybe its because this is seen as a "mental" disorder so the physical aspects of healing tend to go by the wayside? I know that for me, personally, finding the right supplement was like putting rocket boosters on my healing. I was shocked by how one supplement could change so much for me in such a small amount of time.

I do believe that if supplements could help me, then they could help others, too. But so many people disregard supplements. If only there was a supplement lobby, then I think they'd be taken more seriously...

 

[The Albatross]

How PTSD affects the elderly and complicates direct care or interventions for a better quality of life. Maybe some protocols. Both treated, and untreated groups.

 

[Fembot]

I would like to know the percentages are of supporters who go on to develop second-hand PTSD

 

[Ronin]

I'd like to see more research into trauma conditions in the third world and culturally-appropriate therapies.

 

[hodge]

I'm with Chava. Definitely more research on the brain and what part(s) exactly are affected. Anything that would lead to identifying parts of the brain that get overstimulated/overwhelmed would be great. I always had this to a certain extent, but since PTSD it's off the charts.

 

[Anarchy]

I'd like to see more research into trauma conditions in the third world and culturally-appropriate therapies.

[Multi Like]
especially to see what people in other cultures do to heal from their traumas.

Most PTSD isn't military (probably by a factor of> >100)
and almost certainly most people with PTSD, don't have English as their first language

 

[Digz]

I'd actually like to see more research on DID as well, especially seeing as some psychs don't actually 'believe' in it.

 

[Deleted member 31177]

I am actually in the middle of a paid PTSD/Trauma Study through Stanford University, one more set to go (it's a 3.5 month study) and they are VERY serious about their studies and believe me, at the end of each section (about 45 days straight) there is about and hour to 1.5 hours telephone interview unless you live near there or have Skype or whatever - but those are very painful and the strongest "get down to the nitty-gritty" talks I've every had into my past than ANY therapist (I don't go to therapists anymore after a few traumatic, abusive situations with them). But the studies are not easy . . .well, the actual studies are not difficult unless you have carpal and/or cubital tunnel syndrome like I do (again) now. It's the long phone interviews after each section of the study. Quite triggering. They DO ask that you do one month for FREE, no pay, of the study, and then a long phone interview to be CERTAIN that you are a true PTSD candidate, and they talk it over with the head doctor in charge (I was told this by the contact I had).

Just wanted to let anyone who is planning to do a study who hasn't done one before know what to expect. It's 7 days a week for about 45 days straight, then a very honest, nitty-gritty long phone interview that may really be very triggering - which may actually free you and help, or may frighten you - you never know until you try this. It's WAY deeper than any therapist you'll ever see. Believe me! They are very straight-forward, get to the point, no delays, no waiting, they want your answer.

 

[Red Cherry]

Hi there Meadowsweet,

I'm new to this community so have only just come across this.

I'd personally like to see more research into PTSD in response to secondary victimisation directly after a trauma; into treatment in the workplace and the impact on PTSD sufferers and their ability to recover; and also the kind of media coverage (or lack of) given to the different types of trauma which lead to PTSD and how this may impact recovery, directly or through people's misconceptions.

In terms of what would ideally be achieved through this in the long run, I would hope it would bring greater awareness of the complexity of trauma, help to inform employment rights policy makers and even help influence charities and campaigners when they are putting together their media plans, in terms of changing their steer or messaging.