Mobile app gives a life-line to PTSD sufferers
Sara-Jayne speaks to Dr Erine Brocker, lead researcher in the Department of Psychiatry at Stellenbosch University.
Depression psychology sad emotions. Picture: pixabay.com
A new app is offering hope to sufferers of PTSD.
The creators of PTSD Coach say it could help broaden access to psychiatric care and remove some barriers to treatment.
Researchers from Stellenbosch University (SU) and the University of Amsterdam (UvA) evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of the app in reducing PTSD, depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms in a group of adults with PTSD who live in an area with limited healthcare resources.
"Not everyone that experiences a trauma will develop a PTSD. But the sooner you access support, the more you can prevent the development of more severe difficulties. If you have the right stress management tools, it can prevent the development of PTSD."
-Erine Brocker, Stellenbosch University Department of Psychiatry lead researcher
The app was first created in the US in 2011 but a new update was launched last week.
During the study, participants downloaded the PTSD Coach app onto their smartphones and attended weekly counselor-supported sessions.
These sessions, lasting 30-40 minutes each, aimed to guide participants in using the app effectively and addressing their symptoms.
Throughout the study, participants reported improvements in PTSD and stress symptoms.
"No one has officially evaluted this app in a low income setting. We thought it would be of value for our people. So we added a counsellor to work with these participants through the app and alert us to where there were risks."
-Erine Brocker, Stellenbosch University Department of Psychiatry lead researcher
Once paired with a counsellor, there was more accountability on the participants to have a dedicated time for sessions.
The counsellor could help them work through tools they selected and make it more personal.
Brocker emphasised that the app cannot be used for self-diagnosis but rather for self-management.
"Our research shows that it's feasible and acceptable. We would like to evaluate that further and use bigger samples. But in general, the app is very valuable for people to learn about PTSD."
-Erine Brocker, Stellenbosch University Department of Psychiatry lead researcher
Once downloaded, you don't need data to use it.
The app can be downloaded from your app store.
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