Go online to explore PTSD options

The Department of Veterans Affairs has come up with an online resource that will help those with PTSD decide which type of treatment might be best for them.

Treatment Decision Aid, found at www.ptsd.va.gov, is a question/answer program to help you decide how you want to approach getting better. At each step are videos of other veterans talking about their experiences, and more information as you learn, compare treatments and act to get help.

This is one treatment exploration that might actually work.

Under the Learn section, you’ll find out about PTSD and what this decision helper can do.

The Compare section, however, is likely where the best help begins, as you answer questions about what you want in a treatment. Both the Psychotherapies and Medications on-screen bubbles contain sub-bubbles with more information. Mouse over everything. On the Medication side you’ll see antidepressants and sub-bubbles of those. Don’t miss the areas at the bottom showing which therapies have significant, some or no benefits.

Next come six questions: Choose between psychotherapy and medication, and see the explanation chart at the bottom. Are you open to talking about trauma? How about individual versus group treatment? How often do you want treatment? Are you up for doing homework between sessions? Do you care what the studies say? At the end, you’ll be given recommendations about which treatment might be what you’re looking for.

In the Act section you’ll get a summary you can print and take to your doctor. That’s where the rubber meets the road, and you step up and take responsibility for your treatment.

After answering the questions multiple ways, I think you’ll get the most options if you indicate that you’re willing to try different things if they might help you. You can narrow down the options later, if necessary.