PTSD Support and Treatment: A Deeper Look at Incarcerated Cases

PTSD Support and Treatment: A Deeper Look at Incarcerated Cases

By Hana Rowell | December 16th, 2021 |

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that can develop in individuals who have witnessed or experienced traumatic events. Some of these events may include natural disasters, war or combat, assault, sexual violence, or even death. PTSD affects up to 3.5 percent of adults annually, and it is estimated that one in 11 people will be diagnosed within their lifetime. While PTSD is a widely recognized condition, not all persons and groups receive the same kind of care or understanding. This includes incarcerated individuals with PTSD. Prison is a difficult environment to be in and can often encourage the development of conditions such as PTSD. It is then important to consider what treatment options are available so that when it's time to reintegrate back into society, incarcerated individuals can do so without the trauma looming over them.

Incarcerated persons and PTSD

People who serve sentences in prisons or correctional facilities face very harsh realities. They often come in with various types of trauma from violence or assault, and being imprisoned on its own is a traumatic experience. The development of PTSD within and outside of correction facilities is also influenced by various risk factors, including experiences in childhood and before incarceration. However, incarcerated persons do not readily reveal these underlying traumas, especially since most correctional facilities implement harsh and disciplined training measures. Instead, they internalize these emotions and experiences and develop into outwardly well-adjusted individuals who struggle with rage, disorganization, and fear on the inside. This is what makes it difficult to adjust when reintegrating into the outside world.

While these measures are designed to prevent crime and reduce recidivism, some studies have found there are also simply too many instances of violence in these facilities. Because of this, efforts for rehabilitation, re-entry, mental health, and physical health are severely undermined and, at times, rendered useless and ineffective. Such findings provide insight into individual experiences that may emphasize the need for better support systems, treatment, and a different approach to correction overall.

How to offer better support and treatment

There are various ways to approach the treatment and provision of support for incarcerated persons with PTSD. Some of these are not exclusive to people serving time and can also be applied in other PTSD contexts.

Correctional officer training

Incarcerated persons often go through programs for correction as part of their sentence. This helps them better reintegrate back into society come time for their release. Correctional officers are heavily involved in the success of these programs, so it is vital that they receive the right training. These professionals go through accredited criminal justice programs, which give them the skills to facilitate correction programs, including mental health promotion. In this case, you’d need a professional who specializes in correction programs with rehabilitation for conditions like PTSD. The training offered in these degrees will often combine criminal law and psychology that allow correctional officers to handle specialized mental health cases.

Specialized treatments

While it’s good to have a range of conventional treatments for PTSD, alternative solutions can also be just as effective. Doing a combination of both can provide an even more holistic approach. For one, ketamine infusion therapy administered by qualified and experienced physicians at accredited ketamine clinics are one such treatment that can help incarcerated persons manage their symptoms. For over 50 years, ketamine was used as an anesthetic and for the treatment of depression and anxiety. Now, ketamine infusion is a proven way to effectively target and lessen the symptoms of PTSD and other conditions. Since people with PTSD experience challenges in improving mental well-being, intravenous ketamine treatments can help the condition by balancing mood and reducing symptoms. Other alternative treatments like psychedelics have also shown promising benefits, and they are best administered with the help of the right professionals.

Involvement of loved ones

Leaving incarceration and returning home, otherwise known as re-entry, is challenging to get right. Most individuals who return home rely on their families for critical support. Family and friends must provide the reinforcement needed during this critical period. Much of an individual’s rate of success in integrating depends on this. However, it is also essential to consider how this can take a toll on the family. This is why collaborating with rehabilitation professionals and finding the right treatment as discussed above are both essential parts of the equation. 

Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles

Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles is a world-renowned, leading provider of Ketamine Infusion Therapy for the treatment of mood disorders. In addition to ketamine treatment for PTSD, ketamine infusion is an established and proven method for helping the symptoms of many conditions such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. These ketamine treatments are professionally administered in one of the state-of-the-art Ketamine Clinics offered by KCLA, providing a safe and comforting environment throughout the entire process. 

For more information into how ketamine infusion therapy works, or for any questions or comments regarding specific treatment options, contact Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles today.

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