Healing with trauma-informed psychiatric care

The effects of trauma can have a lasting impact on a person’s life. Whether it’s a one-time event or chronic, traumatic experiences can create intense distress. These events are often beyond our ability to control and are difficult to cope with. Trauma can result from things like war, natural disasters, abuse, neglect, violence, unexpected loss, and more.

People can experience the exact same trauma but respond in different ways. For some, the effects will fade in time. But others may experience ongoing mental, emotional, and physical challenges. When this happens, it could be a sign of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or another condition that may require professional help to overcome.

Fortunately, there are effective trauma treatments. In addition to therapy and self-care, some people find relief working with a trauma psychiatrist. These providers are medical doctors who specialize in mental health. They can prescribe medication, provide referrals, and coordinate with the rest of your care team. Psychiatrists have a deep understanding of how trauma affects both the mind and body. Learning more about their role in trauma care can help you get the right support for your needs.

When to see a psychiatrist for trauma

Everyone healing from trauma has a unique journey. What works for one person might not be a fit for you, and that’s OK. You get to decide which supports suit you best. 

However, you may want to consider seeing a psychiatrist for trauma if:

• Your trauma symptoms are affecting your ability to do daily tasks like eat, sleep, work, or care for yourself.

• You’re finding it hard to engage socially or spend time with loved ones.

• You’ve stopped doing activities you used to enjoy.

• You avoid anything that could trigger your trauma symptoms. 

• You see a therapist, but you’re not experiencing the relief you had hoped for.

• Your provider (like your doctor, therapist, or psychologist) recommended seeing a psychiatrist.

• You’re curious about addressing your trauma symptoms with medication.

• You have complex medical needs that affect your mental health and/or co-occurring conditions.

Without treatment, the effects of trauma can take a toll on your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. They can make it difficult to function in daily life and negatively affect your relationships. 

Research shows that unresolved trauma can increase your risk of:

• Chronic fatigue 

• Sleep problems

• Flashbacks and nightmares

• Intrusive thoughts and memories

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Hostility or irritability

• Appetite changes or digestive problems

• Weakened immune system

• Feeling constantly on edge

• Cardiovascular disease, liver problems, and other long-term physical challenges

• Risky behaviors

How trauma-informed psychiatry can help

If the effects of trauma are negatively affecting your life, know that you’re not alone. Many people need support in the aftermath of trauma. Remember, no matter what you’ve been through, asking for help is a sign of strength. 

While there are a variety of providers who can support you, working with a trauma-informed psychiatrist offers some unique advantages.

1. They can provide complex, in-depth assessments. Psychiatrists can ensure that your treatment experience starts with an accurate diagnosis. They can get to the root of your symptoms and create a treatment plan that reflects how trauma has impacted your body and mind.

2. They’re experts in managing co-occurring conditions. If you have other mental health conditions (like depression), a psychiatrist can help you manage both. They will choose which one to address first, based on the severity of your symptoms and individual needs.

3. They can provide a safe, comfortable environment. Trauma-informed care means shifting the question from, “What’s wrong with you?” to, “What happened to you?” It’s about creating a calm, welcoming treatment experience and actively avoiding retraumatization. 

4. They can prescribe and monitor medication. There are mental health medications that can be used to treat PTSD, anxiety disorders, and other trauma-related concerns. The choice to take medication is up to you. But for some people, it can be a vital part of the healing process. If you’re curious about this option, don’t hesitate to talk to your provider.

5. They can coordinate care. Patient outcomes improve when their providers are on the same page, working toward a common goal. This is sometimes called integrated care. Your psychiatrist can connect with your other providers (with your permission) to ensure you’re getting the right care for your needs.

What to expect when treating your trauma

Sometimes, the effects of trauma can make it hard to build up the momentum to ask for help. Fortunately, trauma-informed psychiatrists understand this. So, as you engage with psychiatric care, know that you get to set the pace and guide the process. You won’t be asked to discuss or explore anything you’re not ready to unpack. 

But here’s what you can expect:

• Treatment will likely begin with an in-depth assessment to determine your diagnosis. This may take several sessions and can include formal questionnaires to fully understand your trauma symptoms.

• Once your psychiatrist confirms your diagnosis, you can talk about treatment options, including medication. Your provider may also recommend other supports like individual or group therapy.

• If you decide to take medication for trauma, try to have patience with the process. It might take some time to find the right medication and dosage that works for you. Always let your provider know if a medication isn’t working or if you’re experiencing unwanted side effects.

• Healing from trauma is often a lifelong process. The goal of trauma treatment isn’t to “cure” or remove the effects of trauma. Rather, it’s to help you manage your symptoms and cultivate hope for the future. Throughout this time, you may experience lingering effects of trauma, including trauma fatigue. But with the right support, your symptoms should improve in time.

Clinician’s take

It can be hard to seek help when you’re experiencing emotional distress related to a traumatic experience. The idea of having to talk about what happened can be terrifying. Fortunately, psychiatric providers can treat your symptoms without diving into the details of your trauma. Medication is one form of support that can help manage symptoms.

Stephanie J Reed, MSW, MSN, PMHNP-BC

Clinical reviewer