This episode features guest Tina D'Andrea discussing the critical topic of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the workplace. With over 25 years of experience in workers compensation, Tina offers deep insights into the symptoms, diagnosis, and effective treatment of PTSD, particularly among professions with high public interaction like first responders, medical personnel, and teachers.
Discussion Points:
- Understanding and Diagnosing PTSD: Tina defines PTSD and outlines its common symptoms, such as intrusive thoughts and hypervigilance. She elaborates on the diagnosis process, highlighting the CAPS-5 test and the PTSD Checklist as critical tools for accurately identifying the disorder.
- Effective Treatments for PTSD: The conversation shifts to treatment strategies, with a focus on cognitive behavioral therapy, group therapy, and the potential use of medication.
- Navigating PTSD in Workers Compensation: Tina, Matt, and Patty tackle the challenges of managing PTSD claims within the workers compensation system, stressing the need for specialized care and the difficulties associated with psychological injury claims. A success story is shared to illustrate the positive impact of appropriate and timely treatment.