Research indicates that incarcerated individuals have experienced high rates of childhood and adult trauma, which correlate with long-term negative outcomes and intrusion symptoms, avoidant symptoms, negative alterations in thought and mood, hyperarousal, emotional issues, behavioral issues, sexuality issues, sleep problems, physical problems, and health problems. When not well-managed, trauma symptoms can result in serious distress, interpersonal problems, and maladaptive behaviors for years and even decades after the traumatic events occurred. This presentation will review the research on symptom management strategies and practical skills for working with patients to identify, monitor, and manage symptoms of trauma, useful both during incarcerated and upon reentry into the community.

Learning Objectives

• Review the most recent research on symptom management for trauma
• Describe self-assessment and self-monitoring skills that may be employed with patients with a history of trauma
• Discuss concrete skills to help patients manage symptoms of trauma

Level: Intermediate

Sponsored by a medical educational grant from Centurion Health