Post Traumatic Stress Disorder for VETS

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) In Veterans of War What are the complications? PTSD is a potentially serious condition that can wreak havoc with people’s lives. While many people who have experienced trauma may experience some anxiety and symptoms similar to those associated with PTSD for several days or weeks following the event, people with PTSD experience these symptoms weeks, months, or even years afterward. As a result of experiencing chronic, long-term symptoms, it is not uncommon for people with PTSD to develop depression. Drug and alcohol abuse are also very common; it is estimated that up to half of men with PTSD develop problems with substance abuse. This complex of symptoms and coexisting problems with depression and substance abuse can lead to difficulties with family relations, difficulties at work, and problems interacting socially. In fact, people with PTSD have a higher rate of divorce, are at higher risk of being fired or unemployed, and have higher than average problems with social interactions. PTSD is also associated with physical problems, such as chronic fatigue, insomnia and general pain. A recent study of Iraqi war veterans showed that veterans had a high rate of sick days, healthcare visits, and severe physical symptoms due to combat-induced stress. Key points: – Complications can include: Depression Alcohol and drug abuse Problems with family relations, job performance, and social interactions Physical symptoms, such as chronic fatigue, insomnia, and pain What causes PTSD and who is at risk? Experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event is an obvious cause of PTSD. But why some people develop PTSD after a traumatic event and others don’t and what underlying factors lead to PSTD are questions that researchers still are trying to answer. Studies of veterans of war have provided some insights into the causes and risks associated with PTSD. For example, a large-scale study of Vietnam veterans showed that military personnel who experienced high exposure to combat zones during their tour of duty were at greater risk of developing PTSD, presumably due to greater exposure to violent and life-threatening events. Greater exposure to combat zones also resulted in more severe symptoms and problems with readjustment for Vietnam War veterans. Studies in veterans have also suggested that there is more to PTSD than an emotional response that people can get over at will. As with many mental disorders, neurochemical changes and changes in the brain also factor into PTSD, making it a complex condition involving psychological and neurophysiological processes. Key Points: – The main risk factor for PTSD is exposure to a traumatic event – Veterans with high exposure to combat zones are at high risk – High exposure to combat zones also increases the risk of severe symptoms. Copyright 2007-11