Study examines treatment for PTSD

[unhappycamper]

http://kdhnews.com/military/study-examines-treatment-for-ptsd/article_28e2befe-49c7-11e3-a33d-0019bb30f31a.html

Study examines treatment for PTSD
Posted: Sunday, November 10, 2013 4:30 am
By Alex Wukman | FME News Service

BELTON — The numbers are staggering. Among the nearly 2.5 million U.S. military personnel who deployed in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, 14 percent show symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, according to figures from Veterans Affairs.

As many as 25 percent of returning veterans report some type of psychological problem, such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse or problems sleeping. About 350,000 military personnel are at significant risk for chronic PTSD.

In August, the Defense Department and the VA invested $45 million to study the effectiveness of different types of PTSD treatment.

The funds were used to help create the South Texas Research Organizational Network Guiding Studies on Trauma and Resilience, or STRONG STAR, which is a joint effort between the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and the VA’s National Center for PTSD in Boston.



unhappycamper comment: PTSD is the 'gift' that keeps on giving.

A Public Service Announcement:

http://maketheconnection.net/conditions/ptsd?gclid=CO67yKas2roCFc5xOgodGksAfw

Explore these resources for more information about PTSD in Veterans.

Vet Centers
If you are a combat Veteran or experienced any sexual trauma during your military service, bring your DD214 to your local Vet Center and speak with a counselor or therapist—many of whom are Veterans themselves—for free, without an appointment, and regardless of your enrollment status with VA.
http://www2.va.gov/directory/guide/vetcenter_flsh.asp

Understanding PTSD Booklet
This eight-page booklet explains what PTSD is, provides information and resources on support, and shares real stories from people who have dealt effectively with PTSD.
http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/understanding_ptsd/booklet.pdf

Understanding PTSD Treatment
This eight-page booklet explains in detail the various proven ways to treat PTSD and debunks some myths about treatment.
http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/understanding_TX/booklet.pdf

National Center for PTSD
Explore this comprehensive website for detailed information about PTSD, its effects and treatment, and resources for support.
www.ptsd.va.gov/public/index.asp

VA’s PTSD Program Locator
This site will allow you to search for PTSD programs located near you. If you are eligible to receive care through the Veterans Health Administration, you can enroll in one of VA’s PTSD treatment programs.
http://www2.va.gov/directory/guide/ptsd_flsh.asp

[MADem]

1. VA has come a long way in their approach to this issue. nt

[Victor_c3]

2. I recently started going through CPT (cognitive processing therapy) at the VA

I don't know how effective it'll be, but it sure sounds good on paper.

A big part of the therapy is addressing your core beliefs, how your combat experience impacted that and reinforced those beliefs, and how those beliefs continue to affect you to this day.

I have a lot of issues with guilt and shame and, although I don't think this will 100% cure my PTSD, I think it'll be able to provide some relief in my mind. Maybe some of the thoughts and images floating around my head will ease up. If that happens, I'll be more "present" with my family and I'll be able to be more of the father and husband that I want to be.



I don't always believe the sincerity of the people at the top of our government, but the people that I interact with at the VA are great people. Maybe I'm a sucker, but I truly believe that they want to help me and that they give a damn about helping veterans.