Military PTSD: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD) Military Pathways www.MilitaryMentalHealth.org Önce known only as "shell shock," a vague condition affecting war veterans, PTSD is now recognized as an anxiety disorder brought on by a traumatic event. CURRENTLY, PTSD AFFECTS AN ESTIMATED : 2.2 117.7 % of the million population people 11-20 % of veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars 300,000. people OTHER STATISTICS: 10% 15% 117-8% will develop PTSD in their lifetime. of the population will experience PTSD at some point in their lifetime. 1155-70% While there are effective treatments available, many people, especially of the population will experience a traumatic event in their lifetime. veterans, do not seek or receive help for the condition. THE CAUSES OF PTSD BEGIN WITHA TRAUMATIC EVENT SUCH AS: AN ATTACK A NATURAL A SERIOUS ACCIDENT OR ASSAULT DISASTER A TERRORIST ATTACK THE DEATH OF A LOVED ONE COMBAT NOT EVERYONE WHO EXPERIENCES A TRAUMATIC EVENT WILL DEVELOP THE DISORDER. PTSD IS MORE LIKELY TO ARISE IF: During the event the person believed they or a loved one was in danger. The person had a severe reaction during the event, such as crying, shaking, vomiting, or feeling apart from their surroundings. The person was directly exposed to a trauma as a victim or a witness. The trauma is long- lasting The person experienced additional trauma The person felt helpless during a The person was seriously hurt during an event. or severe. early in life. trauma. WHEN WE ARE EXPOSED TO DANGER, OUR BODY UNDERGOES SPLIT-SECOND CHANGES. SYMPTOMS OF PTSD INCLUDE: FLASHBACKS EMOTIONALLY SANGER Such as increased heart beat and raised adrenaline levels, to ANXIETY INSOMNA AVOIDING THINGS RELATED TO THE EXPERIENCE GUILT FRIGHTENING GHTMARES THOUGHT help us cope. FEELING TENSE OR "ON EDGE" When you have PTSD, this response is changed or broken and can be triggered when there is no danger present. SYMPTOMS CAN BE TRIGGERED BY PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS RELATED TO THE TRAUMA. SYMPTOMS CAN APPEAR DAYS, WEEKS, MONTHS OR YEARS AFTER THE TRAUMATIC EVENT. OVER TIME, THESE SYMPTOMS CAN LEAD TO: Alienation Drug and alcohol abuse Violence from friends and family against self and others Unemployment Homelessness Up To 80% PTSD, ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE While alcohol and drug use by active members of the military has gone down over the past 30 years, studies suggest that it may be rising among veterans with PTSD. of Vietnam veterans seeking PTSD treatment abuse alcohol. 4x 6x 9x Adolescents with PTSD are 4 times more likely than adolescents without PTSD 6 times more And 9 times likely to experience marijuana abuse or dependence. more likely to experience hard drug abuse or dependence. to experience alcohol abuse or dependence. BEFORE PTSD WAS RECOGNIZED PTSD AND THE MILITARY AS AN ANXIETY DISORDER: 110% +24% of all Gulf War veterans suffer from PTSD. of Korean War soldiers who saw direct combat were discharged for psychiatric reasons. +11-20% 137% of all veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. of World War II soldiers who saw direct combat were discharged for psychiatric 130% of all Vietnam veterans. reasons. COMBAT IS NOT THE ONLY CAUSE OF PTSD 55% 23% of women in the have reported military have reported sexual assault. sexual harassment while serving 38% of men in the military have experienced sexual harassment while serving. OTHER FACTOIDS: It has been noted in every american war, but it was only recognized as a distinct disorder in the 1980's. Records of PTSD exist from 2,500 PTSD is more likely to develop if a service member killed or believed he killed someone else, than if he felt his own life was at risk. years ago. Studies report that as many as 2/3 of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans suffering from PTSD may not be receiving treatment. They fear it will lead colleagues or bosses to lose respect for them or lose confidence in them. They fear it will hurt their careers. Some veterans may be denied care for their condition, while others do not seek They are concerned about the side effects of medications. treatment because: They are concerned about the cost and effectiveness of therapy. TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR PTSD Counseling and psychotherapy Prescription drugs (for some symptoms) Exposure therapy (re-imagining events in a safe environment) Group Therapy RESEARCH SHOWS THERE MAY BE WAYS TO MITIGATE OR PREVENT PTSD BEFORE IT BEGINS. THESE TACTICS INCLUDE: Participating in an activity you enjoy. Limiting alcohol consumption. Getting adequate sleep. Eating a healthy diet. Talking openly about the event with a friend, battle buddy, chaplain or counsellor. Starting and sticking with a regular exercise program. Meditating. POOR MEMORY VIOLENT UTBURSTS