Eleanor Finch
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a stress-related disorder that can occur after a traumatic experience. Military personnel are often exposed to traumatic events such as combat, war zone deployment, training accidents, and military sexual trauma (MST). As a result, PTSD is more common among veterans than civilians, with an estimated 7% of veterans developing PTSD at some point in their lives compared to 6% of the general population. Military service is the most common cause of PTSD in men, and studies have shown that up to 30% of veterans who served in Afghanistan and Iraq have developed the disorder. Factors such as the frequency, intensity, and duration of trauma exposure contribute to the development of PTSD, and it can lead to significant impairment in daily life, including social and family relationships.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prevalence in the military population | 7% of veterans will have PTSD at some point in their lives. This is slightly higher than in the general population (6%). |
| Risk factors | War zone deployment, training accidents, military sexual trauma (MST), combat, and other dangerous activities inherent to military service. |
| Symptoms | Flashbacks, nightmares, difficulty sleeping, emotional numbness, anger, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, memory and cognition problems, occupational instability, marital issues, and difficulties in parenting. |
| Treatment | Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), medication (e.g. antidepressants), spending time in nature and pursuing outdoor activities, and creating a safe place to relax and work through traumatic memories. |
| Support | VA's National Center for PTSD, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and various apps and self-help resources. |
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What You'll Learn
Military sexual trauma (MST)
MST is one of the most common mental health diagnoses related to PTSD. It is much more commonly reported in women, with about 1 in 3 women veterans and 1 in 50 male veterans reporting MST when screened by their VA provider. The VA offers support and treatment for MST survivors, including clinical evaluations, mental health care, and medical care. MST-related services are available for veterans and most former service members, regardless of the length of their service or discharge status.
Veterans who are struggling with MST can access resources such as the Make the Connection website, which shares stories from other veterans about their recovery from MST. Current service members can visit the Defense Department (DoD) Safe Helpline website or call the National Sexual Assault Hotline, operated by RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), to receive anonymous, confidential support and advice. Additionally, they can connect with a sexual assault response coordinator near their base or installation.
It is important for individuals experiencing symptoms of PTSD due to MST or other traumatic events during military service to seek help early on. This can improve their chances of effectively managing their symptoms and easing the transition into civilian life. The VA has been working to broaden access to benefits and improve community engagement for veterans dealing with PTSD symptoms, such as easing evidentiary restrictions on disability compensation. Veterans may also be eligible for time off work to focus on their treatment and recovery through the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
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Combat and deployment
The severity of PTSD symptoms can vary depending on several factors related to deployment. These factors include the frequency, intensity, and duration of trauma exposure. For instance, individuals who have been exposed to frequent indirect fire from mortars and rockets, or those who work in mortuary affairs and human remains collection, are at an increased risk of developing PTSD. Additionally, post-deployment factors such as unemployment, alcohol use, lack of social support, and stressful life events can also influence the severity of PTSD symptoms.
It is important to note that not everyone who experiences trauma will develop PTSD. However, certain factors during deployment can increase the likelihood of developing PTSD. These factors include the nature of the combat situation, such as the politics around the war, the location of the conflict, and the type of enemy faced. Furthermore, studies have shown that deployment itself increases the risk of PTSD, with veterans who have been deployed being three times more likely to develop PTSD than those who have not been deployed.
The symptoms of PTSD can manifest in various ways and interfere with everyday life. Individuals with PTSD may experience anger, flashbacks of traumatic incidents, or night terrors. They may also turn to alcohol or drugs as a coping mechanism, which can lead to further conduct problems and potential dishonourable discharge. Seeking treatment early on is crucial, as it can help manage symptoms effectively and ease the transition back to civilian life.
Overall, combat and deployment are significant factors in the development of PTSD among military personnel and veterans. The traumas experienced during deployment can have lasting psychological impacts, and it is important to recognize and address these issues to ensure effective treatment and support for those affected.
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Symptoms and diagnosis
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the most common health diagnoses US service members receive. Research shows that 5–20% of service members deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan have developed the condition. For veterans who saw combat, the risk of developing PTSD is even higher. Military service is the most common cause of PTSD in men.
PTSD is a stress-related disorder that develops after a traumatic experience. It involves a combination of emotional, physical, and behavioural symptoms that occur as a consequence of experiencing the traumatic event and that greatly affect a person's everyday life.
Symptoms of PTSD include:
- Reliving traumatic events, having flashbacks, or experiencing nightmares
- Avoiding reminders of the traumatic event, such as people, places, activities, things, and situations
- Ongoing fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame
- Memory loss of important aspects of the traumatic event
- Negative and distorted thoughts and feelings about oneself or others
- Distorted thoughts about the cause or effects of the event that lead to wrongly blaming oneself or others
- Insomnia
- Aggressive, reckless, or self-destructive behaviour
- Sleep problems
- Being on guard
- Difficulty concentrating
- Alcohol or drug use
- Relationship problems
- Depression
- Feelings of guilt
- Suicidal thoughts
There is no test to diagnose PTSD. Instead, a healthcare provider makes the diagnosis after asking about the patient's medical history, mental health history, and exposure to trauma. To receive a PTSD diagnosis, symptoms must last for more than a month and cause significant distress or issues in daily functioning.
While there is no cure for PTSD, there are effective treatments available, including medication and psychotherapy. Antidepressants, for example, can help relieve secondary symptoms of depression or anxiety. Trauma-focused psychotherapy is also a common treatment for PTSD in service members.
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Treatment and therapy
Although there has been a significant stigma in the armed forces against admitting to PTSD, this stigma is fading. Active-duty members are becoming more aware of their rights and the importance of seeking early treatment. Treatment options for PTSD include therapy, medication, and lifestyle adjustments.
Therapy
Trauma-focused psychotherapy (talk therapy) is a first-line treatment for military members with PTSD. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most evidence-based treatment for PTSD. Two of the most researched types of CBT are cognitive processing therapy (CPT) and prolonged exposure therapy (PET). Both types of therapy typically involve three months of weekly treatment. CPT involves helping patients identify negative thoughts related to the trauma and replace them with more balanced, less extreme thoughts. In PET, patients are guided to revisit trauma in a safe, clinical setting, allowing them to change how they react to traumatic memories and stressful events. Another effective form of therapy is eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), where therapists guide patients to follow visual stimuli or feel tapping movements while recalling traumatic memories.
Medication
Medications can be used in conjunction with or as an alternative to psychotherapy. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly used class of medications for PTSD. Approximately 60% of patients experience a reduction in symptoms after taking SSRIs. Medications can help reduce tension or irritability and improve sleep.
Lifestyle Adjustments
In addition to therapy and medication, lifestyle adjustments can help relieve PTSD symptoms. Talking to other veterans who have experienced trauma can foster connection and trust. Physical exercise can reduce physical tension, and volunteering can help with reconnecting to the community. It is also important to communicate with friends and family about places or activities that make you uncomfortable.
Ethical Considerations
The treatment of PTSD in military populations involves several ethical considerations. For example, pushing individuals to return to work too soon could adversely affect their therapeutic relationships and their relationships with coworkers. Clinicians must also be aware of the potential stigma associated with PTSD and how this may create barriers to care, especially for those with severe symptoms.
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Life after the military
Recognizing the signs of PTSD is crucial for seeking appropriate treatment and support. Symptoms of PTSD can include emotional, physical, and behavioral changes that interfere with everyday life. Individuals with PTSD may experience flashbacks, night terrors, anger, or difficulty adhering to discipline. It is important to note that not everyone who experiences trauma will develop PTSD, and the development of PTSD is influenced by factors such as the frequency, intensity, and duration of trauma exposure.
Transitioning from military to civilian life can be a significant challenge for veterans. This transition stress, as described by Bonanno and Mobbs, can cause a sense of alienation and a loss of meaning in life after returning to civilian life. The excitement and purpose found in military service may not be easily replicated in civilian life, leading to feelings of dissatisfaction and struggle.
To ease the transition and manage PTSD symptoms, it is important to seek treatment early. The VA offers various resources and benefits for veterans dealing with PTSD, including disability compensation, healthcare, and community engagement initiatives. Additionally, veterans can utilize the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to take time off work for treatment and request reasonable accommodations at work through the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
It is essential for veterans to be aware of the available support systems and to proactively seek help. Organizations like the National Center for PTSD provide valuable information, treatments, and tools for managing PTSD symptoms. By accessing these resources and seeking timely treatment, veterans can effectively navigate the challenges of life after the military and work towards a successful and fulfilling civilian life.
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Frequently asked questions
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a stress-related disorder that can occur following a life-threatening event, such as military combat, natural disasters, terrorist incidents, serious accidents, or violent personal assaults. It involves a combination of emotional, physical, and behavioral symptoms that can significantly impair a person's daily life.
PTSD is slightly more common among military personnel than civilians. About 7% of veterans will experience PTSD at some point in their lives, compared to 6% of the general population. However, this figure varies depending on the specific population studied and the methodology used. For example, one study found that 30% of Afghanistan and Iraq War veterans developed PTSD. Another study found that PTSD is three times more likely among veterans who deployed compared to those who did not.
People with PTSD may experience nightmares, flashbacks, difficulty sleeping, and feelings of emotional numbness, anxiety, or anger. They may also suffer from depression, substance abuse, memory and cognition problems, and other physical and mental health issues. PTSD can also cause difficulties in social or family life, including occupational instability, marital problems, and difficulties in parenting.
The risk factors for developing PTSD in the military include the frequency, intensity, and duration of trauma exposure. War zone deployment, training accidents, military sexual trauma, and combat exposure are all potential risk factors. Additionally, individuals who work in mortuary affairs, collect human remains, or provide combat support in locations with frequent indirect fire are also at higher risk.
There are several treatments available for military personnel with PTSD. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy incorporates elements of CBT with eye movements or other rhythmic stimulation to help the nervous system move on from the traumatic event. Medication, such as antidepressants, can also be prescribed to relieve secondary symptoms of depression or anxiety. Spending time in nature and pursuing outdoor activities can also be beneficial for veterans with PTSD, as it can help challenge their sense of vulnerability and smooth their transition back into civilian life.
