Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) impacts 7% of veterans. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs reports approximately 17 million veterans residing in the United States, indicating that over 1 million veterans live with PTSD. This significant figure underscores the potential underdiagnosis of PTSD in military contexts, attributed to scarce mental health resources. Addressing the needs of this substantial group requires the expertise of behavioral and mental health professionals. Our goal is to provide you with the necessary knowledge to effectively perform PTSD screenings for veterans.
What causes PTSD in veterans?
It is recognized that soldiers may endure both temporary and enduring psychological impacts from combat-related trauma. Veterans from World War I were diagnosed with "shell shock," now understood as a precursor to PTSD, characterized by severe social withdrawal, nightmares, diminished initiative, and persistent apathy. Veterans from World War II, as well as the Korean and Vietnam Wars, have similarly suffered from post-combat stress. Research on Vietnam War veterans indicates that PTSD can persist for over a decade in some cases.
It is crucial to distinguish between PTSD from military service and most civilian cases of PTSD. Military personnel face repeated exposure to life-threatening traumatic events and combat situations, in contrast to civilian PTSD, which often stems from a single traumatic incident.
The reasons why some individuals develop long-term stress responses after trauma while others do not remain uncertain. It is probable that a mix of personal characteristics, the nature of the traumatic event, and concurrent conditions all contribute.
Add comment
Comments