PTSD and the Military

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental illness that can develop after someone has experienced a traumatic event. PTSD is very common among veterans, who are more likely to experience PTSD than civilians.

Prevalence of PTSD Among Veterans

The prevalence of PTSD among veterans varies depending on the specific war or conflict. For example, veterans of the Vietnam War have a PTSD rate of about 30%, while veterans of the Persian Gulf War have a PTSD rate of about 12%.

Risk Factors for PTSD in Veterans

There are a number of risk factors that can increase a veteran's risk of developing PTSD, including:

• Exposure to combat: Veterans who have seen combat are at increased risk for PTSD.
• Experiencing a traumatic event: Veterans who have experienced a traumatic event, such as being injured or seeing someone else killed, are at increased risk for PTSD.
• Having a history of mental health problems: Veterans who have a history of mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety, are at increased risk for PTSD.
• Lack of social support: Veterans who lack social support from family and friends are at increased risk for PTSD.

Symptoms of PTSD

The symptoms of PTSD can vary from person to person. Common symptoms include:

• Flashbacks: Veterans may experience flashbacks, or sudden and vivid memories of the traumatic event.
• Nightmares: Veterans may have nightmares about the traumatic event.
• Avoidance: Veterans may avoid people, places, or things that remind them of the traumatic event.
• Hypervigilance: Veterans may be constantly on guard for danger.
• Irritability: Veterans may be easily angered or irritable.
• Difficulty sleeping: Veterans may have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
• Concentration problems: Veterans may have difficulty concentrating or paying attention.
• Guilt or shame: Veterans may feel guilty or ashamed about what happened during the traumatic event.

Treatment for PTSD

There are a number of treatments that can help veterans with PTSD. These treatments include:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of therapy that helps veterans to understand and change the negative thoughts and behaviors that are associated with PTSD.
• Exposure therapy: Exposure therapy is a type of therapy that helps veterans to gradually face the things that they fear or avoid.
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR is a type of therapy that helps veterans to process the memories of the traumatic event in a safe and controlled way.
• Medication: Medication can be used to help veterans manage the symptoms of PTSD, such as anxiety and depression.

Getting Help for PTSD

If you are a veteran and you think you may have PTSD, there are a number of resources available to help you. You can talk to your doctor or mental health professional, or you can call the National PTSD Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.