PTSD In Veterans

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Pages: 9

Since the Vietnam War in 1955, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has been the number one source of suffering and disability among American veterans. Initially called post-Vietnam syndrome, the increasing number of veterans diagnosed led to the adoption of PTSD as a diagnostic category starting in 1980 (Crocq and Crocq, 2000). Post Traumatic Stress Disorder remains a critical concern among the specific group of military veterans, especially those who have completed multiple tours of duty overseas. The population of military personnel is more at risk of developing PTSD because of the daily challenges and frights they encounter. The risk is even greater in individuals who serve in combat roles to develop PTSD (Hines, et al., 2001). al., 2014). …show more content…
We need more ways to help the people defending our country. Although all of this is a great step forward in giving Veterans the care they need and deserve, many more complex solutions will be needed to help treat them the way they need to be treated. The environment that a Veteran comes home to is crucially important for the possible development of PTSD. The quality of social support networks and the societal attitudes that people have towards Veterans aids in the way that they handle all of the traumatic things they witness. When returning home, Vets need to get back to the new normal, they have to learn that they don’t have to be on guard 24/7, they are safe and with their loved ones. If you have ever witnessed a soldier coming home after a long time, you can understand all of the barriers and obstacles they have to overcome after returning home, and familial support plays a huge part in that. Primary Prevention In primary prevention, we target the potential host, all military personnel, especially those who are preparing for …show more content…
The host is our target at this prevention level, Veterans who have already been diagnosed with PTSD and those who experience chronic symptoms of PTSD. The goals for this prevention are to try and reduce the impact of PTSD on the Veterans daily life. This is meant to improve the daily functioning of this person and improve their quality of life through ongoing treatment by a physician or therapist, as well as support from care teams and family. Family is a crucial aspect in helping these people reintegrate back into their normal lives. Some strategies that can help us reach our goals for the target are things like continuum of care such as, CBT or EMDR, as well as medication management if the individual is on medications. Making sure a person stays on schedule with their medications is important to prevent health issues or cause an increase in symptoms and episodes. As mentioned earlier, Veterans do not only have mental struggles when they come home, they have huge financial burdens that can make their mental health worse. Supporting these men and women reintegrating into civilian life through housing assistance and community support programs can go a long way, involving family members and caregivers into the treatment plan can help them facilitate a recovery with people they