ptsd treatment for veterans: what’s working, what’s new, and what’s next.

What kind of treatments are available for veterans with PTSD?

Pharmacotherapy of PTSD in Veterans. Some patients do not respond adequately to nondrug treatment alone, may prefer medications, or may benefit from a combination of medication and psychotherapy. In these cases, pharmacotherapy is also recommended as a first-line approach for PTSD. 38 – 40.

Is there a role for Pharmacology in the treatment of PTSD?

PTSD Treatment for Veterans: What's Working, What's New, and What's Next. More than a decade of war in the Middle East has pushed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to the forefront of public health concerns. The author defines the disorder and discusses risk factors, treatments, and the barriers to effective care.

Why don’t veterans get enough care for PTSD?

Oct 01, 2016 · First-year treatment alone for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans treated through the VA costs more than $2 billion, or about $8,300 per person. 67 Health care costs for veterans with PTSD are 3.5 times higher than costs for those without the disorder. 67 According to the VA, PTSD was the third most prevalent disability for veterans receiving compensation in 2012 …

How is PTSD diagnosed in veterans?

Treatments for PTSD are still limited, and there are currently 2 pharmacological treatments approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to …

What new treatments are being used to help those struggling with PTSD?

Is there anything new about PTSD?

What is the most successful treatment for PTSD?

How is PTSD being treated today?

What is the new name for PTSD?

Which of the following types of medication is most often prescribed for PTSD?

Does PTSD ever go away?

What are the 5 stages of PTSD?

What are 3 treatments for PTSD?

What drugs help PTSD?

Is PTSD a disability?

How long does PTSD treatment take?

What services does VA provide for PTSD?

We have almost 200 PTSD treatment programs across the country that offer: 1-to-1 mental health assessment and testing to figure out if you have PTS...

How do I access VA services for PTSD?

The VA health care program covers PTSD health services. To access these services, first apply for VA health care. Apply for health care After you a...

What if I don’t have VA health benefits?

You may still be able to get care. PTSD treatment for your specific group If you’ve served in a combat zone, get free private counseling, alcohol...

Can I get disability compensation (monthly payments) or other benefits from VA if I think I have PTSD linked to military service?

If you have symptoms of PTSD and suffered a serious injury, personal trauma, sexual trauma, or were threatened with injury, sexual assault, or deat...

Where can I find more information and support?

Read our “Understanding PTSD and PTSD Treatment” booklet for more about PTSD symptoms and treatment. Read the booklet (PDF) Go to our National Cent...

Abstract

More than a decade of war in the Middle East has pushed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to the forefront of public health concerns. The author defines the disorder and discusses risk factors, treatments, and the barriers to effective care.

REFERENCES

1. Institute of Medicine Treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder in military and veteran populations final assessment. Report Brief June 2014. Available at: www.nationalacademies.org/hmd/~/media/Files/Report%20Files/2014/PTSD-II/PTSD-II-RB.pdf. Accessed April 1, 2016. [ Abstract] [ Google Scholar]

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What is a PTSD med?

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious mental health condition that affects some individuals who have witnessed or experienced a life-threatening or traumatic event. An enhanced or exaggerated acoustic startle response (ASR), reflecting heightened sensitivity to unexpected, loud sound, is a hallmark symptom of PTSD. Antidepressant medications, such as sertraline, are first-line pharmacotherapeutic agents in the treatment of PTSD, but concerns about potential side effects or taking synthetic drugs prompt discovery of naturalistic therapeutic agents. This study examined the relative effectiveness of a compound containing St. John’s Wort (SJW), an herb widely prescribed for depression in Europe and sold as a dietary supplement in the United States, compared to sertraline (Zoloft) in a mouse model of PTSD. Thirty-six mice were tested for baseline ASR, then they were exposed to rats in a predator exposure paradigm known to induce PTSD-like symptoms. Mice were randomly divided into three groups for treatment (control, sertraline, SJW), and ASR was retested one week later. One-way ANOVAs found no significant group differences in ASR amplitude at baseline but a significant effect of Treatment Group after predator exposure, F (2, 33) = 5.645, p = .008, n² = .225, when SJW-treated mice had ASR amplitudes that were significantly lower than sertraline-treated mice (by 27%) and controls (by 26%). Fecal boli counts showed a similar pattern, with lowest counts in SJW-treated mice. These results suggest SJW could be considered for studies of PTSD treatment in humans as well.

Can a service dog help with PTSD?

Thirty veterans diagnosed with PTSD, 15 in the intervention group and 15 in the waitlist controlled group, completed all pretests and posttests measures, consisting of the 136-item Trauma Symptom Inventory-2 and the 36-item World Health Organization–Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0. Compared to demographically similar veterans in the control group, participants who completed the service dog training program demonstrated significant decreases in posttraumatic symptomatology, intra/interpersonal difficulties associated with psychological trauma, and in disabilities secondary to their PTSD. Study findings, in combination with results from two other recently published controlled investigations, provide evidence supporting the endorsement and use of service dog programs as helpful complementary or alternative treatment options for some veterans. Social work practitioners may want to consider referring their veteran clients with PTSD to qualified service dog programs for adjunctive support when they are having difficulty engaging with or benefiting from office-based traditional therapy approaches.

What is PTSD in the Middle East?

More than a decade of war in the Middle East has pushed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to the forefront of public health concerns. The author defines the disorder and discusses risk factors, treatments, and the barriers to effective care.

What is the purpose of the PTSD treatment adherence questionnaire?

Purpose Treatment adherence is one of the major strategies in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in combat veterans. This study developed and psychometrically assessed the Treatment Adherence Questionnaire for Patients with Combat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Participants and methods This methodological study was conducted in Tehran, Iran, during 2016–2017 in two phases. First, the concept of treatment adherence in combatants with PTSD was analyzed using a hybrid model. This model consisted of three phases: literature review phase, fieldwork phase, and final analysis phase. The consequences and attributes of the concept of treatment adherence in combatants with PTSD were identified, and based on the findings, the Treatment Adherence Questionnaire for PTSD veterans was developed. In the second stage, the face and content validities of the questionnaire were investigated both quantitatively and qualitatively. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were used to determine the questionnaire’s validity. Internal consistency correlation coefficient of the questionnaire was estimated with Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, while the reliability of the questionnaire was established using intra-class test-retest correlation coefficient. Study participants were selected from inpatients and outpatients referred to a hospital, clinic, and health center in Tehran and Kashan, Iran. All patients were diagnosed with combat PTSD by a psychiatrist, based on psychiatric interview and other clinical findings. Results The Persian version of the Treatment Adherence Questionnaire for Patients with Combat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder included 17 items. Exploratory factor analysis identified three factors which accounted for a total of 87.57% of the total variance of treatment adherence score. The identified factors were labeled as “maintenance of treatment”, “follow-up and treatment contribution”, and “purposefulness and responsibility”. The Cronbach’s alpha correlation coefficient was 0.92 and the intra-class correlation coefficient of the questionnaire’s reliability was estimated at 0.92 (P<0.001). Conclusion The data obtained confirmed the hypothesis of the factor structure model with a latent second-order variable. The final version of the Treatment Adherence Questionnaire for Iranian combatants with PTSD can be applied as a valid and reliable questionnaire for measuring treatment adherence in these patients.

What is EFT therapy?

Clinical EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) is an evidence-based method that combines acupressure with elements drawn from cognitive and exposure therapies. The approach has been validated in more than 100 clinical trials. Its efficacy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been investigated in a variety of demographic groups including war veterans, victims of sexual violence, the spouses of PTSD sufferers, motor accident survivors, prisoners, hospital patients, adolescents, and survivors of natural and human-caused disasters. Meta-analyses of EFT for anxiety, depression, and PTSD indicate treatment effects that exceed those of both psychopharmacology and conventional psychotherapy. Studies of EFT in the treatment of PTSD show that (a) time frames for successful treatment generally range from four to 10 sessions; (b) group therapy sessions are effective; (c) comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression improve simultaneously; (d) the risk of adverse events is low; (e) treatment produces physiological as well as psychological improvements; (f) patient gains persist over time; (g) the approach is cost-effective; (h) biomarkers such as stress hormones and genes are regulated; and (i) the method can be adapted to online and telemedicine applications. This paper recommends guidelines for the use of EFT in treating PTSD derived from the literature and a detailed practitioner survey. It has been reviewed by the major institutions providing training or supporting research in the method. The guidelines recommend a stepped-care model, with five treatment sessions for subclinical PTSD, 10 sessions for PTSD, and escalation to intensive psychotherapy or psychopharmacology or both for nonresponsive patients and those with developmental trauma. Group therapy, social support, apps, and online and telemedicine methods also contribute to a successful treatment plan.

Is PTSD a medical condition?

Medically induced posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a growing health concern, given its negative impact on mental, emotional, and physical functioning. There is substantial research that indicates that military personnel and veterans (ADMP/V) are at risk for PTSD. This article explores vulnerability factors that can contribute to the development and exacerbation of PTSD in ADMP/V in medical or surgical settings. The results indicate that ADMP/V are at least as vulnerable as their civilian counterparts in developing medically induced PTSD. Interventions that enhance protective factors and promote resiliency in this population are essential for effectively managing traumatic response to medical treatments.

What is abstract art therapy?

Abstract Art therapies are a broad suite of treatments including drawing, painting and music that can facilitate non-verbal communication through artistic expression. They have been used as adjunctive therapies for a range of mental health conditions. Significant numbers of returning military personnel experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and discontinuation of care is a concern. Using drawing-based art therapy as an adjuvant to classical therapies may provide a benefit for such military patients.

Does the VA cover PTSD?

The VA health care program covers PTSD health services. To access these services, first apply for VA health care. If you have a VA primary care provider, talk to them about your concerns. Your provider can help you figure out if you have PTSD—and can offer treatment and support as needed.

Is it too late to get help for PTSD?

PTSD treatment. Whether you just returned from a deployment or have been home for 40 years, it’s never too late to get help for PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder). Getting counseling or treatment can help you manage your symptoms and keep them from getting worse. Our National Center for PTSD is the world leader in PTSD research, education, ...

Can you get disability if you have PTSD?

If you have symptoms of PTSD and suffered a serious injury, personal trauma, sexual trauma, or were threatened with injury, sexual assault, or death while serving in the military, you may be able to get disability compensation or benefits. Find out if you can get disability benefits.

How to contact the VA for homeless veterans?

Visit our website to learn about VA programs for Veterans who are homeless. Contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838 for help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A trained VA counselor will offer information about VA homeless programs, health care, and other services in your area.

What is PTSD in the VA?

The VA defines PTSD as “the development of characteristic and persistent symptoms along with difficulty functioning after exposure to a life-threatening experience or to an event that either involves a threat to life or serious injury.”.

What are the factors that increase the risk of PTSD in the veteran population?

A number of factors have been shown to increase the risk of PTSD in the veteran population, including (in some studies) younger age at the time of the trauma, racial minority status, lower socioeconomic status, lower military rank, lower education, higher number of deployments, longer deployments, prior psychological problems, and lack of social support from family, friends, and community ( Table 1 ). PTSD is also strongly associated with generalized physical and cognitive health symptoms attributed to mild traumatic brain injury (concussion).

What is PTSD diagnosis?

In 2013, the American Psychiatric Association revised the PTSD diagnostic criteria in the fifth edition of its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), moving PTSD from the class of “anxiety disorders” into a new class of “trauma and stressor-related disorders.” As such, all of the conditions included in this classification require exposure to a traumatic or stressful event as a diagnostic criterion. DSM-5 categorizes the symptoms that accompany PTSD into four “clusters”: 1 Intrusion—spontaneous memories of the traumatic event, recurrent dreams related to it, flashbacks, or other intense or prolonged psychological distress 2 Avoidance—distressing memories, thoughts, feelings, or external reminders of the event 3 Negative cognitions and mood—myriad feelings including a distorted sense of blame of self or others, persistent negative emotions (e.g., fear, guilt, shame), feelings of detachment or alienation, and constricted affect (e.g., inability to experience positive emotions) 4 Arousal—aggressive, reckless, or self-destructive behavior; sleep disturbances; hypervigilance or related problems.

Is PTSD a public health issue?

More than a decade of war in the Middle East has pushed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to the forefront of public health concerns. The last several years have seen a dramatic increase in the number of Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans seeking help for PTSD, shining a spotlight on this debilitating condition and raising critical questions ...

How many veterans receive mental health care?

According to a study conducted by the RAND Center for Military Health Policy Research, less than half of returning veterans needing mental health services receive any treatment at all, and of those receiving treatment for PTSD and major depression, less than one-third are receiving evidence-based care.

Who first described the psychological effects of war?

The existence of war-induced psychological trauma likely goes back as far as warfare itself, with one of its first mentions by the Greek historian Herodotus. In writing about the Battle of Marathon in 490 b.c ., Herodotus described an Athenian warrior who went permanently blind when the soldier standing next to him was killed, although the blinded soldier himself had not been wounded. Such accounts of psychological symptoms following military trauma are featured in the literature of many early cultures, and it is theorized that ancient soldiers experienced the stresses of war in much the same way as their modern-day counterparts.

What was the first weapon used in the Civil War?

Often referred to as the country’s bloodiest conflict, the Civil War saw the first widespread use of rapid-fire rifles, telescopic sights, and other innovations in weaponry that greatly increased destructiveness in battle and left those who survived with a myriad of physical and psychological injuries.

What is the best treatment for PTSD?

Trauma-Focused Psychotherapies. Trauma-focused psychotherapies are the most highly recommended treatment for PTSD. “Trauma-focused” means that the treatment focuses on your memory of the traumatic event or its meaning.

How long does PTSD therapy last?

By confronting these challenges in a gradual way with the help of a therapist, PTSD symptoms can decrease. PE typically lasts for 10–15 sessions.

What is trauma therapy?

VA offers three of the most effective trauma-focused psychotherapies: 1 Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): CPT teaches people to identify how traumatic experiences have affected their thinking. It also teaches them to evaluate and change their thoughts. CPT usually takes 12 sessions and can be delivered in an individual or group format. The goal is for patients to learn ways to have more healthy and balanced beliefs about themselves, others, and the world. 2 Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy: PE works by teaching people to approach trauma-related memories, feelings, and situations that they have been avoiding since their trauma. By confronting these challenges in a gradual way with the help of a therapist, PTSD symptoms can decrease. PE typically lasts for 10–15 sessions. 3 Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): After trauma, people with PTSD often have trouble making sense of what happened to them. In EMDR, patients pay attention to a back-and-forth movement or sound while calling to mind the upsetting memory until shifts occur in the way they experience that memory and more information from the past is processed. By processing these experiences, people can get relief from PTSD symptoms and change how they react to memories of their trauma. EMDR can take up to 12 sessions.

What is the most effective trauma therapy?

VA offers three of the most effective trauma-focused psychotherapies: Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): CPT teaches people to identify how traumatic experiences have affected their thinking. It also teaches them to evaluate and change their thoughts.

How many sessions does CPT take?

It also teaches them to evaluate and change their thoughts. CPT usually takes 12 sessions and can be delivered in an individual or group format.

How does PTSD affect the brain?

PTSD may be related to changes in the brain that are linked to our ability to manage stress. Compared with people who don’t have PTSD, people with PTSD appear to have different amounts of certain chemicals (called neurotransmitters) in the brain. SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) are types of antidepressant medication that are believed to treat PTSD by putting these brain chemicals back in balance. They do not work as well as trauma-focused psychotherapy, but they can be effective.

What is the generic name for Effexor?

Venlafaxine (Effexor) (Medications have two names: a brand name — for example, Zoloft — and a generic name — for example, sertraline.) To receive medications for PTSD, patients need to meet with a provider who can prescribe the medications.