Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in Veterans

Post traumatic stress disorder, known as PTSD for short, is a disorder that a person can come down with after experiencing a very traumatic life event. The condition is commonly seen in victims of violence, car accidents and sexual abuse. Post traumatic stress disorder in veterans is also common, particularly for those who fought in wars and witnessed human death and destruction.

Prevalence

Veterans are now compensated by the United States government for PTSD treatments. This began in 2005, after the rates of PTSD were noted to have increased by over 30 percent. The suicide rate among veterans in 2005 was 37.2 per 100,000 males and 13.5 per 100,000 females. Adding PTSD to the list of disorders for which veterans could receive subsidized treatment was done in an attempt to lower these numbers.

The battle with PTSD

Many soldiers who have fought in Afghanistan and Iraq have experienced PTSD upon returning home. This puts a strain on their relationships with their spouses, children and friends. Research is currently seeking new ways to help veterans adapt to life at home after service.

Treating PTSD

Veterans with PTSD are generally put into treatment programs that involve individual and family counseling sessions. Some are also prescribed anti-anxiety medications to help them deal with the stress on a daily basis.

Anyone who goes through a traumatic event may develop PTSD in the days, months or years that follow. With the right treatment, the symptoms of this disorder can decrease and the person can start living a normal, happy life again.