PTSD And Iraq Summary

Chad Patterson
Ms. Taylor
English 1302-06
29 September 2011
PTSD and Iraq
Figley, Charles harles R., and William William P. Nash. Combat Stress Injury, Theory, Research, And Management. Brunner-Routledge, 2007. . This book defines PTSD as a chronic, debilitating psychological condition that occurs in a subset of persons who experience or witness, life-threatening traumatic events. PTSD is characterized by re-experiencing, avoidance, and hyperarousal symptoms that occur over time and lead to significant disruption of one’s life. during a course of treatment using prolonged exposure, typically four treatment components are administered over 9-12 sessions lasting 90 to 120 minutes each: (1) psychoeducation about the symptoms of PTSD and
factors that maintain PTSD and the rationale for exposure therapy; (2) training in controlled breathing or other stress reduction techniques that clients may use as a stress management skill, though it should be noted that clients are discouraged from using it during exposure exercises; (3) prolonged imaginal exposure to the trauma memory conducted in therapy sessions and repeated as homework; and (4) prolonged in vivo exposure implemented as homework. There is substantial evidence that exposure programs are highly effective in the treatment of PTSD. There is no compelling evidence that any cognitive behavioral therapy program is more effective than exposure therapy.
Lawhorne, Cheryl, and Don Philpot. Combat-related traumatic brain injury and PTSD: a resource and recovery guide. Lanham: Government Institutes, 2010. Print. Starting on page 163 of this book the author talks about how some of the behaviors that kept soldiers alive during war can cause problems after they return home.
It states that even the most serious post-deployment problems can be treated and cured. Some problems that soldiers face in not seeking treatment is that they think they can cope with the problem themselves, they think that others can’t help them, or some think the problem will just go away on its own, and also some are embarrassed to talk to someone else about the problems that they are facing. Some of the signs to watch for in someone returning from war are problems in their relationships, poor performance and attendance in school or work, and if they have thoughts of hurting someone or themselves. The earlier that treatment is sought, the easier it will be to prevent problems that could
occur.
Minear, Larry Larry, Bob Bob Patrick, and Richard Richard G. Lugar. Through Veterans' Eyes, The Iraq And Afghanistan Experience. Potomac Books Inc, 2012. . On page 158 of this book it points out that a RAND report in 2008 found that an estimated 300,000 service personnel from Iraq and Afghanistan were suffering from PTSD or major depression.
The RAND report also found that only about half of those affected had sought help, and out of those that did seek help about half of them received “minimally adequate treatment”. It is estimated that the cost of treating every one of the 300,000 PTSD cases is about $660 billion. PTSD is also linked to the doubling of the suicide rate of the personnel returning from Afghanistan and Iraq.
Husted, Kristen risten N., and Capella Capella University. School of Psychology. Rural Living Combat Veterans---an Exploration On Issues With Post Traumatic Stress Disorder And Reintegration Post Combat-returning To A Small Town. ProQuest, 2008. . This was a study done about the difference of effects of PTSD on rural and non-rural veterans. The results indicate a significant difference in adjustment and symptoms of PTSD amongst rural combat veterans when compared to non-rural combat veterans. Second, the rural combat veterans’ perception of their reintegration experience is unique. Lastly, the rural combat veterans’ reintegration is process is perceived as significantly different than the non-combat
veterans.
War Crimes. Pro. Alex Simmons. Vanguard. Web. 8 July 2010 This documentary researched PTSD in veterans of Iraq by looking at the high rates of veterans of this war being in prison. They focused on two main cases, but talked about the growing amount. One was of a guy that was awaiting trial for murder of his girlfriend. She had been strangled to death. He had no recollection of doing anything, but he was believed to be the one that killed her. These cases of veterans blacking out are very common. They happen sometimes while sleeping and sometimes while the person is awake. Another case they looked at was a veteran that shot a guy that raped his girlfriend 6 times. He claims to only remember going over to the victim’s house and getting shoved. The next thing he remembered was coming to in an orange jumpsuit not knowing what had happened.
Carlson, Eve, et al. United States. Iraq War Clinition Guide. Web. . Site N/A at this time.