Annotated bibliography compilation and organizational practices

Fontana, A., Rosenheck, R., & Desai, R. (2010). Female Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan Seeking Care from VA Specialized PTSD Programs: Comparison with Male Veterans and Female War Zone Veterans of Previous Eras. Journal of Women's Health (15409996); Apr2010, Vol. 19 Issue 4, p751-757, 7p. doi:10.1089/jwh.2009.1389

Fontana et.al, discuss the specific effects of PTSD on female veterans from both Iraq and Afghanistan. Their intent is to propose solutions for the Office of Veteran Affairs when dealing with women ex-combatants. The authors compare the rates of PTSD from women deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan against women deployed in the Persian Gulf War and the Vietnam wars, this data is then further cross referenced with the reports of men also deployed in those three different eras. The findings, though not surprising are especially helpful. The authors find that the greater the social support the less severe the psychological consequences of deployment. Additionally, the authors find that women, as compared to their male counterparts, experience a greater range of pathologies with fewer economic support systems in place. This article is important in establishing the role of gender on the effect and treatment of PTSD in women combatants.

Frayne, S., Chiu, V., Iqbal, S., & Berg, E. (2011) Medical Care Needs of Returning Veterans with PTSD: Their Other Burden. JGIM: Journal of General Internal Medicine; Jan2011, Vol. 26 Issue 1, p33-39, 7p, 2 Charts, 1 Graph. doi: 10.1007/s11606-010-1497-4

Frayne et. al, are concerned with complicating the picture of veterans health views. At present they argue, insufficient attention is paid to the struggles of veterans with both PTSD disorders in addition to medical conditions-which are often physical. The authors attempt to analyze whether gender plays a role in the rate of PTSD, and whether there are any physical ailments which often accompany the reports and treatment of PTSD. This article is important and useful for this study because it provides analysis of the role of gender and introduces an additional element connecting medical ailments outside of mental health issues to PTSD. It provides a model to incorporate substance abuse.

Gil-Rivas, V., Prause, J., & Grella, C.E. (2009). Substance use after residential treatment among individuals with co-occurring disorders: The role of anxiety/depressive symptoms and trauma exposure. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 23(2), 303-314. doi:10.1037/a0015355

Gil-Rivas et. al, survey the relationship between substance abuse rates in the aftermath of a residential treatment programs, specifically focusing on those individuals who entered the residential treatment program while possessing both ailments. The data is reviewed as the treatment program begins and follow up data is collected at 6 and 12 months. They found that upwards of 1/3 of the adults were diagnosed with PTSD. This article is important because, I am concerned with the effect of gender and it provides counter arguments. The authors do not find that gender does not significantly affect the association between gender, mental health issues, and substance abuse.