How PTSD Affects Combat Veterans

Part 1– Case Analysis: Traumatization of Combat Veterans
Today, despite ongoing efforts by the health care community and policymakers to reverse the ugly trend, dozens of combat veterans take their own lives every day, and many of these victims suffered from various trauma-induced conditions including most especially post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the relevant literature concerning the effects of exposure to war on U.S. combat veterans. To this end, a discussion concerning the demographics for this population and the pervasiveness of the problem and an analysis concerning whether particular groups are more vulnerable than others are followed by an examination of factors of the trauma that are most influential in determining the severity of the symptoms. Finally, an assessment of the particular range of reactions to this type of trauma and a discussion concerning what communities and systems could be impacted and/or are already involved are followed by a summary of the research and important findings concerning traumatized combat veterans in the conclusion.
What are the demographics for this population and/or how pervasive is the problem?
A growing body of evidence confirms that veterans have higher prevalence of PTSD-related disorders compared to the general population when matched for age and sex (Britvic & Anticevic, 2015). Likewise, the various injuries and traumatic episodes that are experienced by veterans have a significant effect on the prevalence of PSTD-related symptoms in veterans (Britvic & Anticevic, 2015). The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reports that the prevalence of PTSD among veteran in general differs depending on the period in which they served (Howley, 2019).
Although far more research in this area is needed, what is known for certain at present about the demographics of the veteran population and PTSD is as follows:
· About 11 to 20 out of every 100 veterans (or between 11 and 20%) who served in operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom have PTSD in a given year;
· About 12 out of every 100 Gulf War Veterans (or 12%) have PTSD in a given year; and,
· About 15 out of every 100 Vietnam veterans (15%) were currently diagnosed with PTSD when the most recent study of them (the National Vietnam Veteran Readjustment Study) was conducted in the late 1980s. It is believed that 30% of Vietnam veterans have had PTSD in their lifetime (Howley, 2019).
Taken together, it is apparent that large numbers of military veterans have sacrificed far more during their service than many Americans realize, but part of this problem relates to the nature of the PTSD disorder as discussed below.
Identify if this is a simple or complex trauma and why.
Most authorities agree that PTSD is a highly complex condition that requires a multidisciplinary team approach in order for interventions to be effective (Pressley & Spinazola, 2015). The complexity of PTSD is related in large part to the infinite array of traumatic events that can cause the disorder, and war zones are replete with these types of constant threats. Indeed, it is reasonable to suggest that the numerous hazards and rigors of serving in a combat zone are sufficient to invoke a wide range of traumatic reactions among service members even when they do not suffer actual physical injuries; however, military veterans with physical and/or psychological injuries are far more vulnerable to developing PTSD and its related symptoms as noted below.
Are there particular groups who are more vulnerable?
Like all other people, members of the armed forces are vulnerable to developing PTSD since exposure to virtually any type of traumatic episode can cause this disorder. Combat veterans, though, are more vulnerable to developing PTSD due to the frequency and intensity of the traumatic events they experience in war zones. As noted above, though, serving in a combat zone is inherently traumatic and it is not surprising that the prevalence of PTSD is higher among combat veterans than non-combat veterans and the American population in general. As noted above, however, PTSD can manifest in numerous ways, but some circumstances appear to produce more severe symptoms than others as discussed below.
What factors of the trauma are most influential in the severity of symptoms?
When people are subjected to long periods of hazardous conditions, they naturally respond by developing defense mechanisms that are intended to create a sense of normalcy out of extraordinary situations (Sloan & Bovin, 2017). When traumatic events take place that interfere with these defense mechanisms, the symptoms that are associated with PTSD may intensify in severity even if the individuals involved do not experience personal physical injuries. In this regard, Pressley and Spinazzola (2015) report that, “The chronic and interpersonal context of the trauma exposure differentiates complex trauma from a more general understanding of traumatic stress” (p. 9). Unfortunately, far more remains known about the symptoms and causes of PTSD than is known about how best to treat the disorder, including identifying optimal interventions for the range of reactions that may result as noted below.
What is the particular range of reactions to this trauma?
Although PTSD can manifest in vastly different ways, some of the common reactions to PTSD include the following:
· Re-experiencing the initial trauma via intrusive thoughts, unwanted recollections and memories, nightmares and flashbacks;
· Avoidance of certain activities, particularly difficult emotions and places that remind the individual of the trauma;
· Increased arousal, such as feeling anxious or on edge all the time, being jumpy, having difficulty sleeping, being irritable, having angry outbursts or engaging in self-destructive behaviors; and,
· Negative changes in mood and thinking that can include mood swings, difficulty focusing or concentrating, depression, isolation from friends and family and apathy (Howley, 2019).
What communities and systems could be impacted and/or involved?
To its credit, the VA has long maintained a nationwide community-based network of more than 300 “Vet Centers” that are staffed with counselors with specialized training in treating PTSD and its related symptoms (Vet Centers, 2019). In addition, a number of online support groups have been formed in recent years to specifically help combat veterans and their families cope with the adverse effects of PTSD (Beks, 2016).
Conclusion
While most Americans appear to “support the troops” as evidenced by the proliferation of these bumper stickers across the country, the harsh reality that is facing millions of Americans today is the fact that many veterans in general and combat veterans in particular suffer from the debilitating effects of post traumatic stress disorder and some of them take their own lives as a result. Even for those combat veterans that manage to survive their post-discharge years, life can be incredibly difficult with respect to securing and maintaining gainful employment or actively participating in an intimate relationship. In the final analysis, it is reasonable to conclude that the real price of freedom can be seen in veterans who suffer from PTSD, and far more needs to be done to help these American heroes regain their normal lives.
References
Beks, T. (2016, April). Walking on eggshells: The lived experience of partners of veterans with PTSD. The Qualitative Report, 21(4), 645-651.
Britvic, D. & Anticevic, V. (2015, May 1). Comorbidities with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among combat veterans: 15 years postwar analysis. International Journal of Clinical and Health Psychology, 15(2), 81-85.
Howley, E. K. (2019, June 28). Statistics on PTSD in veterans. US News & World Report. Retrieved from https://health.usnews.com/conditions/mental-health/ptsd/articles/ptsd-veterans-statistics.
Pressley, J. & Spinazzola, J. (2015, Spring). Beyond survival: Application of a complex trauma treatment model in the Christian context. Journal of Psychology and Theology, 43(1), 8-12.
Sloan, D. M. & Bovin, M. J. (2012, May). Review of group treatment for PTSD. Journal of Rehabilitation Research & Development, 49(5), 689-695.
Vet Centers. (2019). Department of Veterans Affairs. Retrieved from https://www. vetcenter.va.gov/index.asp?from=explore.va.gov.