Review Paper Module 7 Assignment 2

2. In serving over twenty years in the military,
there seems to be a prevailing problem that is
growing. The problem is post traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD) in returning veterans. The reality of
PTSD is not a new problem, but continues to be a
prevalent issue. People joining the military come
from several different backgrounds; some from
farms and others from the city. Are there
potential psychological issues that are associated
with PTSD, are some people that are predisposed
to contract this disorder. There is another
difference that is noted between the current
veteran and previous conflict veterans.

3. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is considered to be a
very volatile anxiety disorder that has been prevalent
since the first world war. The episodes are initiated by
exposure to extraordinary stressful life events. (Bonwick &
Morris, 1996). For example: World War I, World War II,
Korea, Vietnam and both Persian Gulf Conflicts. These
armed conflicts expose military personnel to front line
combat. Experiences differ between each person,
branch and location. Front line combat is one of the
most arduous duties that a person can experience. Case
in point, news stories surface about explosions and
attacks on troops stationed around the world. The long
term exposure to the uncertainty of daily routine
develops deep in a person’s psychological
subconscious.

4.  Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is considered to
be a very volatile anxiety disorder that has
been prevalent since the first world war. The
episodes are initiated by exposure to
extraordinary stressful life events. (Bonwick &
Morris, 1996).
 Front line combat is one of the most arduous
duties that a person can experience. Case in
point, news stories surface about explosions
and attacks on troops stationed around the
world. The long term exposure to the
uncertainty of daily routine develops deep in a
person’s psychological subconscious.

5.  World War II PTSD on the front lines

6.  Front line PTSD

7.  PTSD was a daily occurrence

8.  Day to day conflict, hard on the psyche

9.  The Vietnam conflict was one such event that
continues to develop more people that suffer from
PTSD. It is anticipated that up to 1.5 millions service
members were in situations that can develop PTSD.
Combat research later realized that the constant
exposure to life threatening situations formed
psychological problems within the troops. (Erlinder,
1983). The legal system is recognizing more cases
than previously, but still the extent of the damage is
unknown. PTSD has only recently received the
acknowledgement that it deserves. Veterans of this
conflict continue to suffer from the persecution from
both citizens and the government. There is no clear
cut formula to determine what specific exposure is
tied to this condition.

10.  Front line PTSD

11.  Current events indicate the Persian Gulf Region Veterans have
been exposed to similar combat situations to those in Vietnam.
In some instances, the current service members indicate that the
current occupation may be considered worse than those from
Vietnam veterans. Urban or jungle warfare is similar in theory, but
seems to illustrate different reactions from those who served. It is
anticipated that nearly 18% of the service members who served
within the confines of Iraq and Afghanistan are affected by
PTSD. (Zelenova, Lazebnaia & Tarabrina, 2001). These are
alarming numbers based on the numbers of troops in the region.
The psychological treatments are more advanced than those of
30 years ago. The media is proof that the damage is building.
Daily reports of ambushes and explosions riddle the air waves
from the reports in the region. Improved explosive and munitions
are forever engrained in the minds of those who are serving in
country. The vehicle explosions are a daily reminder to those
who serve.

12.  Examining all of the conflicts throughout history, one
notices some similarities in the symptoms. All of the
victims of PTSD share common threads. For example:
World War, Vietnam and Gulf veterans experience
combat situations on a daily basis. The gun rattling
overhead, the explosions and fear drown out the
calm reasoning of a person. Symptomatic nature of
PTSD indicates that personnel suffering from this
disorder tend to be very distant and closed natured.
This is shared between all of the conflicts. Other
symptoms that manifest are temper issues, worthless
feelings, suicidal ideation, failing relationships and
many other symptoms. (Pearce, Schauer, Garfield,
Ohlde & Patterson, 1985). These symptoms appear to
be unilateral, not specific to any conflict.

13.  There are some symptoms of a physical nature that seem to
manifest themselves within the victims of PTSD. Symptoms include
chronic pain, overly tired and injuries. (Otis, Keane & Kerns, 2003).
A majority of the symptoms that have been associated with PTSD
are actually symptoms from the injuries that were present when
the service member was injured. Even with physical damage,
some veterans develop PTSD without actual injury. Though not
actually part of the PTSD they are often associated with the
disorder.
 New research has provided some key issues that are
developing around PTSD diagnosis. The Department of Veterans
Affairs conducted a study, to determine the validity of MMPI in
determining if service members were feigning the symptoms. The
results were favorable that the MMPI identified those personnel
who were attempting to defraud the system. The study was
conducted on two separate occasions to corroborate the data.
On both instances the people were identified and removed
from the pool of candidates. (Mecaffrey & Bellamy-Camprell,
1989).

14.  The larger problem in society at this juncture is whether a
person suffering from PTSD should be medically retired or
released from service. The answer is an overwhelming yes
to releasing them from service, but no to medical
retirement. The PTSD diagnosis is legitimate, but a majority
of people suffering from PTSD can be treated. The
treatment regime is long and arduous. Favorable results
indicate that a person who suffers from PTSD can live a
productive life and benefit their respective community.
There are several outreach groups around the world
whose whole purpose is to assist those who have been
afflicted by PTSD. (Outram, Hansen, Macdonell, Cockburn
& Adams, 2009). The programs are most not for profit or
government funded and available to all of those who
served.

15.  Current information corroborates the diagnosis of PTSD and the
validity of this in returning veterans. (PTS Increases among
Combat-Exposed Military Personnel, 2008). The service members
have come from different backgrounds and seen multiple tours
of duty. Veteran Affairs is there to assist the service member in
transition to civilian life. (Shea-Porter, 2009). The branch of service
is capable of finding and helping the members. The Post
Traumatic Disorder will continue to be a problem as long as
there are combat zones around the world. Personnel need to be
trained in identifying the symptoms associated with PTSD, to
provide early detection and treatment. Service member who
exhibit the symptoms of PTSD should seek help. Current medical
research continues to evolve, with new medications like
Fluvomine showing promise. (Escalona, Canive, Calais &
Davidson, 2002). The armed services continue to develop new
strategies to deal with PTSD and training to prevent the initial
experience. (Shea-Porter, 2009).

16. References:
 (2008). Post-Traumatic Stress Increases Among Combat-Exposed Military Personnel. O&P Business News, 17(5), 84. Retrieved
from SPORTDiscus with Full Text database.
 Bonwick, R., & Morris, P. (1996). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Elderly War Veterans. International Journal of Geriatric
Psychiatry, 11(12), 1071-1076. Retrieved from Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection database.
 Erbes, C., Dikel, T., Eberly, R., Page, W., & Engdahl, B. (2006). A comparative study of posttraumatic stress disorder
assessment under standard conditions and in the field. International Journal of Methods in Psychiatric Research, 15(2), 57-
63. doi:10.1002/mpr.185.
 Erlinder, C. (1983). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Vietnam Veterans and the Law: A Challenge to Effective Representation.
Behavioral Sciences & the Law, 1(3), 25-50. Retrieved from Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection database.
 Escalona, R., Canive, J., Calais, L., & Davidson, J. (2002). Fluvoxamine treatment in veterans with combat-related post-
traumatic stress disorder. Depression & Anxiety (1091-4269), 15(1), 29-33. doi:10.1002/da.1082.
 Koenigs, M., Huey, E., Raymont, V., Cheon, B., Solomon, J., Wassermann, E., et al. (2008). Focal brain damage protects
against post-traumatic stress disorder in combat veterans. Nature Neuroscience, 11(2), 232-237. doi:10.1038/nn2032.
 Mecaffrey, R., & Bellamy- Camprell, R. (1989). PSYCHOMETRIC DETECTION OF FABRICATED SYMPTOMS OF COMBAT-RELATED
POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER: A SYSTEMATIC REPLICATION. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 45(1), 76-79. Retrieved from
Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection database.
 Otis, J., Keane, T., & Kerns, R. (2003). An Examination of the relationship between chronic pain and post-traumatic stress
disorder. Journal of Rehabilitation Research & Development, 40(5), 397-405. Retrieved from SPORTDiscus with Full Text
database.
 Outram, S., Hansen, V., Macdonell, G., Cockburn, J., & Adams, J. (2009). Still living in a war zone: Perceived health and
wellbeing of partners of Vietnam veterans attending partners' support groups in New South Wales, Australia. Australian
Psychologist, 44(2), 128-135. doi:10.1080/00050060802630353.
 Pearce, K., Schauer, A., Garfield, N., Ohlde, C., & Patterson, T. (1985). A STUDY OF POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER IN
VIETNAM VETERANS. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 41(1), 9-14. Retrieved from Psychology and Behavioral Sciences
Collection database.
 Shea-Porter, C. (2009). Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Government Initiatives to Relieve It. Health & Social Work, 34(3),
235-236. Retrieved from Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection database.
 Zelenova, M., Lazebnaia, E., & Tarabrina, N. (2001). Psychological Characteristics of Post-traumatic Stress States in Afghan
War Veterans. Journal of Russian & East European Psychology, 39(3), 3. Retrieved from Psychology and Behavioral Sciences
Collection database.