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PTSD among military personnel
Mark Creamer1, Darryl Wade, Susan Fletcher
1Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, 340 Albert Street, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia. markcc@unimelb.edu.au
International Review of Psychiatry (Abingdon, England)
|April 28, 2011
Summary
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) significantly impacts military personnel, affecting functioning and quality of life. This review examines PTSD prevalence, resilience strategies, and effective treatments for defense forces.
Area of Science:
- Military health
- Psychological trauma
- Defence force well-being
Background:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms have long been observed in military personnel.
- Formal recognition and study of PTSD began in 1980.
- Understanding PTSD in defense forces is crucial for effective support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the prevalence and course of PTSD in military personnel.
- To discuss current strategies for building resilience and promoting adjustment post-deployment.
- To examine effective treatments for PTSD in this population.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on PTSD in military populations.
- Analysis of prevalence rates across different conflicts and countries.
- Evaluation of resilience-building interventions and treatment efficacy.
Main Results:
- PTSD affects substantial numbers of military personnel, varying by conflict and country.
- Impairment in functioning and quality of life is a significant consequence of PTSD.
- Evidence for the effectiveness of current resilience and adjustment strategies is limited.
Conclusions:
- PTSD remains a significant concern for military personnel, past and present.
- Further research is needed to establish effective resilience and adjustment strategies.
- Tailored treatment approaches are essential to address the unique challenges of treating PTSD in defense forces.
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