Veterans with PTSD: Understanding Treatment Options

Thousands of U.S. Military Veterans have struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). According to one study, 7% of Veterans have PTSD. Notably though, PTSD is more common among female Veterans (13%) versus male Veterans (6%). Mainly, PTSD can stem from past wars, such as the Gulf War, Vietnam, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. As this chart from the VA illustrates, however, it has become much more common in recent decades as it has become more researched and understood.

(Courtesy: Veterans Affairs)

The most common treatment options for PTSD are cognitive behavioral therapy and self-help support groups. This can offer a safe space for Veterans to process their triggers and trauma. Additionally, medication can help treat any co-occurring mental health symptoms such as anxiety or depression.

Thankfully there has been more of a focus in recent years on the mental health of Veterans, but building awareness of specialized treatment options and resources available is still critically important.

What is PTSD? How is it diagnosed?

PTSD is a mental health condition that develops after a traumatic event. Symptoms can include flashbacks, panic attacks, difficulty concentrating, and negative thoughts or emotions. PTSD can cause individuals to feel anxious, stressed or scared, even long after the traumatic event has passed.

To receive an official PTSD diagnosis, symptoms must interfere with the individual's relationships, school or work life for longer than a month. These diagnostic criteria are included in an assessment based on the DSM-5. PTSD affects anyone, not just Veterans. It can also happen to victims of sexual assault or hate crimes.

How can PTSD be treated? Understanding care options

Psychotherapy

There are different types of talk therapy. The most common form of therapy for PTSD is known as exposure therapy. This type of therapy helps individuals face their traumatic situations and fears so they learn how to cope with them. This is done in a safe environment under the guidance of a mental health professional.

Another form is cognitive therapy. This talk therapy lets individuals see how their thoughts and beliefs keep them stuck. In some instances, cognitive therapy is used along with exposure therapy.

Psychotherapy might also involve self-help support groups or individual therapy. A therapist helps individuals handle stressful situations with healthy coping methods during individual therapy sessions. Group therapy allows like-minded individuals to connect and share similar experiences.

If you’re interested in counseling from the comfort of home instead of in-person care, Birches Health can help.

Medication

Medication can help treat co-occurring mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression. The most common are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Paxil or Zoloft. Also, anti-anxiety medications can help treat severe anxiety and panic attacks. However, they can only be used temporarily.

Research has found that Prazosin and stellate ganglion block can also help treat PTSD. While the FDA hasn’t approved these medicines, studies reveal promising results. As always, speak with a healthcare professional for the proper medication.

Virtual Therapy

Birches Health offers a comprehensive form of treatment for post-traumatic disorder. Treatment takes place at home, so there’s no need to visit a doctor’s office or VA center. Best of all, Birches works with insurance while keeping co-payments low.

Individuals work alongside a licensed clinician who specializes in treating PTSD. These licensed professionals have years of experience in treating this disorder. Birches offers individual and group therapy via chat, phone, or video camera.

There are multiple ways to get started with Birches Health:

You can also feel free to call 833-483-3838 or email help@bircheshealth.com to get in contact with the Birches team right away.

Signs of PTSD in active military members and Veterans

Post-traumatic stress disorder can manifest in several ways. That's because every individual has their own unique experience. Some of the most common ways include:

Avoidance issues: Avoiding people, events, and situations that have been known potentially act as triggers.
Concentration issues: Difficulty concentrating because of trauma.
Extreme alertness: Being hypervigilant of one’s surroundings due to fear.
Lack of interest: Lost interest in hobbies, interests, and activities they once enjoyed.
Negative thoughts and feelings: Struggle with depression, guilt, shame, anger, or depression.
Personality changes: Extreme mood swings or changes in one’s behavior.
Retreatment: Isolate from friends and family members.
Substance use: Using alcohol or drugs to numb pain or escape stress.

Potential causes of PTSD

PTSD can occur after a traumatic event. Signs and symptoms can last for several weeks up to a month. It’s so overwhelming that it can interfere with an individual’s daily life and responsibilities. The potential causes include:

Abuse or violence
Childbirth experiences
Death of a friend or family member
Exposure to traumatic events while at work
Human-caused or natural disasters, such as tornadoes and hurricanes
Physical or sexual assault
Torture
War or culture

PTSD rates in Veterans: Stats & trends

In a national survey, 8% of Veterans reported having experiencing PTSD at some point. Close to 5% percent of individuals currently struggle with PTSD. In fact, 23% percent of Veterans who receive help from VA services have dealt with post-traumatic stress disorder at some point in their lives.

According to another study, women Veterans are more likely to struggle with PTSD, compared to their male counterparts. However, the prevalence of this condition can also vary depending on deployment status and ethnicity/race.

SOURCES:

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