Posttraumatic stress disorder is a common problem for veterans. When was PTSD first recognized? Why is it of particular interest to social workers working with military clients? What are the signs of PTSD, and how can it be treated?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

One in five veterans has PTSD, which was first recognized in soldiers returning from Vietnam. Combat PTSD is harder to treat because it tends to be more chronic and complex. PTSD sufferers may show signs of anxiety, psychoticism, hallucinations, nightmares, depression, hostility, and intense guilt. They are more likely to experience panic disorder and have substance abuse issues, in part to numb themselves to the symptoms of PTSD, including memories of their past traumas. These veterans may try to avoid crowds, driving, or war movies-anything that reminds them of the stressful or traumatic events of the past. They may have a hard time trusting people, even others whom they previously trusted without reservation. It can be treated through cognitive processing therapy and potentially some other therapies, both pharmaceutical and talk therapy based.