PTSD in Military Personnel

Margolies, Skye Ochsner, et al. “Efficacy of a Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment for Insomnia and Nightmares in Afghanistan and Iraq Veterans with PTSD.” Journal of Clinical Psychology, vol. 69, no. 10, 2013, pp. 1026–1042. doi:10.1002/jclp.21970.

The article discusses the psychological conditions suffered by military personnel who have returned from Iraq and Afghanistan. They have exhibited symptoms like sleep disturbances which are a common feature of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). According to the authors, pilot studies show that when cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia is combined with imagery rehearsal therapy (IRT), ensured improvement in sleep and symptoms of PTSD. Insomnia and chronic nightmares are indications of emerging PTSD and clinicians have adopted evidence-based behavioral treatments as a progressive approach among the veterans. The article provides expert analysis on the treatment of PTSD symptoms and insomnia. In this regard, this will provide sufficient evidence to support claims in my paper on methods suitable to handle veterans who return from war and how to contain PTSD which has become rampant.

Zoroya, Gregg. “Study Suggests Feelings of Guilt Are A Top PTSD Cause.” USA Today 25 Nov. 2011, p. A1.

Gregg Zoraya cites guilt experienced by troops as a result of dilemmas of combat as the leading trigger of post-traumatic stress disorder. A preliminary finding on active-duty marine showed that the feeling resulted from survivor’s guilt when their fellow troops died, witnessing or being part of an unintentional killing of women and children among others. The author terms the concept of moral injury as new to psychiatry and is being considered as new diagnostic criteria in the PTSD section. Also, the article highlights the severe reactions that can be caused by moral injuries such as suicide and family violence. The author describes a new concept in psychiatry which is caused by combat dilemmas and also shows its effects. All these factors are relevant in my research as they will provide emerging issues in post-traumatic stress and also provide evidence.

Brownlow et al. “Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders Described [The influence of Deployment Stress and Life Stress on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Diagnosis among Military Personnel].” Defense & Aerospace Week. 1 Aug. 2018, p 191.

The research was used to determine the association between the traumatic stress obtained from deployment and in one’s life on probable PTSD diagnosis. The diagnosis involved military personnel that had earlier been deployed and those recently enlisted on the program. Based on a PTSD checklist used, the conclusion showed those earlier deployed registering higher rates of PTSD. Traumatic stress over a person’s life is a predictor of a probable PTSD for veterans and the same way as that acquired during combat. The research provides data on the risk of exposure of multiple types and how it is associated with PTSD. Such data will be used in my study to give proofs of situations that intensify the probability of PTSD.

Jakupcak, Matthew et al. “Anger, Hostility, and Aggression among Iraq and Afghanistan War Veterans Reporting PTSD and Subthreshold PTSD.” Journal of Traumatic Stress, vol. 20, no. 6, December 2007, pp. 945–954.

The article discusses the levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traits such as aggression, hostility, and anger. A study conducted on veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan grouped according to the different measures of PTSD revealed varying levels of anger and hostility. Those who screened positive for PTSD exhibited high levels of aggression and hostility compared to the subthreshold and non-PTSD group. The authors suggest that veterans coming from combat should be subjected to screening if they show symptoms of PTSD and the necessary strategies on angle management employed. In this regards, the relation between anger and PTSD discussed in the research, will help in providing evidence for my study.

Vogel, Steve. “Iraq, Afghanistan War Veterans Win PTSD Lawsuit.” The Washington Post. 2 Aug. 2011.

According to the news article, many Iraq, Afghanistan war veterans were discharged from duty due to Post-Traumatic Stress (PTSD). Unfortunately, the veterans were released without any benefits upon diagnosis, and as a result, they filed a lawsuit against the federal government. The PTSD was a result of the deployments, and it was unfair for them to be dismissed without settlements. The article provides how veterans were being victimized for having PTSD. Such information will be used in my research to show the experiences of people living with PTSD.

Tick, Edward. War and the Soul: Healing Our Nation’s Veterans and Their Families from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Wheaton, IL: Quest Books, 2012.

The book highlights the effect of post-war on soldiers, their families, community, and the country at large. The author, Edward Tick, talks of the ineffectiveness of psychological and reintegration programs in spite of the vast amounts of money spent. He suggests a powerful way to welcome veterans back by transformation of their injuries of war into sources of honor, wisdom, and growth. The author has spent substantial time with veterans, and therefore, his insights will be resourceful for my research.