Give Our Returing Troups Time to Heal, Not a Label

May 27, 2008 7:19 pm Dr. Duffy Miscellaneous, PTSD

PTSD Diagnosis up 50 % in Iraq Troups in 2007 according to an associated press article.

Is anyone really suprised that acute stress reactions are very high in troups in Iraq? I would think not. But the issue of a PTSD diagnoses is another matter altogether. In my opinion PTSD is a diagnosis in vogue these days that is overused (similar to Bi-Polar disorder) . I do not believe you do justice to a person returning from combat by labeling (and burdening) them with a diagnosis too quickly.

Persons returning from War need time to heal. They need a few months of reduced stress and expectations, a place to talk if they want, information on how to deal with common problems, help with reestablishing relationships (with very stressed family) and contact with others who have some idea of what they are going through. Lets give them the support and the time they need. This is what VA and communities should provide, not just another label. Ongoing support will provide prevention for PTSD, allow healing and time to identify those who are not doing so well.

When looking at the criteria to make a PTSD diagnosis having experienced a major stressor is only one criteria needed for the diagnosis to be made.

Any life-threatening event

Combat
Natural disasters
Accidents
Assault

Most survivors of trauma return to normal given a little time. Some will have stress reactions that linger or even get worse over time. These individuals may develop PTSD.

Signs and Symptoms that last over a month ( this seems unrealistically brief to me.)

Reliving the trauma (thinking about it with full emotional reactions)
Becoming angry or upset with a thought or reminder of the trauma
Avoiding places or people that bring memories of the trauma,
Spending lots of time alone avoiding others.
Lack of feelings or complaints of feeling numb.
Feelings of being on guard (hypervigalent), irritable, and being easily startled.

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