Abstract

Abstract

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has increasingly received attention as one of the "signature wounds" of Iraq and Afghanistan wars, with more than 560,000 veterans diagnosed with PTSD since 2002. The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of PTSD on all family members. The paper examines the history of PTSD, the preventive measures employed by Department of Defense (DoD), treatment methods, cost of treatments, and possible recommendations that could aid in alleviating the dangers facing family members with PTSD patients. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental condition common among war veterans. War veterans are susceptible to PTSD condition because of their military experiences in combats. They have either killed, narrowly escaped death, or witnessed someone die hence developing PTSD. Unfortunately, PTSD inhibits their ability to live a meaningful life after retirement. PTSD does not only affect the patient but also has an adverse impact on the health of other family members.

The data in this research was obtained from analyzing DoD documents, health documents in public and private hospitals, online articles on PTSD, scholarly articles on PTSD, and medical journals on PTSD. The results indicate most of the war veterans with PTSD do not receive adequate healthcare to manage their conditions. Moreover, PTSD condition puts strains on available family resources since the victims have to be treated. There is a need for DoD to overhaul current policies regarding PTSD condition and the government to increase funds to ensure war veterans receive quality healthcare.

Keywords: cognitive behavioral therapy, posttraumatic stress disorder, veterans, combat, depression, trauma, exposure therapy, Iraq, Afghanistan, access to care, social relationships, Department of Defense, psychotherapeutic interventions, psychoeducation, cognitive restructuring, and comorbidities disorders.

Year Manuscript Completed

Fall 2017

Senior Project Advisor

Jeffrey Wylie

Degree Awarded

Bachelor of Integrated Studies Degree

Field of Study

Human Services

Document Type

Thesis

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