PTSD Research Update

My analysis of PTSD continues as I watch 60 Minutes episodes on PTSD. These accounts of PTSD caused on the battlefield help me understand the importance of finding ways to help veterans in order to fight their PTSD symptoms. Marine Clay Hunt is a shining example of the sudden change in demeanor in a marine when he returns home from war. PTSD overtook his mind and his life. Veterans need support and the lack of societal support disappoints me as an American citizen who values democratic beliefs being protected by our soldiers. Operation Proper Exit is another 60 Minutes episode that describes the relationship between traumatic brain injuries caused in war and PTSD. Many soldiers experience permanent damage to their brain (more severe than concussions) and return to the battlefield with PTSD and are incapable of performing to their peak in a war zone due to their injuries.

Episodes:
The Life and Death of Marine Clay Hunt,
Coming Home: Justice for our Veterans,
Operation Proper Exit: A Return to the War Zone

PTSD Research Update

I started my research for PTSD on Gale Virtual Reference Library where I read two segments. The first was more of a general background information article on PTSD that discussed the history, causes, aftermath, and treatment of PTSD. This article was a broad overview on PTSD and defined PTSD as a psychological disorder. The second article was much longer and went into more depth than the first. Prevalence, epidemiology, and comorbidity was discussed in regards to PTSD, as well as risk factors and indicators that promote resilience. Also, assessing a suspected PTSD victim was covered in the second article.


"Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)." The Gale Encyclopedia of Psychology. Ed. Bonnie Strickland. Detroit: Gale, 2001. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 2 May 2013.

Pfefferbaum, Betty. "Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)." International Encyclopedia of Marriage and Family. Ed. James J. Ponzetti. New York: Macmillan Reference USA, 2003. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 2 May 2013.