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PTSD: Vets Wage Internal Wars

Combat trauma continues to plague returning soldiers

By Caroline Zimmerman, Newser User

Posted Jan 13, 2008 10:04 PM CST

(Newser) – Records of post-traumatic stress disorder go as far back as The Odyssey, and Iraq veterans are adding to the list. Combat trauma has been repeatedly linked with rates of unemployment, substance abuse, domestic violence and criminality above the national average. Yet PTSD victims aren't getting the treatment they need, and often end up behind bars, the New York Times reports.

Today, 38% of soldiers and 31% of Marines report mental problems, according to Pentagon figures. PTSD is treatable, but the military's mental health services remain largely inadequate, and most soliders see the screening process as a joke. Plus, "Nobody wants to be that guy who says, 'I got counseling this afternoon, Sergeant,'" reported one vet.

Mike Bowman, right, receives a kiss from his wife Kim Bowman of Forreston, Ill., on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2007, as he prepared to deliver his opening statement prior to testifying... (Associated Press)

Physical therapist Don Akeju uses a light to help patient, Evan Mettie, a brain-injured Iraq war veteran, move his eyes as Denise Mettie, Evan's mother, watches during a therapy session at the Kessler... (Associated Press)

Retired Marine Maj. Gamal Awad poses at his home in Temecula, Calif., Sept. 5, 2007. Awad suffers from post traumatic stress disorder which followed his rescue work on Sept. 11, 2001, at the Pentagon.... (Associated Press)

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Jeff Ebert wears a virtual-reality headset and holds a video-game-type controller Friday, June 29, 2007 as he demonstrates an experimental virtual-reality computer simulation at Madigan... (Associated Press)

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PTSD: Vets Wage Internal Wars

Combat trauma continues to plague returning soldiers

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More Newser Stories

Injured Vets Seeking Closure Return to Iraq

Operation Proper Exit reveals war's progress to wounded

VA Doctor Discouraged Post-Traumatic Diagnoses

Email urged staffers to save disability costs

Vets' Mental Issues Slow to Surface: Study

Troops more likely to report disorders 3-6 months after return from combat

Veteran Stress Cases Surge

VA took on 20,000 new cases—up 70% —in one year

For Returning Troops, an Even Worse Job Reality

They're grappling with 10% employment; non-vets at 9.1%

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