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Your Results - you searched for the keyword Afghanistan 18 Results
1. Haycock, R. D. (2009). Arming commanders to combat PTSD: A time for change – Attacking the stressors vice the symptoms. School of Advanced Military Studies, United States Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
Language: English
Format: Other
Abstract:
Arming Commanders to Combat Posttraumatic Stress Disorder by COL Robert D. Haycock, US Army, 53 pages.
Just as war is not a new phenomenon, neither are the issues associated with the mental and emotional scars combat brings to those who fight a nation’s wars. Historically, the United States has assumed a reactive vice proactive posture as it relates to coping with the fiscal, and humanistic challenges that manifest within a nation at war, and those who experience the trauma of combat. The Army has proven slow to respond to the need to train and educate its leaders and instead has devoted vast capital on the assessment and treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), attacking the symptoms as they arise, vice attacking the stressors which cause the affliction. The invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan and the deployment of forces throughout the world to combat terror, however, have created conditions whereby PTSD is again in the lime-light.
This monograph examines PTSD from a historical perspective reviewing the manner in which the Army viewed, assessed, and treated those afflicted with PTSD as well its methods for training and educating those honored with the opportunity to lead these warriors in battle. This monograph highlights existing shortfalls in assessment, training, doctrine, and education as it relates to those commanding at the battalion-level.
The Army does not properly prepare battalion commanders for the complexities of coping with PTSD in their units nor arm them with the tactics, techniques, and procedures necessary to mitigate the effects of PTSD on the combat effectiveness of their units and the soldiers that fill the ranks.
The Army should implement more rigorous assessment programs for units deployed to identify those at risk of PTSD or demonstrating stress-related symptoms before the mental well-being of the soldier is dramatically affected and treatment becomes more difficult. Further, the Army should review and update existing doctrine and training techniques (Battlemind training) to focus specifically on commanders at the battalion level. The Army must demonstrate a linkage between doctrine, training and education, enhance efforts to consolidate PTSD resources for ease of access, and revise strategic communications procedures to reduce stigmas associated with PTSD. The Army must arm its tactical commanders with the tools to address the stressors associated with PTSD in order to preserve the force and ensure its effectiveness in the ambiguous and complex environment which appears to best characterize the way ahead.
Keywords: Combat Military Monograph Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD Stressors
Accuracy Verified: Yes
2. Shapiro, F. (2012, January 27). Baby boomers and distant dads. Huffington Post. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/francine-shapiro-phd/ptsd-veterans_b_1228542.html 1/27/2012.
Language: English
Format: Other
Abstract:
If we look carefully, we can see that many of these fathers displayed signs of what we know now is posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It didn't help that PTSD wasn't even listed as a diagnosis until 1980. But the fact that war experiences were common didn't make them any less impactful. From personal experience in treating veterans from World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam, it's clear that there is no difference in the pain and sorrow from those returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. So often their emotional burden is caused by the feelings that they were powerless to save someone. This can be even more devastating than being in danger yourself. Those who were support personnel often carry the same feelings of anger, guilt and lack of control. Who couldn't they save? [Excerpt]
Keywords: Blog Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD Veterans War
Accuracy Verified: Yes
3. Sharpless, B. A., & Barber, J. P. (2011). A clinician’s guide to PTSD treatments for returning veterans. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 42(1), 8–15. doi:10.1037/a0022351.
Language: English
Format: Journal
Abstract:
What options are available to mental health providers helping clients with posttraumatic stress disorder
(PTSD)? In this paper we review many of the current pharmacological and psychological interventions
available to help prevent and treat PTSD with an emphasis on combat-related traumas and veteran populations.
There is strong evidence supporting the use of several therapies including prolonged exposure (PE), eye
movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and cognitive processing therapies (CPT), with PE
possessing the most empirical evidence in favor of its efficacy. There have been relatively fewer studies of
nonexposure based modalities (e.g., psychodynamic, interpersonal, and dialectical behavior therapy perspectives),
but there is no evidence that these treatments are less effective. Pharmacotherapy is promising
(especially paroxetine, sertraline, and venlafaxine), but more research comparing the relative merits of
medication vs. psychotherapy and the efficacy of combined treatments is needed. Given the recent influx of
combat-related traumas due to ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, there is clearly an urgent need to
conduct more randomized clinical trials research and effectiveness studies in military and Department of
Veterans Affairs PTSD samples. Finally, we provide references to a number of PTSD treatment manuals and
propose several recommendations to help guide clinicians’ treatment selections.
Keywords: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Psychotherapy Psychopharmacology PTSD
Accuracy Verified: Yes
4. Dean, B. (2010, July 4). Counselors to get training for treating post-traumatic stress. Military, Oklahoma Military News and Articles, NewsOK.
Language: English
Format: Newspaper
Abstract:
Experts said that's what life is like for soldiers who return from war with post-traumatic stress disorder. With about 3,400 Oklahoma National Guardsmen set to deploy to Afghanistan next year with the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Guard leaders want to make sure those soldiers can get the help they need when they return to the state.
Accuracy Verified: Yes
5. Rana, M. (2010, July). Dealing with psychotrauma in war against terror: East meets West through EMDR. Symposium (Samin Karim, Chair) conducted at the 1st EMDR Asia Conference, Bali, Indonesia.
Language: English
Format: Conference
Abstract:
The ‘War on Terror’ on the borders of Pakistan and Afghanistan has committed almost two hundred thousand troops on
either side with more than five million civilians directly affected by terrorist acts, bombings, blasts, drone attacks, and air
strife. Children, women, and men of all ages report to health facilities in hundreds with psycho trauma ranging from acute
stress reactions, posttraumatic stress disorders, dissociation, depression, anxiety and Medically Unexplained Symptoms
(MUS). The health professionals with hardly any training in handling of psycho trauma are clueless about how to deal with
these cases.
A handful of mental health professionals trained by EMDR UK and EMDR Europe experts, through a humanitarian assistance
programme are the only trained human resource currently available to deal with these massive numbers of survivors. A
strategic placement of this grossly limited number of trained EMDR human resource ( four females, six males), in the war zone
has helped scores of soldiers to return to the battlefield, hundreds of children to return to their schools, dozens of families to
return to normality and many adults to return to work. The elementary yet devoted and dedicated EMDR services in the war
torn regions of Swat, Wazirastan, Kohat and tertiary care services at Rawalpindi are a result of a timely collaboration between
EMDR trainers from West providing training in EMDR to psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses and social workers of Pakistan;
indeed a fine example of ‘Building Bridges between East & West through EMDR’.
Keywords: Psychotrauma Symposium: Terror War
Accuracy Verified: Yes
6. Reno, J. (2010, October 14). Debate rages on how to treat PTSD, the signature wound of this war. Home Post, The Military in San Diego.
Language: English
Format: Newspaper
Abstract:
While it’s invisible to the naked eye, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has become the signature wound of the fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan and has already had a negative impact on hundreds of thousands of American soldiers and their families.
Keywords: Afghanistan Depression Dr. Adrienne McFadd Drug Abuse Homelessness Iraq Life in the Military Matthew Kiernan Michael Schindler Newsweek Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD San Diego Spouses & Families Suicide VA Secretary Eric Shinseki Veterans Veterans Administration War Virtual Reality
Accuracy Verified: Yes
7. Hacker-Hughes, J., & Wesson, M. (2008, June). EMDR on the frontline: Early interventions during military operations. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR Europe Association, London, England.
Language: English
Format: Conference
Abstract:
Some of the earliest applications of EMDR were with military veterans (Shapiro 1995, Shapiro & Forrest 1997).
EMDR is now widely used to treat UK military personnel suffering from combat related PTSD. This presentation
will consider extending the use of EMDR as an early intervention during frontline operations. Research suggests
the importance of early detection in PTSD (Lee et al 2005) and the benefits of early intervention (North 2001).
Current practice is that UK personnel who are having significant difficulties in functioning after exposure to
trauma are sent back to the UK for treatment after a brief period of watchful waiting. This is can be detrimental,
both to the unit and individual (Shepard 2000, Solomon et al 2005). EMDR offers a potential solution to this
problem. A case study will be presented of a soldier who was suffering significant post trauma symptoms whilst
serving in Afghanistan. Through the successful use of EMDR in theatre just 2 weeks after the trigger event, he
was able to resume his normal duties and hence avoid the negative effects of being returned to the UK for
treatment. The use of EMDR as a frontline treatment has far reaching implications but currently there is little
evidence for its use as an early intervention with military personnel (Russell 2006). Future research to evaluate
this novel application of EMDR is planned. This presentation will introduce participants to the challenges of
providing psychological treatment during military operations and the potential value of EMDR in this setting.
Keywords: Early Interventions Military
Accuracy Verified: Yes
8. Kreck, C. (1996, September 4). The eyes heal it: Therapy eases painful memories. Denver, CO: The Denver Post, Rockies, Living, G-01.
Language: English
Format: Newspaper
Abstract:
But a neurological process called Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing as a possible cure for the disorder has piqued interest, and the WHO will send Denver psychiatrist Bert Furmansky across the world to see if the process can help some of the shell-shocked casualties of Afghanistan's civil war.
Discovered and developed by California psychologist Francine Shapiro over the last 10 years, EMDR requires no drugs, may take only three sessions with a trained therapist and isn't
language-based.
Keywords: Abused Children Denver Raped Women Regugees War Veterans
Accuracy Verified: Yes
9. Russell, M. C., & Friedberg, F. (2010). Formation, accès au traitement et recherche sur les interventions dans les cas de trauma dans les forces armées [Training, access to treatment and intervention research in cases of trauma in the military]. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 4(2), 18E-26E. doi:10.1891/1933-3196.4.2.E18.
Language: French
Format: Journal
Abstract:
Depuis 2001, les guerres en Irak et en Afghanistan exercent une pression considérable sur la médecine militaire pour gérer efficacement la demande croissante de soins en santé mentale du personnel déployé. Cet article examine la capacité du Ministère de la défense des Etats-Unis à fournir des services de santé mentale de qualité en fonction de la disponibilité (a) de la formation clinique, (b) des interventions en santé mentale et (c) de la recherche subventionnée portant sur les traitements de l'état de stress post-traumatique. Alors que des progrès notables ont été réalisés au niveau de l'accès au traitement cognitivo-comportemental et des études dans ce domaine, l'Intégration neuro-émotionnelle par les stimulations bilatérales alternées ou EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) est beaucoup moins disponible - peut-être à cause de la controverse actuelle qui entoure la technique. Nous suggérons qu'une meilleure disponibilité des traitements comportementaux basés sur les données probantes, peut-être par le biais de la poursuite d'un récent programme régional de formation, serait bénéfique pour les vétérans qui y ont aujourd'hui peu accès.
Since 2001, wars in Iraq and Afghanistan is considerable pressure on military medicine to effectively manage the growing demand for mental health of deployed personnel. This article examines the capacity of the Ministry of Defence of the United States to provide mental health services quality depending on availability (a) of clinical training, (b) mental health interventions and (c) sponsored research into the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder. While significant progress has been achieved in access to cognitive behavioral treatment and studies in this field, neuro-emotional integration by alternating bilateral stimulation or EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing &) is much less available - perhaps because of the current controversy surrounding the art. We suggest that greater availability of behavioral treatments based on evidence, perhaps through the continuation of a recent regional training program would be beneficial for veterans who now have little access.
Keywords: Military Training Trauma Treatment
Accuracy Verified: Yes
10. National Council on Disability (2009, March). Invisible wounds: Serving service members and veterans with PTSD and TBI. Author.
Language: English
Format: Publication
Abstract:
More than 1.6 million American service members have deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). As of December 2008, more than 4,000 troops have been killed and over 30,000 have returned from a combat zone with visible wounds and a range of permanent disabilities. In addition, an estimated 25-40 percent have less visible wounds--psychological and neurological injuries associated with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or traumatic brain injury (TBI), which have been dubbed "signature injuries" of the Iraq War. National Council on Disability (NCD) concurs with the recommendations of previous Commissions, Task Forces and national organizations that: (1) A comprehensive continuum of care for mental disorders, including PTSD, and for TBI should be readily accessible by all service members and veterans. This requires adequate staffing and adequate funding of Veterans Administration (VA) and Department of Defense (DoD) health systems; (2) Mechanisms for screening service members for PTSD and TBI should be continuously improved to include baseline testing for all Service Members pre-deployment and follow up testing for individuals that are placed in situations where head trauma may occur; and (3) The current array of mental health and substance abuse services covered by TRICARE should be expanded and brought in line with other similar health plans. As this report indicates, the medical and scientific knowledge needed to comprehensively address PTSD and TBI is incomplete. However, many evidence-based practices do exist. Unfortunately, service members and veterans face a number of barriers in accessing these practices including stigma; inadequate information; insufficient services to support families; limited access to available services, and a shortage of services in some areas. Many studies and commissions have presented detailed recommendations to address these needs. There is an urgent need to implement these recommendations. (Contains 4 exhibits.)
Keywords: Afghanistan Iraq Military Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD TBI Traumatic Brain Injury Veterans
Accuracy Verified: Yes
11. Errebo, N. (2007, January/February). Like a ghost: Using EMDR to revive a traumatized vet's marriage; Case commentary; Author's response. Psychotherapy Networker, 31(1) 73-79.
Language: English
Format: Magazine
Abstract:
Errebo presents a case study of an Iraq War veteran with PTSD whose marriage was saved due to Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. The case is especially relevant, given the numbers of soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, and the numbers who are reported to have ongoing post-traumatic symptoms up to and including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Case Commentary by Christine Courtois; Response by Author.
Keywords: Marital Issues Veterans
Accuracy Verified: Yes
12. Russell, M. (2008, September). Meeting military mental health needs in the 21st century and beyond: A critical analysis of the effects of dualism, disparity and scientific bias. Presentation at the annual meeting of the EMDR International Association, Phoenix, AZ.
Language: English
Format: Conference
Abstract:
Since 2001, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have caused considerable strain on military medicine to effectively manage the large and growing mental health demand from deployed personnel. Current trends, initiatives and on-going barriers in meeting war-related mental health needs for this and future war generations as reported by military officials, including the 2007 Department of Defense’s (DoD) Task Force on Mental Health, is reviewed including training of providers, access to high quality mental health assessment and treatments and research innovations. Lastly, a model for a 21st century modern military mental health care system is proposed within the context of historical and present-day analysis of the cyclical impact of dualistic approaches toward mental and physical health and consequent effects of mental health stigma and disparity. Authors’ note: The findings and opinions expressed are the authors’ alone and are not intended to represent the views of the Department of the Navy, the Department of Defense, or the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Keywords: Military
Accuracy Verified: Yes
13. Friedman, M. J. (2006, April). Posttraumatic stress disorder among military returnees from Afghanistan and Iraq. American Journal of Psychiatry, 163(4), 586-593. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.163.4.586 .
Language: English
Format: Journal
Abstract:
Although most military personnel returning from recent deployments will readjust successfully to life in the United States, a significant minority will exhibit PTSD or some other psychiatric disorder. Practitioners should routinely inquire about war-zone trauma and associated symptoms when conducting psychiatric assessments. Treatment should be initiated as soon as possible, not only to ameliorate PTSD symptoms but also to forestall the later development of comorbid psychiatric and/or medical disorders and to prevent interpersonal or vocational functional impairment. If evidence-based practices are utilized, complete remission can be achieved in 30%–50% of cases of PTSD, and partial improvement can be expected with most patients. We can all look forward to future breakthroughs that will improve our capacity to help people with PTSD. [Author Summary]
Accuracy Verified: Yes
14. Graca, J., Palmer, G. A., & Occhietti, K. (2010, September/October). Psychotherapeutic interventions for symptom reduction in veterans with PTSD: A nonrandomized study in a residential clinical setting. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the EMDR International Association, Minneapolis, MN.
Language: English
Format: Conference
Abstract:
Posttraumatic stress dlsorder (PTSD) is the most serious and prevalent of the
mental disorders among returning United States combat veterans. As veterans who
have sewed in Iraq and Afghanistan join the ranks of combat veterans from prior
conflicts the need and availability of evidence-based treatments tor PTSD is
increasing. Three psychotherapies for PTSD consistently have been identified in
recent meta-analyses as evidence-based treatments for PTSD. Results of the
analyses indicate that trauma-focused cognitive behavior therapy (CPT), exposurebased
therapy (PE) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) are
effective. International treatment guidelines for PTSD have the same consensus
regarding EMDR, PE and CPT as treatments of choice for PTSD (e.g., APA, 2004;
Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense (DoD). 2004).
Keywords: Nonrandomized Study Poster Posttraumatic Stress Disorer PTSD Residential Clinical Setting Symptom Reduction Veterans
Accuracy Verified: Yes
15. DeAngelis, T. (2008, January). PTSD treatments grow in evidence, effectiveness. Monitor on Psychology, 39(1), 40-42.
Language: English
Format: Magazine
Abstract:
It's a bittersweet fact: Traumatic events
such as the Sept. 11 attacks, Hurricane
Katrina, and the wars in Iraq and
Afghanistan have enabled researchers
ro learn a lot more about how best to treat
post-uaurnatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Keywords: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD
Accuracy Verified: Yes
16. Hanson, S. (2005, March). Stress takes its toll on combat veterans. VFW, Veterans of Foreign Wars Magazine. Retrieved from http://www.vfw.org/resources/levelxmagazine/0503_Stress%20on%20Combat%20Veterans.pdf on November 16, 2008.
Language: English
Format: Magazine
Abstract:
The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are producing more than just physical casualties. A study released last year shows that up to 17% of combat troops return with emotional problems, including PTSD. "In an honest: assessment of threats to this new generation of veterans, PTSD and emotional or mental [VFW Magazine Abstract]
Keywords: Combat Stress Veterans
Accuracy Verified: Yes
17. Russell, M. C., & Friedberg, F. (2009). Training, treatment access, and research on trauma intervention in the armed services. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 3(1), 24-31. doi:10.1891/1933-3196.3.1.24.
Language: English
Format: Journal
Abstract:
Since 2001, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have caused considerable strain on military medicine to effectively manage the growing mental health demand from deployed personnel. This article examines the ability of the U.S. Department of Defense to provide quality mental health services based on the availability of (a) clinical training, (b) mental health interventions, and (c) funded research of treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder. While notable progress has been made in cognitive-behavioral treatment access and research, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing is far less available—perhaps attributable to ongoing controversy over the technique. We suggest that underserved veterans would benefit from increased availability of evidence-based behavioral treatments, perhaps through continuation of a recent regional training program.
Keywords: Clinical Training Military Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD Treatment Access Veterans
Accuracy Verified: Yes
18. Russell, M. (2012, March 23). War atrocities in Afghanistan: Who is blameworthy?. Huffington Post. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mark-c-russell-phd-abpp/robert-bales-mental-health-_b_1371478.html on 3/26/2012.
Language: English
Format: Other
Abstract:
When Politics Trumps Science in Military Mental Health Care
In January 2011, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) investigated the DVA's indefensible decision to limit veterans' access to two of its homegrown PTSD treatments --Prolonged Exposure (PE) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) -- while excluding external competitors, like EMDR, developed outside the DVA. For instance, despite billions of dollars spent by the DVA/DoD to research PTSD treatments (e.g., massage, art therapy, marijuana derivatives, etc.), no EMDR research has been conducted since the wars began -- a blatant disregard of military medicine's mission to ensure that all war veterans have unrestricted access to the highest quality mental health treatment possible.
Scientific and personal bias should never enter into the equation. The status quo is even more inexplicable when in February, 2012, the DVA informs the Congressional Budget Office that only 40 percent of VA PTSD patients successfully complete PTSD treatment -- a 60 percent wash-out rate!
In stark contrast, randomized controlled trials of EMDR in 1998 with Vietnam combat veterans demonstrated that 77 percent of veterans no longer had PTSD diagnosis after 12 sessions -- with no drop-out [2]. Promising results; however, 1998 marked the last EMDR research trial the DVA has funded. [Excerpt]
Keywords: Afghanistan Blog Military Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD Veterans War
Accuracy Verified: Yes


