Institute of Medicine: Returning soldiers should be screened for PTSD each year

CBS

(AP) WASHINGTON - The Institute of Medicine recommended on Friday that soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan be screened for post-traumatic stress disorder at least once a year and that federal agencies conduct more research to determine how well the various treatments for PTSD are working.

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Of the 2.6 million service members deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, it's estimated that 13 percent to 20 percent have symptoms of PTSD.

Federal agencies have increasingly dedicated more resources to screen and treat soldiers, but considerable gaps remain, according to the Institute of Medicine, an independent group of experts that advises the federal government on medical issues. Its recommendations often make their way into laws drafted by Congress and policies implemented by federal agencies.

Barely more than half of those diagnosed with PTSD actually get treatment, often because many soldiers worry it could jeopardize their careers. Also, when soldiers do get care, they're not tracked to determine which treatments are successful in the long-term.

The Department of Defense provides medical care to active members of the military and the Department of Veterans Affairs cares for those who no longer serve. Sandro Galea, the chairman of the IOM panel, said both departments offer many programs for PTSD.

"But treatment isn't reaching everyone who needs it, and the departments aren't tracking which treatments are being used or evaluating how well they work in the long term," said Galea, a professor and chair of the epidemiology department at Columbia University. "In addition, DOD has no information on the effectiveness of its programs to prevent PTSD."

The report concludes only the first phase of the Institute of Medicine study. The committee is collecting more data to judge the effectiveness of PTSD treatments used by the departments.

The institute recommended therapies supported by robust evidence, such as working with patients to change their thinking and emotional responses to stress. But the committee's analysis of other innovative treatments, including yoga, acupuncture and animal-assisted therapy, is hampered by a lack of evidence on their effectiveness.

PTSD is triggered by a specific traumatic event, such as being in combat or witnessing death. The symptoms of the illness include a numbing of emotions, difficulty concentrating and exaggerated startled responses to events.

The panel praised the two departments for issuing joint guidelines for managing PTSD, but it's unknown whether their providers adhere to the guidelines. The panel said that primary care doctors within the VA screen Iraq and Afghanistan veterans annually for symptoms of PTSD, and it recommends that the Defense Department do the same.

The panel said it is hopeful that the departments will make more use of therapy through videoconferences that will allow patients in remote locations to get care.

The panel also called for more research to shed light on the brain's defense mechanisms for stress, identify factors that can influence the timing and severity of symptoms and identify signs that could help lead to earlier diagnosis and more precise drug treatments.

The report said that the VA treated more than 438,000 veterans for PTSD in 2010, showing evidence of the widespread scope of the problem.

[MagnaCartaUK]

What seems like a well-intentioned initiative often falls short when it comes to long-term funding, and any practical difficulties encountered. I wouldn't have the tumerity to say this is a reaction rather than being pro-active in tackling the frankly disgraceful level of suicides and mental turmoil these poor wretches have experienced - and still are - but it's to be hoped this isn't a short-term politically-driven gimmick. In Britain we're familiar with some of our ex-servicemen experiencing this illness in recent times, but here at least, the public seem to demand that they receive that which is required. The fact that this article has featured on one of the U.S.s major networks and thus far has only commanded 2 comments leaves me to fear their suffering isn't as understood, respected or appreciated as it should be. Whether or not one likes the military, or what it's doing at present, these people are ill and need the support of their nation. I don't think that's too much to ask for - more so when it costs nothing. In relation to this dibilitating illness itself, has anyone asked those suffering how best THEY, THEMSELVES, feel they could be helped - in terms of medical intervention, public image improvement, combatting the nightmares that fill their every waking second - and their sleep? They feel guilt where they shouldn't - does anyone tell them that - or is it merely left for them to deduce and imagine for themselves? Have a heart, they're normal people who just happen to have seen a little more of the bad side of human nature, over a long period, and its taken effect on the decency of their mind as they may see it, the way they perceive themselves, and fears for their own personal futures. They're not monsters, freaks or a burden of ANY type. Neither are they weak, failures nor terminally mentally ill. Consult them, give them what they feel they need - or at least a modicum of understanding. I hope this latest move is made with sincerity, but they have support in Britain at least - just like our own. Good luck and best wishes to each and every one of them.

[lillyhorton]

I didn't see any of this coming several years ago. Never thought the US government would abandon its citizens. Sorry for the sarcasm but in the beginning so many people were for this war. What I learned from Vietnam Vets and my time in service is all citizens are just tools at the exposal of the government. When tools wear out they are thrown in the landfield with other rotting debre. Proven, the bigger the village the less humanitarian leaders are. One world power will not be in our best intrest. Just something to think about as you hear the "one World" phrase to introduce you to a new type of government the United Nations is inventing. You are being brain washed and as this pulls through you won't even remember what freedom and self preservation was. You will sacrefice your life for a whole of something unknown to you but defined by a few "Good Men" as universal harmony. Put some thought into it. One World Trade Center. Good God!

[fiddlestickawshucks]

First, animal assisted therapy has been PROVEN to be beneficial not only in treating PTSD.

Second, all of the tripe included in the above article is just another stalling tactic to delay care for veterans with PTSD.

The wife of the first soldier who was killed more than ten years ago is still going round and round with the VA in an attempt to get benefits.

The VA has a backlog of 9000 THOUSAND claims.

Those seeking benefits are told the forms were improperly completed. the wrong proof, the papers were lost and must be re-filed.

Recently, a suicidal soldier was put on hold for 45 minutes when he called a suicide hotline.

Another soldier who sought help was denied treatment.

His wife. who also sought help for him was denied TWICE.

HE KILLED HIMSELF.!!

If the President, the DOD, the Pentagon can't IMMEDIATELY remedy this situation, they should all resign.!!

This situation is deplorable, disgusting, despicable and any other derrogatory term you can come up with.!

PRAY FOR OUR TROOPS wether Obama likes it or not.!!!!

BTW, don't bother to write or call your Congressman or Senator.

If any of them gave a fat rats ass about our vets; they would have done something about it already.!