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Research to Advance
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment
VA investigators are leading the way in understanding
posttraumatic stress disorder and developing effective
strategies for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
P O S T T R A U M A T I C S T R E S S
D I S O R D E R
D I S C O V E R Y I N N O V A T I O N A D V A N C E M E N TA Message to Our VeteransVA Research—Vital Progress in the Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatmentof Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
What was termed “soldier’s heart,” “shell shock,” or “combat fatigue” in previouswars is now recognized by doctors as a distinct medical condition known asposttraumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. Today, this disorder is taking a significanttoll on our service members returning from Afghanistan and Iraq, occurringin 6 to 11 percent of U.S. Veterans of the Afghanistan war and in 12 to 20 percentof our Veterans from the Iraq war.
This condition, so often associated with combat traumas, also affects manyAmericans who have lived through other types of traumatic events, such as physicalor sexual assaults, car crashes or other serious accidents, fires, or natural disasters.All told, about 8 percent of the U.S. population will have PTSD during theirlifetime, according to VA’s National Center for PTSD.
Further improving prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of PTSD is a toppriority for the VA Research program. VA investigators have recently conductedsome of the most pivotal research in the field. Today, Veterans with PTSD canbenefit from many effective treatments, including psychotherapy and variousmedications, which were developed and refined over the years in large partdue to VA research.
VA’s PTSD studies display a tremendous diversity of approach—spanning theresearch continuum from bench to bedside and including lab studies and clinicalresearch ranging from small pilot studies to large trials conducted at multiple sites.Some studies are conducted wholly by VA, while others involve partners such as theNational Institutes of Health, the Department of Defense, the Centers for DiseaseControl and Prevention, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health ServicesAdministration.
Though VA’s research on PTSD takes many forms, the studies share a commonobjective: promoting the well-being and long-term quality of life of the men and
women who have served this country in uniform,whether in past or current conflicts.
This brochure presents examples of VA’s recentaccomplishments in PTSD research. These studies,it is hoped, will benefit Veterans and many otherAmericans now and in the future and spare themfrom PTSD’s life-disrupting symptomsand complications.
Joel Kupersmith, M.D.Chief Research and Development OfficerDepartment of Veterans Affairs
2009For questions or additional copies contact:
R&D Communications (12)
103 South Gay Street, Ste. 517
Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 962-1800 x223
D I S C O V E R Y I N N O V A T I O N A D V A N C E M E N T D I S C O V E R Y I N N O V A T I O N A D V A N C E M E N T D I S C O V E R Y I N N O V A T I O N A D V A N C E M E N T D I S C O V E R Y I N N O V A T I O N A D V A N C E M E N T
Research to Advance
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment
VA investigators are leading the way in understanding
posttraumatic stress disorder and developing effective
strategies for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
P O S T T R A U M A T I C S T R E S S
D I S O R D E R
D I S C O V E R Y I N N O V A T I O N A D V A N C E M E N TA Message to Our VeteransVA Research—Vital Progress in the Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatmentof Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
What was termed “soldier’s heart,” “shell shock,” or “combat fatigue” in previouswars is now recognized by doctors as a distinct medical condition known asposttraumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. Today, this disorder is taking a significanttoll on our service members returning from Afghanistan and Iraq, occurringin 6 to 11 percent of U.S. Veterans of the Afghanistan war and in 12 to 20 percentof our Veterans from the Iraq war.
This condition, so often associated with combat traumas, also affects manyAmericans who have lived through other types of traumatic events, such as physicalor sexual assaults, car crashes or other serious accidents, fires, or natural disasters.All told, about 8 percent of the U.S. population will have PTSD during theirlifetime, according to VA’s National Center for PTSD.
Further improving prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of PTSD is a toppriority for the VA Research program. VA investigators have recently conductedsome of the most pivotal research in the field. Today, Veterans with PTSD canbenefit from many effective treatments, including psychotherapy and variousmedications, which were developed and refined over the years in large partdue to VA research.
VA’s PTSD studies display a tremendous diversity of approach—spanning theresearch continuum from bench to bedside and including lab studies and clinicalresearch ranging from small pilot studies to large trials conducted at multiple sites.Some studies are conducted wholly by VA, while others involve partners such as theNational Institutes of Health, the Department of Defense, the Centers for DiseaseControl and Prevention, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health ServicesAdministration.
Though VA’s research on PTSD takes many forms, the studies share a commonobjective: promoting the well-being and long-term quality of life of the men and
women who have served this country in uniform,whether in past or current conflicts.
This brochure presents examples of VA’s recentaccomplishments in PTSD research. These studies,it is hoped, will benefit Veterans and many otherAmericans now and in the future and spare themfrom PTSD’s life-disrupting symptomsand complications.
Joel Kupersmith, M.D.Chief Research and Development OfficerDepartment of Veterans Affairs
2009
For questions or additional copies contact:
R&D Communications (12)
103 South Gay Street, Ste. 517
Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 962-1800 x223
D I S C O V E R Y I N N O V A T I O N A D V A N C E M E N T D I S C O V E R Y I N N O V A T I O N A D V A N C E M E N T D I S C O V E R Y I N N O V A T I O N A D V A N C E M E N T D I S C O V E R Y I N N O V A T I O N A D V A N C E M E N T
Research to Advance
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Medication for PTSDResearch has found that certain medications,including the class of antidepressants known asselective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs),may be effective for PTSD, either by themselvesor in combination with psychotherapy.
Highlights of VA Research in this area include:
• Hypertension drug found to help nightmaresThe inexpensive, well-tested generic drugprazosin, already used by millions of Americans for high blood pressure andprostate problems, has been found in pilotstudies to improve sleep and lessen traumanightmares in Veterans with PTSD. A largemultisite trial has been launched to followup on these results.
• Beta-blocker may weaken traumaticmemories A clinical trial is underway to test thetheory that traumatic memories maybe weakened or extinguished by giving thedrug propranolol, a beta blocker commonlyused to treat high blood pressure, as thetroubling memories are reactivated undercontrolled conditions.
• Drug risperidone for persistent PTSDVA investigators are conducting the first-ever multisite clinical trial of a medicationto treat military-related chronic PTSD.This study, which will include 400 Veterans,will help determine whether risperidone—a drug shown to be safe and previouslytested in the treatment of PTSD in generalpopulations—is effective in Veterans withchronic PTSD who have not been helpedby antidepressants.
• Medication may boost psychotherapyoutcomesVA investigators are studying whether thedrug D-cycloserine, originally used to treattuberculosis and more recently shown tolessen anxiety, can improve the results ofpsychotherapy treatment for PTSD.
Psychological Approaches andRelated Therapeutic ToolsCurrent evidence-based psychological treat-ments for PTSD include prolonged exposuretherapy and cognitive processing therapy.Further research on psychotherapeuticmethods is needed, however, to identify othereffective approaches and advance the care ofVeterans with PTSD.
Examples of research in this areainclude the following:
• Prolonged exposure therapyIn the largest study to date in womenVeterans with PTSD, VA researchers foundprolonged exposure therapy, in whichpatients are helped to recall their traumas ina safe, controlled environment, to be moreeffective than supportive counseling thatdoes not involve trauma recall. VA issystematically adopting this treatmentapproach, with a nationwide disseminationeffort being spearheaded by VA’s NationalCenter for PTSD.
• Virtual reality simulationsComputer-generated environments arecontinually evolving that simulate thesights, sounds, sensations, and smells offeared situations. Therapists can use thetechnology as an aid to prolonged exposuretherapy as they work with patients tochange the negative thoughts, feelings, andbehaviors linked to traumatic events.
• Guided imageryVA researchers are examining whetherguided imagery—a technique involving relaxation and mental visualization— is effective for PTSD. As part of this study,women who developed PTSD as a result of sexual trauma while in the military anddid not improve with other therapies arebeing taught to use specially created audio programs specific to PTSD that enablethem to practice guided imagery at home.
Spotlight on VA ResearchVA researchers dedicated toimproving strategies for theprevention, diagnosis, andtreatment of PTSD are looking
at the condition from many different perspectives. Key research questions include:– What factors determine who will develop
PTSD and how can we identify those factorsthat can be changed to reduce the risk?
– What determines the most effective treatmentfor a particular patient?
– Can we identify biological markers, such asproteins in the blood or certain patterns ofbrain activity, that are associated with PTSD?
Answering these questions can help researchersin the development of both psychological andpharmacological approaches to PTSDprevention and treatment.
“We’re so much better equipped today to help Veterans suffering from PTSDthan even aer the Gulf War, let alone Vietnam, Korea, or World War II.”Terence M. Keane, Ph.D., Associate Chief of Staff for research at the VA Boston Healthcare Systemand Director of the behavioral science division of VA’s National Center for PTSD
Biological Factors in PTSD VA investigators have established much ofthe evidence relating to the biological basisof PTSD, and they continue to learn aboutchanges in the body that are linked to thecondition.
Important examples of VA researchin this area include:
• Role of stress-related hormonesVA researchers studied patients with war-related PTSD to see how their levels of certain stress-related hormones changedas they watched a film containing combatfootage, compared with changes as theywatched a neutral film about oil painting.Understanding the link between PTSDand hormone levels may help researchersdevelop new therapies or evaluate theeffects of existing treatments.
• Imaging brain activityA new VA research program will focuson the study of brain and mental healthconditions, including PTSD, commonamong troops returning from Afghanistanand Iraq. The program features a mobileMRI machine that will be used withVeterans and active-duty troops at twoVA sites and a nearby military base.Functional brain images taken with themachine will help researchers correlatePTSD symptoms with activity in particularareas of the brain.
Risk Factors for PTSDVA researchers also study clinical and lifestylefactors that may increase a person’s risk ofdeveloping PTSD.
Highlights of VA research in this area include:
• Assessment before and after deploymentIn a major study, VA researchers andcolleagues from the Department of Defenseare collecting health information frommilitary personnel prior to their deploy-ments to Afghanistan and Iraq. Theseservice members will be reassessed upontheir return and several times thereafterto identify possible changes that occurredin emotions or thinking as a result of theirtours of duty and to identify possiblerisk factors for PTSD and other healthconditions.
• Long-term PTSD in Veterans of theVietnam WarVA Research has launched a 20-year studyof PTSD in Veterans of the Vietnam Warto look at the long-term course of thedisorder, its long-term medical conse-quences, and patterns of health care usageamong these Veterans. Findings from thestudy will help VA better understand thecurrent and future health care needs ofthose who served in the Vietnam era.
Ongoing PTSD Initiatives As research continues to shed more lighton PTSD and its prevention, diagnosis,and treatment, VA is working to translateresearch findings into advances in care. Aspart of this effort, Best Practices Guidelinesfor the diagnosis and treatment of PTSD,based on past study findings, have beendistributed to clinicians throughout theVA health care system.
Another current effort involves the creationof a PTSD registry, in collaboration with theDepartment of Defense, that will helpresearchers learn more about the risk factorsand health outcomes associated with PTSD.
VA researchers are also working to developtelehealth models of PTSD care that take advantage of communication technologies such as the telephone, Internet, videoconferencing, email, and text messaging.These initiatives are especially important forVeterans with PTSD who live in rural areas.
More InformationA recent issue of VA’s Journal of RehabilitationResearch and Development (Volume 45,Number 3) is devoted entirely to the discussionof scientific research on PTSD.Full text of the articles is available online atwww.research.va.gov/programs/jrrd/45_3.cfm.
General information about PTSD isavailable online from VA’s National Centerfor Posttraumatic Stress Disorder,at www.ncptsd.va.gov. The site includes a “Where to Get Help” page that offers resourcesand guidance for Veterans seeking care.
“I am grateful for the VA’sPTSD study for the manychanges it inspired in me.Today I am able to do thingsthat I have not been able todo in a long time, and my lifeis continuing to improve.”Gulf War Veteran and participant in a landmark VA clinical trialof prolonged exposure therapy involving women Veterans.
Research to Advance
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Medication for PTSDResearch has found that certain medications,including the class of antidepressants known asselective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs),may be effective for PTSD, either by themselvesor in combination with psychotherapy.
Highlights of VA Research in this area include:
• Hypertension drug found to help nightmaresThe inexpensive, well-tested generic drugprazosin, already used by millions of Americans for high blood pressure andprostate problems, has been found in pilotstudies to improve sleep and lessen traumanightmares in Veterans with PTSD. A largemultisite trial has been launched to followup on these results.
• Beta-blocker may weaken traumaticmemories A clinical trial is underway to test thetheory that traumatic memories maybe weakened or extinguished by giving thedrug propranolol, a beta blocker commonlyused to treat high blood pressure, as thetroubling memories are reactivated undercontrolled conditions.
• Drug risperidone for persistent PTSDVA investigators are conducting the first-ever multisite clinical trial of a medicationto treat military-related chronic PTSD.This study, which will include 400 Veterans,will help determine whether risperidone—a drug shown to be safe and previouslytested in the treatment of PTSD in generalpopulations—is effective in Veterans withchronic PTSD who have not been helpedby antidepressants.
• Medication may boost psychotherapyoutcomesVA investigators are studying whether thedrug D-cycloserine, originally used to treattuberculosis and more recently shown tolessen anxiety, can improve the results ofpsychotherapy treatment for PTSD.
Psychological Approaches andRelated Therapeutic ToolsCurrent evidence-based psychological treat-ments for PTSD include prolonged exposuretherapy and cognitive processing therapy.Further research on psychotherapeuticmethods is needed, however, to identify othereffective approaches and advance the care ofVeterans with PTSD.
Examples of research in this areainclude the following:
• Prolonged exposure therapyIn the largest study to date in womenVeterans with PTSD, VA researchers foundprolonged exposure therapy, in whichpatients are helped to recall their traumas ina safe, controlled environment, to be moreeffective than supportive counseling thatdoes not involve trauma recall. VA issystematically adopting this treatmentapproach, with a nationwide disseminationeffort being spearheaded by VA’s NationalCenter for PTSD.
• Virtual reality simulationsComputer-generated environments arecontinually evolving that simulate thesights, sounds, sensations, and smells offeared situations. Therapists can use thetechnology as an aid to prolonged exposuretherapy as they work with patients tochange the negative thoughts, feelings, andbehaviors linked to traumatic events.
• Guided imageryVA researchers are examining whetherguided imagery—a technique involving relaxation and mental visualization— is effective for PTSD. As part of this study,women who developed PTSD as a result of sexual trauma while in the military anddid not improve with other therapies arebeing taught to use specially created audio programs specific to PTSD that enablethem to practice guided imagery at home.
Spotlight on VA ResearchVA researchers dedicated toimproving strategies for theprevention, diagnosis, andtreatment of PTSD are looking
at the condition from many different perspectives. Key research questions include:– What factors determine who will develop
PTSD and how can we identify those factorsthat can be changed to reduce the risk?
– What determines the most effective treatmentfor a particular patient?
– Can we identify biological markers, such asproteins in the blood or certain patterns ofbrain activity, that are associated with PTSD?
Answering these questions can help researchersin the development of both psychological andpharmacological approaches to PTSDprevention and treatment.
“We’re so much better equipped today to help Veterans suffering from PTSDthan even aer the Gulf War, let alone Vietnam, Korea, or World War II.”Terence M. Keane, Ph.D., Associate Chief of Staff for research at the VA Boston Healthcare Systemand Director of the behavioral science division of VA’s National Center for PTSD
Biological Factors in PTSD VA investigators have established much ofthe evidence relating to the biological basisof PTSD, and they continue to learn aboutchanges in the body that are linked to thecondition.
Important examples of VA researchin this area include:
• Role of stress-related hormonesVA researchers studied patients with war-related PTSD to see how their levels of certain stress-related hormones changedas they watched a film containing combatfootage, compared with changes as theywatched a neutral film about oil painting.Understanding the link between PTSDand hormone levels may help researchersdevelop new therapies or evaluate theeffects of existing treatments.
• Imaging brain activityA new VA research program will focuson the study of brain and mental healthconditions, including PTSD, commonamong troops returning from Afghanistanand Iraq. The program features a mobileMRI machine that will be used withVeterans and active-duty troops at twoVA sites and a nearby military base.Functional brain images taken with themachine will help researchers correlatePTSD symptoms with activity in particularareas of the brain.
Risk Factors for PTSDVA researchers also study clinical and lifestylefactors that may increase a person’s risk ofdeveloping PTSD.
Highlights of VA research in this area include:
• Assessment before and after deploymentIn a major study, VA researchers andcolleagues from the Department of Defenseare collecting health information frommilitary personnel prior to their deploy-ments to Afghanistan and Iraq. Theseservice members will be reassessed upontheir return and several times thereafterto identify possible changes that occurredin emotions or thinking as a result of theirtours of duty and to identify possiblerisk factors for PTSD and other healthconditions.
• Long-term PTSD in Veterans of theVietnam WarVA Research has launched a 20-year studyof PTSD in Veterans of the Vietnam Warto look at the long-term course of thedisorder, its long-term medical conse-quences, and patterns of health care usageamong these Veterans. Findings from thestudy will help VA better understand thecurrent and future health care needs ofthose who served in the Vietnam era.
Ongoing PTSD Initiatives As research continues to shed more lighton PTSD and its prevention, diagnosis,and treatment, VA is working to translateresearch findings into advances in care. Aspart of this effort, Best Practices Guidelinesfor the diagnosis and treatment of PTSD,based on past study findings, have beendistributed to clinicians throughout theVA health care system.
Another current effort involves the creationof a PTSD registry, in collaboration with theDepartment of Defense, that will helpresearchers learn more about the risk factorsand health outcomes associated with PTSD.
VA researchers are also working to developtelehealth models of PTSD care that take advantage of communication technologies such as the telephone, Internet, videoconferencing, email, and text messaging.These initiatives are especially important forVeterans with PTSD who live in rural areas.
More InformationA recent issue of VA’s Journal of RehabilitationResearch and Development (Volume 45,Number 3) is devoted entirely to the discussionof scientific research on PTSD.Full text of the articles is available online atwww.research.va.gov/programs/jrrd/45_3.cfm.
General information about PTSD isavailable online from VA’s National Centerfor Posttraumatic Stress Disorder,at www.ncptsd.va.gov. The site includes a “Where to Get Help” page that offers resourcesand guidance for Veterans seeking care.
“I am grateful for the VA’sPTSD study for the manychanges it inspired in me.Today I am able to do thingsthat I have not been able todo in a long time, and my lifeis continuing to improve.”Gulf War Veteran and participant in a landmark VA clinical trialof prolonged exposure therapy involving women Veterans.
Research to Advance
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Medication for PTSDResearch has found that certain medications,including the class of antidepressants known asselective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs),may be effective for PTSD, either by themselvesor in combination with psychotherapy.
Highlights of VA Research in this area include:
• Hypertension drug found to help nightmaresThe inexpensive, well-tested generic drugprazosin, already used by millions of Americans for high blood pressure andprostate problems, has been found in pilotstudies to improve sleep and lessen traumanightmares in Veterans with PTSD. A largemultisite trial has been launched to followup on these results.
• Beta-blocker may weaken traumaticmemories A clinical trial is underway to test thetheory that traumatic memories maybe weakened or extinguished by giving thedrug propranolol, a beta blocker commonlyused to treat high blood pressure, as thetroubling memories are reactivated undercontrolled conditions.
• Drug risperidone for persistent PTSDVA investigators are conducting the first-ever multisite clinical trial of a medicationto treat military-related chronic PTSD.This study, which will include 400 Veterans,will help determine whether risperidone—a drug shown to be safe and previouslytested in the treatment of PTSD in generalpopulations—is effective in Veterans withchronic PTSD who have not been helpedby antidepressants.
• Medication may boost psychotherapyoutcomesVA investigators are studying whether thedrug D-cycloserine, originally used to treattuberculosis and more recently shown tolessen anxiety, can improve the results ofpsychotherapy treatment for PTSD.
Psychological Approaches andRelated Therapeutic ToolsCurrent evidence-based psychological treat-ments for PTSD include prolonged exposuretherapy and cognitive processing therapy.Further research on psychotherapeuticmethods is needed, however, to identify othereffective approaches and advance the care ofVeterans with PTSD.
Examples of research in this areainclude the following:
• Prolonged exposure therapyIn the largest study to date in womenVeterans with PTSD, VA researchers foundprolonged exposure therapy, in whichpatients are helped to recall their traumas ina safe, controlled environment, to be moreeffective than supportive counseling thatdoes not involve trauma recall. VA issystematically adopting this treatmentapproach, with a nationwide disseminationeffort being spearheaded by VA’s NationalCenter for PTSD.
• Virtual reality simulationsComputer-generated environments arecontinually evolving that simulate thesights, sounds, sensations, and smells offeared situations. Therapists can use thetechnology as an aid to prolonged exposuretherapy as they work with patients tochange the negative thoughts, feelings, andbehaviors linked to traumatic events.
• Guided imageryVA researchers are examining whetherguided imagery—a technique involving relaxation and mental visualization— is effective for PTSD. As part of this study,women who developed PTSD as a result of sexual trauma while in the military anddid not improve with other therapies arebeing taught to use specially created audio programs specific to PTSD that enablethem to practice guided imagery at home.
Spotlight on VA ResearchVA researchers dedicated toimproving strategies for theprevention, diagnosis, andtreatment of PTSD are looking
at the condition from many different perspectives. Key research questions include:– What factors determine who will develop
PTSD and how can we identify those factorsthat can be changed to reduce the risk?
– What determines the most effective treatmentfor a particular patient?
– Can we identify biological markers, such asproteins in the blood or certain patterns ofbrain activity, that are associated with PTSD?
Answering these questions can help researchersin the development of both psychological andpharmacological approaches to PTSDprevention and treatment.
“We’re so much better equipped today to help Veterans suffering from PTSDthan even aer the Gulf War, let alone Vietnam, Korea, or World War II.”Terence M. Keane, Ph.D., Associate Chief of Staff for research at the VA Boston Healthcare Systemand Director of the behavioral science division of VA’s National Center for PTSD
Biological Factors in PTSD VA investigators have established much ofthe evidence relating to the biological basisof PTSD, and they continue to learn aboutchanges in the body that are linked to thecondition.
Important examples of VA researchin this area include:
• Role of stress-related hormonesVA researchers studied patients with war-related PTSD to see how their levels of certain stress-related hormones changedas they watched a film containing combatfootage, compared with changes as theywatched a neutral film about oil painting.Understanding the link between PTSDand hormone levels may help researchersdevelop new therapies or evaluate theeffects of existing treatments.
• Imaging brain activityA new VA research program will focuson the study of brain and mental healthconditions, including PTSD, commonamong troops returning from Afghanistanand Iraq. The program features a mobileMRI machine that will be used withVeterans and active-duty troops at twoVA sites and a nearby military base.Functional brain images taken with themachine will help researchers correlatePTSD symptoms with activity in particularareas of the brain.
Risk Factors for PTSDVA researchers also study clinical and lifestylefactors that may increase a person’s risk ofdeveloping PTSD.
Highlights of VA research in this area include:
• Assessment before and after deploymentIn a major study, VA researchers andcolleagues from the Department of Defenseare collecting health information frommilitary personnel prior to their deploy-ments to Afghanistan and Iraq. Theseservice members will be reassessed upontheir return and several times thereafterto identify possible changes that occurredin emotions or thinking as a result of theirtours of duty and to identify possiblerisk factors for PTSD and other healthconditions.
• Long-term PTSD in Veterans of theVietnam WarVA Research has launched a 20-year studyof PTSD in Veterans of the Vietnam Warto look at the long-term course of thedisorder, its long-term medical conse-quences, and patterns of health care usageamong these Veterans. Findings from thestudy will help VA better understand thecurrent and future health care needs ofthose who served in the Vietnam era.
Ongoing PTSD Initiatives As research continues to shed more lighton PTSD and its prevention, diagnosis,and treatment, VA is working to translateresearch findings into advances in care. Aspart of this effort, Best Practices Guidelinesfor the diagnosis and treatment of PTSD,based on past study findings, have beendistributed to clinicians throughout theVA health care system.
Another current effort involves the creationof a PTSD registry, in collaboration with theDepartment of Defense, that will helpresearchers learn more about the risk factorsand health outcomes associated with PTSD.
VA researchers are also working to developtelehealth models of PTSD care that take advantage of communication technologies such as the telephone, Internet, videoconferencing, email, and text messaging.These initiatives are especially important forVeterans with PTSD who live in rural areas.
More InformationA recent issue of VA’s Journal of RehabilitationResearch and Development (Volume 45,Number 3) is devoted entirely to the discussionof scientific research on PTSD.Full text of the articles is available online atwww.research.va.gov/programs/jrrd/45_3.cfm.
General information about PTSD isavailable online from VA’s National Centerfor Posttraumatic Stress Disorder,at www.ncptsd.va.gov. The site includes a “Where to Get Help” page that offers resourcesand guidance for Veterans seeking care.
“I am grateful for the VA’sPTSD study for the manychanges it inspired in me.Today I am able to do thingsthat I have not been able todo in a long time, and my lifeis continuing to improve.”Gulf War Veteran and participant in a landmark VA clinical trialof prolonged exposure therapy involving women Veterans.
Research to Advance
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment
VA investigators are leading the way in understanding
posttraumatic stress disorder and developing effective
strategies for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
P O S T T R A U M A T I C S T R E S S
D I S O R D E R
D I S C O V E R Y I N N O V A T I O N A D V A N C E M E N TA Message to Our VeteransVA Research—Vital Progress in the Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatmentof Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
What was termed “soldier’s heart,” “shell shock,” or “combat fatigue” in previouswars is now recognized by doctors as a distinct medical condition known asposttraumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. Today, this disorder is taking a significanttoll on our service members returning from Afghanistan and Iraq, occurringin 6 to 11 percent of U.S. Veterans of the Afghanistan war and in 12 to 20 percentof our Veterans from the Iraq war.
This condition, so often associated with combat traumas, also affects manyAmericans who have lived through other types of traumatic events, such as physicalor sexual assaults, car crashes or other serious accidents, fires, or natural disasters.All told, about 8 percent of the U.S. population will have PTSD during theirlifetime, according to VA’s National Center for PTSD.
Further improving prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of PTSD is a toppriority for the VA Research program. VA investigators have recently conductedsome of the most pivotal research in the field. Today, Veterans with PTSD canbenefit from many effective treatments, including psychotherapy and variousmedications, which were developed and refined over the years in large partdue to VA research.
VA’s PTSD studies display a tremendous diversity of approach—spanning theresearch continuum from bench to bedside and including lab studies and clinicalresearch ranging from small pilot studies to large trials conducted at multiple sites.Some studies are conducted wholly by VA, while others involve partners such as theNational Institutes of Health, the Department of Defense, the Centers for DiseaseControl and Prevention, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health ServicesAdministration.
Though VA’s research on PTSD takes many forms, the studies share a commonobjective: promoting the well-being and long-term quality of life of the men and
women who have served this country in uniform,whether in past or current conflicts.
This brochure presents examples of VA’s recentaccomplishments in PTSD research. These studies,it is hoped, will benefit Veterans and many otherAmericans now and in the future and spare themfrom PTSD’s life-disrupting symptomsand complications.
Joel Kupersmith, M.D.Chief Research and Development OfficerDepartment of Veterans Affairs
2009
For questions or additional copies contact:
R&D Communications (12)
103 South Gay Street, Ste. 517
Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 962-1800 x223
D I S C O V E R Y I N N O V A T I O N A D V A N C E M E N T D I S C O V E R Y I N N O V A T I O N A D V A N C E M E N T D I S C O V E R Y I N N O V A T I O N A D V A N C E M E N T D I S C O V E R Y I N N O V A T I O N A D V A N C E M E N T