7 pages research paper
Surname
Annotated Bibliography
Journals
Finkel, Alan., Yerry Juanita, Scher, Ann., and Choi Young. “Headaches in Soldiers with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: Finding and Phenomenologic Descriptions.” Headache. 52. 6 (2012): 957-965. Web. 29 Jan, 2014.
According to this study by Alan Finkel, Juanita Yerry, Ann Scher and Young Choi there are various studies being undertaken in Fort Bragg to identify Posttraumatic stress disorder patients. In particular, they set to find out how effective the “the headache based criteria” was in identifying PTSD patients. Their study focused on 25 military veterans who had seen a headache specialist. According to this study, it is apparent that headaches that started after war experiences were seen as the genesis of PTSD and needed to be addressed as soon as possible to avert the escalation into more complicated PTSD. This source is good for this reach as it gives an in-depth study of one of the programs that are being undertaken in Fort Bragg to indentify and treat PTSD.
Cukor, Judith. et al. “ Emerging Treatments for PTSD.” Journal of Clinical Psychology. 29.8 (2009): 715-726. Web. 1 march, 2014.
The article by Cukor, Judith., Josh Spitalnick., JoAnn Difede., Albert, Rizzo and Barbara, Rothbaum explores the different psychotherapeutic and pharmacologic interventions that have been hitherto adopted by the Fort Bragg fraternity. In addition, the study examines empirical evidence in regards to the success of this intervention. This evidence is hinged on the success from a societal point of perspective, family and work relationship. In detail, the study explores thse different medications given to the patients eg propranolol and the success that has been realized. It also looks at the virtual reality and D-cycloserine as the best alternatives to long-term treatment of patients. This source is vital in my research as it encompasses all the tenets embodied in the thesis statement.
Hermes, Eric., Ilan Harpaz-Rotem and Robert, Rosenheck. “Diffusion of Prazosin Treatment for PTSD.” The American Journal of Psychiatry. 171. 1 (2014): 117. Web. 2 Mar, 2014.
According to the authors of this article, there is an increased use of Prazosin among the sick veterans in all medical treatment centers. This is without the exception of Ft Bragg. This increase is as a result of the vast study done in VH medical center indicating that the drug is effective in alleviating the various symptoms of PTSD. According to the study 30% who were put on medication were healed. This wonderful source is effective as it underlines one of the various treatment that is under huge scrutiny due to it miraculous effect.
Ritchie, Elspeth C. “Acupunture for the Treatment of PTSD.” Psychiatric Annals. 43. 5 (2013): 235. Web. 2 Mar, 2014.
Elspeth Ritchie posits that despite the many years of acupuncture to treat PTSD its mechanism of action is still not definitive. He purports that this ideal is especially factual for medication, eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR) and off course psychotherapy. Further, he contends that although electroconvulsive therapy is among the most effective therapies for PTSD, its mechanisms of work have, until today, remained hypothetical. This article is a masterpiece as it reveals factual information regarding the treatment of this condition and the blurriness associated in the with its work mechanism however successful they are. This source is good in building up on my thesis as it details one among the many programs being undertaken in Fort Bragg to remedy the situation of the veterans.
Nieves, Edwin J., Joseph, Candelario., Delmar, Short and Gregory Briscoe. “Telemental Health for our Soldiers: A Brief Review and a New Pilot Program.” Military Medicine. 174. 12 (2009): xxi. Web. 3 Mar, 2014.
With the advent of smart technology, more and more specialists are venturing into this field and utilizing this kind of technology for cure of the different diseases and conditions. According to the authors, the use of electronic communication has continuously gained popularity in the treatment of psychiatric problem. In particular, they point out that the inception of the strategy in Fort Bragg to include telemedicine in the treatment of PTSD. As a result of this strategy and implementation more and more soldiers have been able to receive heath care with a huge margin of success. This source outlines one of the programs that is being undertaken in Fort Bragg and the empirical success hitherto realized.
Gill, Robin. “PTSD Treatment Program” Global News. 34. 13 (2006): Web. 6 Mar, 2014.
According to Robin Gill, there are different programs that have been put in place in Fort Bragg to try and alleviate trauma. This includes the medical facility at VA, the community programs like the ones being advocated by The Guardian Rescue and the virtual reality treatment. The institution at VA has different treatment therapies. This range from medication, virtual reality therapy and matching the patients with a pet by the guardian rescue workers. This source is important as it outlines the programs that are being implemented at fort Bragg.
Libby, Daniel., Corey, Elizabeth and Rani, Desai. “Complementary and alternative medicine in VA specialized PTSD treatment programs” Marine Corps. 34. 2 (2010): Web. 6 Mar, 2014.
This was a survey do by psychiatrists Libby Daniel, Corey Elizabeth and Rani Desai. They found out that there are alternative medicines that can be used in the treatment of PTSD. These medications include the provision of complementary and alternative drug named as CAM. The authors had the program coordinators for the 125 of the 170 VA specialists treatment programs complete a study and return their finding. According to their finding 90% of the programs used CAM. This source shows the successes of the implementation of alternative drug regime.
Burdon, Sutker. “Pilot program of treatment for PTSD” The American journal of psychiatry. 148. 9 (1991): web 6 Mar, 2014.
Due to the increasing number of deaths caused by suicides in the military base, researcher Burdon conducted a pilot study to find out what were the predisposing factors that resulted in soldiers suffering from PTSD. He found out that some of these factors included accidents, death experiences, injury among others. He recommended that a lot of caution had to be observed in deploying these soldiers in war areas. In Particular, he advised that soldiers who had indicated predisposition to the disease should not be considered for redeployment. This source is good as it tells me of the programs being implemented to alleviative the problem that is PTSD.
Lande, Gregory, et al. “Characteristics and Effectiveness of an Intensive Military Outpatient Treatment Program for PTSD” Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment and Trauma. 20. 5 (2011): 530-538. Web. 6 Mar, 2014.
This study by Lande Gregory, Banks Lisa, Jennifer Francis, Cynthia Grangnani and Morin Melanie outline the characteristics and effectiveness in the treatment of PTSD. This study was done by handing questionnaires to 39 soldiers. Results showed significant reduction in symptoms when the soldiers participated in the outpatient therapy. Overall 20% of the soldiers who had the condition or those who showed symptoms of the disease we full treated and ready for duty. This source is good as it shows success of some of the programs implemented at Fort Bragg.
Newspapes
Maze, Rick. “Panel finds PTSD Treatment is Improving Unevenly: 1.” Chicago Tribune 4 oct. 2006: 26. Web. 28 feb, 2014.
According to Rick Maze there is an uneven distribution of success in the different institutions of PTSD treatment. He points out missing vital signs of the ailment, long queers in medical facilities offering psychiatric therapy and failure to seek medical assistance due to the stigma associated with this condition as among the leading causes of this uneven improvement. In particular, this forum was sparked due to the redeployment of soldiers diagnosed with this ailment to Iraq. In general, the author advises that soldiers who show signs of PTSD should not be redeployed in combat. This source is particularly vital for this research as it highlights the progress made so far in the treatment of this condition.
Funk, Deborah. “Program Aims to Widen Mental Health Screening Stress Exams given at Sick Call during Fort Bragg Test: 1.” Air Force Times 10 Dec. 2005: 25. Web. 2 March, 2014.
According to a survey done in the Department of Veterans Affair premises that was published in the medical journal General Hospital psychiatry showed that a staggering 11.5 percent of the soldier who sought medication at VA had PTSD. According to the author, this resulted in the launching of a program that is geared towards the screening as the undergo routine medical check up. This program was also launched as most of the patients would not volunteer for screening of the condition due the stigma associated with it. Further, the author suggests that there is need to increase the number of psychiatric facilities to deal with this problem. This is a good source as it contains one of the programs being undertaken at Fort Bragg camp to help identify and alleviate this poverty.
Calhoun, Jennifer. “Therapists Recommends Healing Touch for PTSD.” Tribune Business News {Washington DC} 24 Sep. 2008: Web. 4 Mar, 2014.
According to Jennifer Calhoun a lieutenant from Fort Bragg who asked his name not to be mentioned was cured from PTSD after 7 years of suffering. Indeed, the author reports that the soldier confessed to being cured through alternative therapy called emotional freedom technique. The author describes the technique as an alternative to needle acupuncture. Though similar in many ways to acupuncture, it does not involve the needle. It combines the western and eastern psychology. Though the method has no empirical evidence it has been taunted to be the solution for PTSD it does not involve medication. This is an example of a program that with help me in defending my thesis.
Graff, Michael. “PTSD Diagnosis doesn’t always carry through” Tribune Business News 26 Oct. 2005: Web. 4 Mar, 2014.
According to a finding by Michael Graff a lot of efforts have been made by the army management in Fort Bragg towards the alleviation of this problem. Since the war started 6 years ago many soldiers have resisted coming forward and discussing their problems while coping with PTSD. It was not after the case of Sgt. Frank Wheeler that raised eye brows all over the country that the military base in Fort bragg started to put up programs to diagnose soldiers suffering from PTSD. According to Rand center military health policy research despite the programs being put forth for the treatment of this condition only half of those suffering have been able to come forward and admit they have problem. This has then prompted the medical center in Fort Bragg to come up with policies that help identify the soldiers suffering from this condition. Among the indicators that have been put forward in the program is absenteeism without leave, domestic violence, disagreements with fellow employees among others.
"Wars and Anxieties." The Washington Times [New York] 12 Dec. 2005: 33. Print.
The Washington Times highlights the vagaries of the military trainings in handling the psychological issues within the military cycles. While quoting the installations in the Fort Bragg camp in dealing with issues of stress and depression, the article consummately analyzes the efforts that the administration is using to curb the side effects of the post stress trauma. The rapid response programme, for instance, has been very key in responding to emergency issues emanating from the depressions in the camp. The “isalute” programme is one such installation meant to encourage servicemen report suspicious activities that may be a pointer that a service man is emotionally disturbed. In addition, a dedicated phone line has been instituted where servicemen can seek for help or can report if such cases are witnessed within the camp
"Finding Balance: U.S. Army Garrison Grafenwoehr Creates A Ommunity Of Yoga Instructors.." States News Service [NewYork] 15 Feb. 2011: 21-23. Print.
Theosophy is a new concept in the treatment of post traumatic disorders. This erstwhile concept of Eastern European mysticism has been incorporated in most stress rehabilitation centres in the world. The military has not been left behind in their quest to remedy the effects of frontline war. The States News Service in its February edition 2011, ran a story on the application of theosophy as a program for managing psychological disorder in troops. The yoga concept is used to “siphon off” tension and “emotional imbalances” through meditation. The story affirmed that the administrators of Fort Brag had found it necessary to utilize the surrounding community to help the soldiers through the yoga program. Though this was on a voluntary basis, massive number of combat troops would turn out for the weekend yoga sessions
Magazines
Lopatin, Shari. Women. “Women warriors back home: Tricare and VA ramp up to work with the fastest growing population within the armed forces: female servicemembers” The Officer April 2010: Web. 4 Mar, 2014.
According to a study by Shari Lopatin women are more likely to suffer from PTSD than their male counter parts. It is with this in mind that the management in Fort Bragg has decided to open up a female website where women can seek private and confidential counseling and treatment for the physical and mental ailments. On December 4, the Department of Defense task force on Sexual assault warranted restricted reports of sexual cases that gave the victims authority to seek medical assistance without having to report first to the military command. In addition, the management developed an online videoconferencing where women victims would visit masters and PHD specialists. This source is great as it gives the various programs that the military base has put forward in resolving the scourge that is PTSD among the women folk.
Waters, Rob. “NETWORKER NEWS; The Wounds of War: Treating combat stress on the modern battlefield”. Psychotherapy Networker August 2003. Web. 4 April, 2014.
One of the resolutions that the management at Fort Bragg made was to try and talk to the soldiers while there were still in the warzone. In particular, they resolved to send specialist to talk to those soldiers who had been involved in serious combat areas. Besides specialists, they agreed to put the recovering PTSD patients in charge of the soldiers involved in combat. In their endeavor, they strategized on asking the chaplains and commanders to identify the soldier who were vulnerable to the diseases. Among the symptoms, they checked for those soldiers who doubled their drinking, those who could not sleep well and those who were not eating well. This source is important as it outlines some of the programs that the management at Fort Bragg is using to try and alleviate the problem.
Figley, Charles R., and William P. Nash. Combat stress injury theory, research, and management. New York: Routledge, 2007. Print.
Figley and Nash may have not narrowed down their research into the management of the post trauma disorders but this work is an explication of the general management programs applied in the military institutions across the United States. In essence, it is the standard description of the programs used in all psychiatric institutions across America. Figley asserts that the main concern for the military should be the consistency of these programs in yielding the desired results. The publication offers a statistical reference to the manner in which these strategies used in the American military respond to the needs of the servicemen. He disapproves some of the methods used noting that despite their application, the suicide rates and the emotional instability of the army still remains shaky.
Military psychology the official journal of the Division of Military Psychology, American Psychological Association.. Mahwah, N.J.: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 2002. Print.
Post stress and trauma disorder is best addressed by the journal of the Division of Military Psychology. Mahwah & Lawrence offers an extensive discourse on the role of “peer groups” in the sharing of post war experiences. Thepsychology division proposed and adopted the institution of groups to helpeach other in the healing process. These groups are referred to as “support groups.” The program seeks to get the servicemen involved in originating their own “treatment” by sharing their war experiences, frustrations and victories in the battlefield. These strategies are applied throughout the military divisions within America including Fort Bragg
Websites
"Guardians of Rescue Heads to Fort Bragg to Pick Up Dogs for PTSD Veterans." GlobeNewswire News Room. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Mar. 2014.
The Guardian of rescue is a community based organization that aims to help soldiers returning from war. According to the best program is to match a patient and a dog. This program is an initiative of the Fort Bragg army community that suitably matches dogs (left in war zones or in US kill shelters) to a veteran who is suffering from Post-traumatic stress disorder. These Dogs are believed to offer therapeutic treatment by offering unconditional love and companionship to these patients. To begin with, these dogs have to be evaluated for any emotional defects to qualify for the project. Every pet has to be carefully matched with it recipient. Transportation and delivery of these pets is done by GoR. Moreover, GoR does follow up and further training to the pets and the patient. In addition, when there is a problem with the pet, GoR takes the animal back. This source is good in identifying some of the programs that are being undertaken at Fort Bragg.
"Post-traumatic stress disorder - National Library of Medicine - PubMed Health." National Center for Biotechnology Information. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Mar. 2014.
According to the PubMed Health we lose approximately 22 military veterans everyday to this condition. It is under the backbone of this appalling statistic that the medical institution and website was established to assist those soldiers experiencing trauma after horrifying experiences in combat. Among one of their remedies is pharmacological treatment. Patients can either visit the institution at Fort Bragg or assess their services via website. This website is useful as it highlights the different medications that are recommended for the Treatment of Post traumatic Stress Disorder.
"Fort Bragg research to prove value of virtual reality simulator on PTSD patients | Media | The United States Army." The Official Home Page of the United States Army | The United States Army. N.p., n.d. Web. 6 Mar. 2014.
This is the official cite of the united states Army. All the information here is authored by the military editorial team. In this article, professionals in the department of Defense and those medical fraternity in Fort Bragg are conducting a study to ascertain the effectiveness of virtual reality exposure therapy in treating patients of PTSD. In essence, this study is geared towards establishing the effectiveness of VR in treating severe PTSD. This is especially with soldiers who have been deployed in combat for more than 10 years and those and the many soldiers who have been deployed in support of those operations. The study is important in this research, as it will be used to list the number of programs that have been employed so far in Fort Bragg.
"Kernersville VA Clinic." North Carolina Focus on Servicemembers, Veterans and their Families. N.p., n.d. Web. 6 Mar. 2014.
According to this website on of the biggest achievements in the effort to treat patients suffering from post traumatic stress disorder is the opening of Kernersville VA Clinic. This is one of the biggest health center opened for the purpose of treating traumatic patients. It measures 280, 000 sq foot and can serve up to 34,000 veterans in a year. This will save much time, as patients do not have to travel all the way to care center at VA. It also includes the treatment of general ailment for the soldiers. This source gives an important program that is being undertaken by the military to alleviate the problem of PTSD.
"Fort Bragg Dogs Adopted for Vets with PTSD | Military.com." Military and Veteran Benefits, News, Veteran Jobs | Military.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 6 Mar. 2014.
This program involves the collection of dogs and other pet in the war zones and domesticating them. This dogs and sometimes cats also suffer from the shackles of war. Actually, the aim is for the pet and the handler to treat each other. The dogs are put under trainers before they are assigned to the patients. Actually, the dogs serve to keep the patient company and calm. This source helps identify one of the programs and success of this remedy.
"Deputy Chief of Staff - Army G-1." Suicide Prevention. USARMY, n.d. Web. 6 Mar. 2014.
Psychological disorders are very predominant amongst the servicemen. Effects of trauma at the frontlines hinder the optimum performance of the servicemen and so the solution to these psychological issues is paramount to instilling efficiency and diligence in our forces. Fort Bragg has initiated the Army Campaign Plan for Health Promotion. This program targets to limit the growing suicidal cases in the barracks out of post battle trauma. The emphasis is on training servicemen on how to deal with the psychological excruciates of the battlefield. The program is a mandatory didactic for all the servicemen.
"Fort Bragg. Retrieved." Fort Bragg. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Mar. 2014.
The role of sports in the elimination of depression and stressful feelings cannot be gainsaid; the psychiatrists at Ft Bragg are exploiting the sporting events intelligibly to remedy the intense impacts of the post trauma stress. The community based programs for sports are being encouraged to enable servicemen interact with the community in sporting events as a way of “siphoning off” accumulated strains from the work environment. The psychosocial benefits of the physical activities in the camp has witnesses massive positive responses as statistical evidence reveals that the suicide levels have been reducing since the mandatory program commenced
"PTSD: National Center for PTSD." Apologies: Page Not Found -. Version 23. PTSD, 7 Mar. 2014. Web. 6 Mar. 2014.
The mandatory Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, CBT, has gained prominence amongst the veterans of the war experience. Having been seen successful in rehabilitating the forces after the gulf war, the instructors at Ft Bragga have instituted it into the training manual for the servicemen. Servicemen are invariably evaluated on their emotional responses to situations in a non defined schedule. The program is harmonized with the training manual of the army. This is source will be used in the development of the main point in the thesis.
"Healing Stress in Military Families: ." Eight Steps to Wellness . Version 17. N.p., n.d. Web.
Mar. 2014.
Emotional instability amongst the military servicemen may be compounded by social issues. The structure and status of the family of those in the disciplined forces is constantly under the screening by the administrators in Ft Bragg. This programme is aimed at “uprooting” the requisites for any emotional or psychological instability. “The pilot program was incepted not more than five years ago”, asserts the author but the results continuously point out the importance of group counselling. The book identifies the role that the military families play in providing an environment of serenity and comfort where the servicemen can operate at optimum levels. Ft Bragg organizes for group family counselling within specified dates in the military calendar, a mandatory expository learning experience for the servicemen.
Books
Scurfield, Raymond M.. War trauma and its wake: expanding the circle of healing. New York, NY: Routledge, 2013. Print.
Scurfield documents the suicide rates amongst the soldiers in Fort Bragg and reveals that this is directly related to the psychological defects experienced in the battlefield. He furthers his argument by seeking to highlight on the framework established to curb these suicide cases. He notes the huge investment in the medication of the soldiers is based on a strict medical program designed for the soldiers fresh from the battlefield. Scurfield does not explicitly discuss these drugs in his dispositions but highlights on the strict medical program aimed at managing the post war trauma. It is important to note that his case study is based on his research at the military base in Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
Martin, James A.. The Gulf War and mental health a comprehensive guide. Westport, Conn.: Praeger, 1996. Print.
The mental health of the servicemen is paramount to proper service delivery in the army. The mental health comprehensive guide is an insight into the modes of achieving the mental health across the military establishments in the US. Specifically, the research focused on the aftermath of the gulf war. In a nutshell, the author addresses the schemes that have been employed in the military circles with the desire to initiate a stress free environment for performing professional duties. This publication lists Fort Bragg as the reference point in establishing the facts on mental health in the military