7 pages research paper

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

1. Introduction

a. In recent past, there has been an increased number of both reported and unreported numbers of suicidal cases and tendencies in Ft Bragg, North Carolina.

b. Most of these deaths come from the military community in Ft Bragg and especially from soldiers returning from combat

c. This prevailing situation prompted an investigation by government and non-governmental organizations.

d. According to a report by Guardian Angels, the cause of these deaths is a human neurological condition known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

2. History of the Disease

a. Although the condition is considered a relatively new diagnosis, as the conditions name first appeared in 1980, the problem is arguably as old as war.

b. After a period or relative peace in the 1960s, the occurrence of the Vietnam War in the 1980s provoked a thorough investigation on soldiers returning from war.

3. The situations at Fort Bragg

a. Though statistics are hard to collect due to the sensitive nature of the condition, it is widely believed that at least 20% of the veteran in America have one form of PTSD

i. Out of the 20% soldiers that have PTSD only half seek treatment.

4. Programs instituted so far

a. The treatment of this condition involves both Psychotherapeutic and pharmacologic interventions.

i. Psychotherapeutic

1. Though there is no conclusive scientific facts on the effective functionality of acupuncture, it has been the most used therapeutic treatment of PTSD

2. The use of Virtual reality and telemedicine are some of the contemporary programs being used in the treatment of patients with PTSD

ii. Pharmacologic

1. The use of prazosin drug has been found effective in the alleviation of PTSD symptoms

2. 90% of the treatment at VA medical center involves the use of CAM drugs

5. Success Realized

a. The construction of a second medical center in VA dedicated to the treatment of PTSD was a huge milestone in the war against PTSD

b. The launch of website where patients can confidentially seek counsel from professionals will go a long way in the alleviation of the disease especially with those patients who do not want their identity revealed.

c. According to a study done by Lande Gregory, Banks Lisa, Jennifer Francis, Cynthia Grangnani and Morin Melanie, 20% of the soldiers who were under the outpatient treatment program were cured completely

6. Conclusion

a. Apparently, the war on PTSD has hitherto been easy and it is especially so because of the stigma associated with it. However, it is evident that the condition is surmountable. More and more efforts are being made every day in a bid to prevent and stop the disease. It is only in order to conclude that sooner or later the prevalence and instance of the condition will be sufficiently brought to minimum levels.