PTSD is a Treatable Condition

  • Published
  • By Maj Mitzi Mitchell, Ph. D.
  • 48th Medical Group Medical Operations Squadron
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  There has recently been great attention in the popular press on the topic of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in military veterans. Some individuals exposed to traumatic events, such as sexual assault or participating in combat, develop long-term symptoms, such as sleep problems, nightmares, and flashbacks. 

The DoD has been focused on identifying and spreading effective treatments for those symptoms. 

Two interventions, Prolonged Exposure Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy, have been identified by research as reducing PTSD symptoms in trauma survivors. 

These are both short-term, structured therapies which target the thoughts and behaviors which maintain symptoms. Studies indicate that 70 to 90 percent of clients no longer meet criteria for PTSD after nine to 12 sessions of Prolonged Exposure Therapy . Cognitive Processing Therapy has been founded to be similarly effective. 

The DoD is attempting to provide those treatments to PTSD survivors. Both treatments are currently provided by the Mental Health clinic at RAF Lakenheath . 

Another program was created in the Air Force in 2006 to foster resiliency and prevent PTSD in those exposed to potentially traumatic events, such as aircraft mishaps and on-duty deaths. 

The Traumatic Stress Response program provides both preparatory education for those likely to experience potentially traumatic stress, as well as education, screening, psychological first aid, and referral for those who have been exposed. 

As part of the TSR program, individuals exposed to potentially traumatic events can seek up to four one-on-one meetings with any member of the TSR team. Those meetings - which are for the purpose of education and consultation - are not documented in individuals' medical records. 

For questions or more information regarding treatment for PTSD or the TSR program, call the RAF Lakenheath Mental Health clinic at DSN 226-8603.