PTSD-Annotated Bibliography Lisa M. Buentello GEN499: ✓ Solved

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)- Annotated Bibliography Introduction People are affected by trauma in many different ways, particularly veterans returning home from war. Vietnam veterans experienced anxiety, depression, turmoil, and guilt for their actions in war. During this period in history Vietnam veterans were not glorified for their fighting but instead ridiculed and blamed causing doubt and frustration. Service members struggled to reestablish and reacquaint psychologically after the stress and trauma they faced from being involved in war.

Stress developments from combat have been around since the Civil War. Although, developments and clinical experiences of stress disorders were seemingly forgotten during the Vietnam War. Not until 1980 when the DSM-III was published did post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have a description and diagnosis. The publication of PTSD in the DSM-III allowed service members to finally receive a diagnosis that gave them access to find and receive treatment and answers for PTSD. In the 1980's public recognition of more and more causes of PTSD surfaced and nearly 800,000 veterans were able to begin treatment for the problems they suffered with from the war.

War is inevitable but the trauma that war causes is still being researched and studied. This research paper will examine the experiences of PTSD on services members as well as their families, specifically children and spouses and the roles that go into the healing process. Research will explore the options of veterans and their families prior to and after being able to receive a diagnosis in the 1980's. The main purpose of this paper will be to explore the social stigma and struggles of PTSD on veterans and their families.

Annotated Bibliography

Andreasen, N. C. (2010). Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A History and a Critique Andreasen PTSD history. Annals Of The New York Academy Of Sciences , ), 67-71. doi:10.1111/j..2010.05699.x The article gives history of PTSD before it was put in the DSM and when it was classified. Nancy Andreasen also dwells into PTSD with civilians and not just service members. The article discusses how PTSD is not only in the history of war but also how it affects those that experience natural disasters, severe accidents, traumatic events and natural disasters.

Presley, C. (2012, Nov 11). 'Thirty days with my father': Christal Presley writes about life with her father, who has PTSD. The Atlanta Journal - Constitution Retrieved from From the perspective of a child Presley writes about growing up with a parent who suffers from PTSD and how their father was confronted about the illness later in life. It shows firsthand discussions from a victim and their child as an adult.

Black, D. W., Carney, C. P., Forman-Hoffman, V. L., Letuchy, E., Peloso, P., Woolson, R. F., & Doebbeling, B. N. (2004). Depression in Veterans of the First Gulf War and Comparable Military controls. Annals of Clinical Psychiatry , 16 (2), 53-61. This study explains the mental disorder and the issues and problems associated with outcomes of PTSD. By studying subjects and gathering data psychologist are able to gain valid information about the disorder as well as treatment options and drugs that will aid in those that suffer with PTSD.

Elbogen, Eric B.; Johnson, Sally C.; Newton, Virginia M.; Straits-Troster, Kristy; Vasterling, Jennifer J.; Wagner, H. Ryan; Beckham, Jean C. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, Vol 80(6), Dec 2012. This article describes the criminal behavior PTSD causes in veterans and why some veterans are more at risk than others of being arrested. The anger and irritability of PTSD and traumatic brain (TBI) injuries in veterans increases the rates of criminal activity.

Matsakis, Aphrodite. Vietnam Wives: Facing the Challenges of Life with Veterans Suffering Post-traumatic Stress . Lutherville, MD: Sidran Press, 1996. This book gives firsthand accounts from wives of husbands that suffered with PTSD or mental disorders. Matsukis's book gives accounts of the affect PTSD has on spouses and how they are tormented socially and emotionally by their husbands mental disease.

Paper For Above Instructions

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has emerged as a crucial area of study, particularly in relation to military veterans who have faced combat-related traumas. PTSD is characterized by severe anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares, and other symptoms that can significantly impair daily life. Historically, the recognition of PTSD has evolved, gaining formal acknowledgment in the DSM-III published in 1980, which allowed for better diagnosis and treatment options (Andreasen, 2010). A significant aspect to be explored is how PTSD affects not only the service members but also their families.

The psychological effects of combat on veterans returning from war cannot be overstated. Many veterans return home not only with physical injuries but also with deep psychological scars. The Vietnam War is a prime example where returning soldiers faced hostility instead of support. They were often ridiculed and blamed for the war, leading to feelings of isolation and despair (Presley, 2012). The social stigma surrounding mental health issues has further exacerbated the struggles that veterans encounter, making it difficult for them to seek help.

Children of veterans who suffer from PTSD may also experience secondary trauma. According to Matsakis (1996), spouses and children often bear the emotional burden of coping with a loved one’s PTSD. Children may witness disturbing behaviors and emotional outbursts, leading them to develop their own mental health issues. They may feel helpless and confused about their parent's behaviors as well. This intergenerational transmission of trauma has significant implications for mental health and family dynamics.

Research indicates that untreated PTSD can lead to a myriad of complications, including depression, substance abuse, and even criminal behavior. Elbogen et al. (2012) discuss the increased likelihood of criminal behavior among veterans with PTSD, where irritability and anger can lead to violent conduct. A significant finding of their study highlights that PTSD and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) often co-occur, further increasing the risk of engaging in criminal offenses.

In many cases, the mental health of veterans deteriorates due to a lack of comprehensive care, leading to despair and hopelessness. Veterans are often left to navigate a complex system to receive the care they need, resulting in delayed treatment and poor mental health outcomes (Black et al., 2004). Public perception of PTSD has evolved over the past few decades, with increasing awareness about the impact of military-related trauma. However, many veterans still face resistance or misunderstanding when attempting to access services.

To effectively address PTSD, it is crucial to encourage open discussions about mental health, reduce stigma, and promote understanding within communities. Initiatives focused on education about PTSD can empower families to seek help and foster supportive environments for veterans returning from combat. Providing mental health resources to both veterans and their families plays a vital role in the healing process, enabling them to confront the challenges associated with PTSD.

The role of therapeutic interventions should not be understated. Various forms of treatment, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and medication management, can assist veterans in coping with PTSD symptoms. A study by Black et al. (2004) reveals the effectiveness of tailored treatment plans that consider individual experiences and needs. The importance of integrating family support into treatment plans is also crucial as it reinforces the idea that recovery from PTSD is a collective journey involving loved ones.

As research continues to unfold around PTSD, it remains a pressing concern, not just for veterans but also for policymakers and healthcare providers. The data reveals that nearly 800,000 veterans began treatment for PTSD in the 1980s after diagnostic criteria were established (Andreasen, 2010). This milestone represented a turning point; however, ongoing efforts are necessary to ensure that veterans and their families receive the long-term support they require.

In conclusion, PTSD presents a complex array of challenges for veterans and their families. The psychological impact of combat-related trauma can extend beyond the individual, affecting relational dynamics, particularly between parents and their children. As society continues to evolve in its understanding of mental health, it is essential to combat stigma, facilitate access to care, and support emotional healing in the wake of trauma.

References

  • Andreasen, N. C. (2010). Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A History and a Critique. Annals Of The New York Academy Of Sciences, 67-71. doi:10.1111/j..2010.05699.x

  • Presley, C. (2012). 'Thirty days with my father': Christal Presley writes about life with her father, who has PTSD. Atlanta Journal - Constitution.

  • Black, D. W., Carney, C. P., Forman-Hoffman, V. L., Letuchy, E., Peloso, P., Woolson, R. F., & Doebbeling, B. N. (2004). Depression in Veterans of the First Gulf War and Comparable Military controls. Annals of Clinical Psychiatry, 16(2), 53-61.

  • Elbogen, E. B., Johnson, S. C., Newton, V. M., Straits-Troster, K., Vasterling, J. J., Wagner, H. R., & Beckham, J. C. (2012). Criminal Behavior Among Veterans With PTSD. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 80(6).

  • Matsakis, A. (1996). Vietnam Wives: Facing the Challenges of Life with Veterans Suffering Post-traumatic Stress. Lutherville, MD: Sidran Press.