ptsd Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (ptsd)

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BACKGROUND

WHAT VA IS DOING

For more information on VA research:

Web: www.research.va.gov

Tel: (410) 962-1800, ext. 223

July 2006

Development

Research

PTSD

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that

can affect people who have experienced life-threatening events, such

combat, a terrorist attack, or a personal assault. Symptoms include

flashbacks, nightmares, depression and social withdrawal, as well as

physical health changes. Treatment often includes cognitivebehavioral

therapy, with safe, controlled imagining or simulations

of the traumatic event.

Areas of focus for VA research on PTSD include evaluations of

treatments involving medication or specialized group therapy, and

studies of neurological factors that may underlie the condition.

Highlights of current or recent research include the following:

• New PTSD program in Puget Sound—A newly formed team

of clinicians and investigators will be studying the symptoms and

characteristics of patients with PTSD who also abuse drugs. The

researchers will also be studying animal models of the condition

to identify which circuits and chemicals in the brain are involved;

and evaluating World War II veterans with the condition to

identify brain changes associated with long-term PTSD.

• PTSD in women—Nearly 400 women veterans are taking

part in a multisite study comparing two treatments: prolongedexposure

therapy, which includes education and exposure to

memories of the trauma; and present-centered therapy, which

focuses on providing emotional support. Both treatments are

designed to boost patients’ overall mental health and functioning.

• Imaging studies show brain changes—A team of VA and Yale

investigators has used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and

positron emission tomography (PET) to document changes in

brain chemistry and structure associated with PTSD, yielding

important clues toward the development of new treatments.

SOURCE: http://www.research.va.gov/resources/pubs/..._fact_sheet.pdf