Studies find that troops who got the powerful painkiller when injured were about 50% less likely to develop PTSD than those who didn't. The findings offer hope for preventive treatment.
Early administration of morphine to military personnel wounded on the front lines during Operation Iraqi Freedom appears to have done more than relieve excruciating pain. Scientists believe it also prevented hundreds of cases of post-traumatic stress disorder, the debilitating condition that plagues 15% of those who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
That conclusion is based on findings published today in the New England Journal of Medicine. They suggest that a simple treatment can stop a single horrifying event from escalating into a chronic, incapacitating illness.
Small clinical trials and observational studies have hinted that opiates and other medications could disrupt the way the brain encodes traumatic memories, thus preventing the incidents from being recorded with too much intensity. The new findings -- troops who received morphine within a few hours of their injuries were about 50% less likely to develop PTSD than those who didn't get the powerful painkiller -- are a strong endorsement of that theory.
The results underscore the potential for preemptive treatment not just for soldiers, but for victims of war, natural disasters, physical abuse, violent crimes such as rape, and traumatic accidents.
READ MORE @ LOS ANGELES TIMES
Showing posts with label PTSD. Show all posts
Showing posts with label PTSD. Show all posts
Friday, January 15, 2010
Friday, November 6, 2009
Genes And Environment May Interact To Influence Risk For Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Individuals who experience both childhood adversity and traumatic events in adulthood appear more likely to develop post-traumatic stress disorder than those exposed to only one of these types of incidents, according to a report in the November issue of Archives of General Psychiatry, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. In addition, the risk was further increased in individuals with a certain genetic mutation.
Although 40 percent to 70 percent of Americans have experienced traumatic events, only about 8 percent develop PTSD during their lifetimes, according to background information in the article. PTSD is a complex anxiety disorder that involves re-experiencing, avoidance and increased arousal following exposure to a life-threatening event. "In addition to the obvious effect of environmental factors, PTSD has a heritable component," the authors write. Recent studies estimate that genetic factors account for approximately 30 percent of the difference in PTSD symptoms.
READ MORE @ SCIENCE DAILY
Although 40 percent to 70 percent of Americans have experienced traumatic events, only about 8 percent develop PTSD during their lifetimes, according to background information in the article. PTSD is a complex anxiety disorder that involves re-experiencing, avoidance and increased arousal following exposure to a life-threatening event. "In addition to the obvious effect of environmental factors, PTSD has a heritable component," the authors write. Recent studies estimate that genetic factors account for approximately 30 percent of the difference in PTSD symptoms.
READ MORE @ SCIENCE DAILY
Monday, August 17, 2009
Mental Stress Training Is Planned for U.S. Soldiers
The Army plans to require that all 1.1 million of its soldiers take intensive training in emotional resiliency, military officials say.
The training, the first of its kind in the military, is meant to improve performance in combat and head off the mental health problems, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and suicide, that plague about one-fifth of troops returning from Afghanistan and Iraq.
Active-duty soldiers, reservists and members of the National Guard will receive the training, which will also be available to their family members and to civilian employees.
The new program is to be introduced at two bases in October and phased in gradually throughout the service, starting in basic training. It is modeled on techniques that have been tested mainly in middle schools.
READ MORE @ NY TIMES
The training, the first of its kind in the military, is meant to improve performance in combat and head off the mental health problems, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and suicide, that plague about one-fifth of troops returning from Afghanistan and Iraq.
Active-duty soldiers, reservists and members of the National Guard will receive the training, which will also be available to their family members and to civilian employees.
The new program is to be introduced at two bases in October and phased in gradually throughout the service, starting in basic training. It is modeled on techniques that have been tested mainly in middle schools.
READ MORE @ NY TIMES
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Fred A. Baughman Jr., MD Announces: Vets' Sudden Cardiac Deaths Are Not Suicides or Overdoses
Fred A. Baughman Jr., MD today announced the results of his research into the "series" of veterans' deaths acknowledged by the Surgeon General of the Army.
Upon reading the May 24, 2008, Charleston (WV) Gazette article "Vets taking Post Traumatic Stress Disorder drugs die in sleep," Baughman began to investigate why these reported deaths were "different." And, why they were likely, the "tip of an iceberg."
Andrew White, Eric Layne, Nicholas Endicott and Derek Johnson were four West Virginia veterans who died in their sleep in early 2008. Baughman's research suggests that they did not commit suicide and did not overdose as suggested by the military. All were diagnosed with PTSD. All seemed "normal" when they went to bed. And, all were on Klonopin (a benzodiazepine), Paxil (an SSRI antidepressant) and Seroquel (an antipsychotic).
On January 15, 2009, the New England Journal of Medicine (Ray et al), reported that antipsychotics double the risk of sudden cardiac death.
On February 7, 2008, Surgeon General Eric B. Schoomaker, said there has been "a series of deaths in Warrior Training Units" -- "often as a consequence of the use of multiple prescription and nonprescription medicines and alcohol ... we all saw the unfortunate death of Heath Ledger, the 'Brokeback Mountain' star, who died from an accidental overdose."
READ MORE @ PR NEWSWIRE
Upon reading the May 24, 2008, Charleston (WV) Gazette article "Vets taking Post Traumatic Stress Disorder drugs die in sleep," Baughman began to investigate why these reported deaths were "different." And, why they were likely, the "tip of an iceberg."
Andrew White, Eric Layne, Nicholas Endicott and Derek Johnson were four West Virginia veterans who died in their sleep in early 2008. Baughman's research suggests that they did not commit suicide and did not overdose as suggested by the military. All were diagnosed with PTSD. All seemed "normal" when they went to bed. And, all were on Klonopin (a benzodiazepine), Paxil (an SSRI antidepressant) and Seroquel (an antipsychotic).
On January 15, 2009, the New England Journal of Medicine (Ray et al), reported that antipsychotics double the risk of sudden cardiac death.
On February 7, 2008, Surgeon General Eric B. Schoomaker, said there has been "a series of deaths in Warrior Training Units" -- "often as a consequence of the use of multiple prescription and nonprescription medicines and alcohol ... we all saw the unfortunate death of Heath Ledger, the 'Brokeback Mountain' star, who died from an accidental overdose."
READ MORE @ PR NEWSWIRE
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Pentagon Totals Rise for Stress Disorder
Nearly 40,000 military personnel have been given diagnoses of post-traumatic stress disorder since 2003, Pentagon records show.
Officials say they believe that many other cases exist and have been encouraging service members to obtain help, even if they go to private therapists and do not report it to the military. The 40,000 cases are those tracked by the military.
Officials have also estimated that half the military personnel with mental problems do not receive treatment because they are embarrassed or fear that it might hurt their careers.
A report on diagnosed cases released on Tuesday by the Army surgeon general, Lt. Gen. Eric B. Schoomaker, showed that the hardest-hit services last year were the Marines and Army, the two forces bearing the brunt of combat in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Army reported more than 10,000 new cases last year, up from more than 6,800 the previous year. More than 28,000 soldiers have been diagnosed with the disorder over the last five years.
READ MORE @ NY TIMES
Officials say they believe that many other cases exist and have been encouraging service members to obtain help, even if they go to private therapists and do not report it to the military. The 40,000 cases are those tracked by the military.
Officials have also estimated that half the military personnel with mental problems do not receive treatment because they are embarrassed or fear that it might hurt their careers.
A report on diagnosed cases released on Tuesday by the Army surgeon general, Lt. Gen. Eric B. Schoomaker, showed that the hardest-hit services last year were the Marines and Army, the two forces bearing the brunt of combat in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Army reported more than 10,000 new cases last year, up from more than 6,800 the previous year. More than 28,000 soldiers have been diagnosed with the disorder over the last five years.
READ MORE @ NY TIMES
Sunday, April 20, 2008
1 in 5 veterans found with mental disorder - Depression, stress called undertreated
The latest and most comprehensive study of veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars has concluded that nearly 1 in every 5 veterans is suffering from depression or stress disorders and that many are not getting adequate care.
more stories like this
* Wars, guns and money
* Nearly 1 in 5 troops has mental problems after war service
* Summary: Nearly 1 in 5 troops has mental problems after war
* Nearly 1 in 5 vets reports mental problems
* Study: 300,000 veterans suffer mental problems
*
The study shows that mental disorders are more prevalent and lasting than previously known, surfacing belatedly and lingering after troops have been discharged into civilian and family life.
An estimated 300,000 veterans among the nearly 1.7 million who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan are battling depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. More than half of those people, according to the study conducted by the Rand Corp., are slipping through the cracks in the bureaucratic system, going without necessary treatment.
The Rand study underscores one of the hard lessons of modern counterinsurgency conflicts: Such wars might kill fewer soldiers than traditional fights but can leave deeper psychological scars.
READ MORE @ BOSTON GLOBE
more stories like this
* Wars, guns and money
* Nearly 1 in 5 troops has mental problems after war service
* Summary: Nearly 1 in 5 troops has mental problems after war
* Nearly 1 in 5 vets reports mental problems
* Study: 300,000 veterans suffer mental problems
*
The study shows that mental disorders are more prevalent and lasting than previously known, surfacing belatedly and lingering after troops have been discharged into civilian and family life.
An estimated 300,000 veterans among the nearly 1.7 million who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan are battling depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. More than half of those people, according to the study conducted by the Rand Corp., are slipping through the cracks in the bureaucratic system, going without necessary treatment.
The Rand study underscores one of the hard lessons of modern counterinsurgency conflicts: Such wars might kill fewer soldiers than traditional fights but can leave deeper psychological scars.
READ MORE @ BOSTON GLOBE
Monday, March 17, 2008
Military Mental Health Policies Examined
Chris Scheuerman believes the military he served for 20 years failed his Army son Jason, who shot himself to death in his Iraq barracks almost three years ago.
Carefully choosing his words before a hushed congressional audience Friday, the father spoke of how the 20-year-old private's superiors largely ignored the soldier's signs of distress and his family's expressions of alarm in the days leading up to his suicide.
"I do not believe there is a safety net right now for those who fall through," Scheuerman, a veteran with service in Army medicine, told a House Armed Services subcommittee.
Scheuerman was one of several people who testified about their experiences with the military's mental health system. Military personnel, facing prolonged warfare and lengthy deployments, are under particular stress these days.
Army Chief Warrant Officer Richard Gutteridge, an Iraq war veteran treated for post-traumatic stress disorder, spoke of the military's prejudices toward service members with mental health problems. "PTSD sufferers are lepers without lesions," he said.
At the same time, Gutteridge and others cited improvements in the military's responses to the high levels of mental health problems and brain injuries among those serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Dr. S. Ward Casscells, assistant defense secretary for health affairs, and the surgeons general of the Army, Navy and Air Force also efforts to help address psychological issues. Steps include recruiting more mental health professionals, providing prompt care and extending outreach programs to military personnel and their families.
READ MORE @ ASSOCIATED PRESS
Carefully choosing his words before a hushed congressional audience Friday, the father spoke of how the 20-year-old private's superiors largely ignored the soldier's signs of distress and his family's expressions of alarm in the days leading up to his suicide.
"I do not believe there is a safety net right now for those who fall through," Scheuerman, a veteran with service in Army medicine, told a House Armed Services subcommittee.
Scheuerman was one of several people who testified about their experiences with the military's mental health system. Military personnel, facing prolonged warfare and lengthy deployments, are under particular stress these days.
Army Chief Warrant Officer Richard Gutteridge, an Iraq war veteran treated for post-traumatic stress disorder, spoke of the military's prejudices toward service members with mental health problems. "PTSD sufferers are lepers without lesions," he said.
At the same time, Gutteridge and others cited improvements in the military's responses to the high levels of mental health problems and brain injuries among those serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Dr. S. Ward Casscells, assistant defense secretary for health affairs, and the surgeons general of the Army, Navy and Air Force also efforts to help address psychological issues. Steps include recruiting more mental health professionals, providing prompt care and extending outreach programs to military personnel and their families.
READ MORE @ ASSOCIATED PRESS
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Battle Concussions Tied to Stress Disorder
The study, in The New England Journal of Medicine, is the military’s first large-scale effort to gauge the effect of mild head injuries — concussions, many of them from roadside blasts — that some experts worry may be causing a host of undiagnosed neurological deficiencies.
The new report found that soldiers who had concussions were more likely than those with other injuries to report a variety of physical and mental symptoms in their first months back home, including headaches, poor sleep and balance problems. But they were also at higher risk for the stress disorder, or PTSD, and that accounted for most of the difference in complaints, the researchers concluded. Symptoms of the disorder include irritability, sleep problems and flashbacks.
Experts cautioned that the study had not been designed to detect subtle changes in mental performance, like slips in concentration or short-term memory, that might have developed in the wake of a concussion and might be unrelated to stress reactions. Many returning veterans are still struggling with those problems, which can linger for months.
The findings are in line with previous research linking concussions to post-traumatic stress disorder that develops after frightening events outside a military context, like car accidents; concussions from athletic collisions rarely lead to the disorder.
READ MORE @ NY TIMES
The new report found that soldiers who had concussions were more likely than those with other injuries to report a variety of physical and mental symptoms in their first months back home, including headaches, poor sleep and balance problems. But they were also at higher risk for the stress disorder, or PTSD, and that accounted for most of the difference in complaints, the researchers concluded. Symptoms of the disorder include irritability, sleep problems and flashbacks.
Experts cautioned that the study had not been designed to detect subtle changes in mental performance, like slips in concentration or short-term memory, that might have developed in the wake of a concussion and might be unrelated to stress reactions. Many returning veterans are still struggling with those problems, which can linger for months.
The findings are in line with previous research linking concussions to post-traumatic stress disorder that develops after frightening events outside a military context, like car accidents; concussions from athletic collisions rarely lead to the disorder.
READ MORE @ NY TIMES
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Flawed Studies Underscore Need for More Rigorous PTSD Research
Despite PTSD's prominence in a trauma-ridden world, therapies for the disorder rest on some very slim reeds, says the Institute of Medicine.
"Significant gaps" in the evidence underlying nearly all treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder make it impossible to judge their value, according to a study released in October by the Institute of Medicine (IOM).
Poorly designed and executed studies have failed to include enough veterans or account for important comorbidities like depression, substance abuse, or traumatic brain injury, said the IOM committee that conducted the study.
READ MORE @ PSYCHIATRIC NEWS
"Significant gaps" in the evidence underlying nearly all treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder make it impossible to judge their value, according to a study released in October by the Institute of Medicine (IOM).
Poorly designed and executed studies have failed to include enough veterans or account for important comorbidities like depression, substance abuse, or traumatic brain injury, said the IOM committee that conducted the study.
READ MORE @ PSYCHIATRIC NEWS
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Little evidence to support therapies for post-traumatic stress disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe and ongoing emotional reaction to an extreme psychological trauma; it affects significant numbers of people, in particular military personnel and veterans, who have seen active duty in war zones.
It also affects people who have suffered major injuries or illnesses.
As many as 25% or more of patients that suffer from PTSD will have attempted suicide.
It is thought to be basically an anxiety disorder and is different from normal grief and adjustment after traumatic events; symptoms which appear within the first month of the trauma are called acute stress disorder but if no improvement of symptoms are seen after a month, PTSD is diagnosed.
PTSD is divided into three categories: Acute PTSD which subsides within three months; if symptoms persist, the diagnosis is changed to chronic PTSD.
The third category, delayed-onset PTSD, may occur months, years or even decades after the traumatic event.
READ MORE @ NEWS-MEDICAL.NET
It also affects people who have suffered major injuries or illnesses.
As many as 25% or more of patients that suffer from PTSD will have attempted suicide.
It is thought to be basically an anxiety disorder and is different from normal grief and adjustment after traumatic events; symptoms which appear within the first month of the trauma are called acute stress disorder but if no improvement of symptoms are seen after a month, PTSD is diagnosed.
PTSD is divided into three categories: Acute PTSD which subsides within three months; if symptoms persist, the diagnosis is changed to chronic PTSD.
The third category, delayed-onset PTSD, may occur months, years or even decades after the traumatic event.
READ MORE @ NEWS-MEDICAL.NET
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