As the veteran suicide rate remains largely unchanged, experts searching for innovative solutions to help decrease the epidemic have praised the benefits of man’s best friend, the dog. A study conducted by researchers at Purdue University revealed overall symptoms of PTSD are lower in veterans with service dogs. “[Veterans with service dogs] had lower levels […]
A bipartisan bill introduced in the House of Representatives calls on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to research the efficacy of marijuana for treating PTSD. In the spring, 25 members of Congress filed the Medical Cannabis Research Act of 2018. One of the lawmakers, Rep. Matt Gaetz, R –Fla., explained the need for […]
The great outdoors can make an impact on those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, according to recent research from UC Berkeley psychologists. The studies tracked psychological and physiological changes in military veterans’ and at-risk inner-city youths’ stress hormones and markers of immune function before and after white-water rafting trips. The findings, published in the journal […]
Veterans returning home from military service often face numerous problems that can make the transition to civilian life difficult. They may turn to alcohol or drugs to cope with the invisible wounds of war such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury, anxiety and depression. As a result, they are at a high risk […]
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is typically treated with medication or psychotherapy. However, conventional methods do not always work for all veterans, which is why researchers are constantly trying to develop novel forms of treatment. A study at the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in North Carolina found that allowing PTSD patients to listen to their […]
New York recently became the latest state to approve medical marijuana as a treatment for patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The state’s nearly two-year-old medical marijuana program has been expanded to include the condition. Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the measure on Veterans Day in November. Medical marijuana can currently be used for treating PTSD […]
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is increasingly turning to alternative therapies to help veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Their latest offering is hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). The VA will provide HBOT to a small number of patients experiencing PTSD symptoms that are resistant to traditional treatments. The therapy will be made available to […]
The topic of medical marijuana has been under intense debate. While lawmakers seem unable to agree on whether to legalize it, a recent survey revealed surprising results. Veterans across 39 states have expressed overwhelming support for the legalization of medical marijuana, as well as research into the drug. The American Legion polled 513 veterans as […]
A computerized “virtual human” could soon be helping veterans cope with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to recent research funded by the Department of Defense. University of Southern California (USC) researchers conducted a study using a computerized avatar named Ellie. They found that service members and veterans were three times more likely to disclose their […]
A simple blood test could soon be used to diagnose post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to new research. PTSD is currently only diagnosed through symptoms that people report themselves. However, diagnosis can be difficult as veterans and others who have the condition are often reluctant to discuss it. Researchers at the University of Maastricht in […]