Counselors’ Lack of Military Knowledge Dissuades Veterans from Continuing Treatment

Veterans returning from combat with post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse disorders, and other serious mental health issues are not finding enough solace from professional counseling, say experts. These veterans face a stone wall when seeking treatment as most counselors are unfamiliar with service members’ ways of life and unique experiences, resulting in the majority of veteran patients discontinuing treatment after just one appointment.

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Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Plagues Families at Home

Our society recognizes that Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, is a problem among war veterans. There has certainly been an increased awareness surrounding recent Veteran’s Day activities that will probably fade soon.

Not as commonly known is the "secondhand PTSD" that many families deal with while trying to carry on while their spouse has been away serving their country.

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High Rates of Substance Abuse Among Veterans with Mental Health Disorders

Previous studies have found high rates of substance abuse among U.S. veterans, and a new study finds the same among U.S. veterans with mental health disorders. The study, led by Dr. Ismene Petrakis of the Yale University School of Medicine, could be helpful in understanding the needs of veterans of different eras, and in targeting treatment programs.

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Vets with PTSD Have More Physical Ailments, Especially Females

Soldiers returning home from the Afghanistan and Iraq wars who are newly diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are affected by their medical conditions more than previously thought, according to a new study.

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Veterans with PTSD at Greater Risk of Dementia

This year, the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) and other federal health agencies have reported of evidenced-based research demonstrating a common link between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among veterans and later-life dementia. With 6–11% of Afghanistan veterans and 12–20% of Iraq veterans returning to the U.S. with PTSD, the VA has been investigating these individuals’ additional risks of mental problems based on the mental health of their predecessors.

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Illinois Passes Law to Increase Veterans’ Access to Mental Health Care

Governor Pat Quinn of Illinois signed a new bill into law on July 8, 2010, that expands veterans’ services and accessibility to mental health care and coverage within the state. House Bill 6103, which won unanimous support in Illinois’ General Assembly and goes into effect immediately, exempts all Illinois veterans from being charged for services provided by any state mental health facility that are not covered under their own insurance plan.

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