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More Local VA Clinics Needed for Veteran PTSD Treatment

March 29, 2010 - Veterans attending weekly treatments for post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can decrease their symptoms to a "sub-diagnostic" level over just a few months, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Unfortunately, only approximately 30% of the veterans suffering from PTSD complete the recommended treatments.

Psychologists believe the resistance to therapy is due to the complex and difficult to navigate VA health care system. This is especially true of younger veterans. With other things going on in their lives such as family, employment, and education, PTSD treatment falls by the wayside. Veterans convince themselves there is nothing wrong with them, and that they can handle what is happening to them with any assistance.

Veterans suffering from PTSD will never lose the trauma haunting them, and it is difficult for many veterans to accept this. Knowing that, it is understandable that many veterans do not complete PTSD treatment if they do not see any hope for recovering. PTSD symptoms can be reduced, and veterans suffering from PTSD who undergo treatment can improve their quality of life.

As long as the current wars are ongoing, there will be a huge demand for local VA clinics offering such services as PTSD therapy. There are enough obstacles facing young veterans in getting proper treatments. Having more local clinics can help veterans get the help they need and encourage them to continue therapy.