Effects of EMDR on veterans with PTSD

Of all the mental health disorders, the most commonly diagnosed among Iraqi and Afghanistan wars is Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Hellmuth et al., 2012). Veterans who are suffering the effects of PTSD are treated every day in VA Medical Centers across the country, as well as in private sector hospitals. Many of these men and women are battling with drug addictions and alcohol abuse in attempts to self medicate (Murdoch et al., 2010). According to nationally represented study by Murdoch and colleagues (2010), one fifth of individuals who have been diagnosed with PTSD use drugs, alcohol or both to treat their symptoms. Self-medicating individuals with PTSD are at a higher risk of suicide, and displaying aggressive behaviors (Murdoch et al, 2010). Veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars reporting symptoms of PTSD are more likely to also report suicidal ideation and to execute aggressive acts compared to veterans without PTSD (Hellmuth et al., 2012). Reported PTSD cases in the military has risen significantly, from 120,265 in 1999 to 215,871 as of 2004. Over the same time frame compensation increased by 2.56 billion dollars as well. Cost of treatment for PTSD significantly exceeds that of any other anxiety disorder (Sharpless, & Barber, 2011). Importance of effectively treating veterans suffering with PTSD outweigh the cost. Though society has in the past turned a blind eye to the prevalence and importance of PTSD, interest is on the rise, thus increasing treatment options and availability (Shapless & Barber, 2011). Safe and effective treatment is needed for veterans suffering from PTSD and EMDR is a safe and effective treatment for PTSD (Korn, 2009).

Dissertation/Thesis

English

Beth Abele

Abele, B. (204).  Effects of EMDR on veterans with PTSD. (Student scholarship, Otterbein University)