Entries categorized as Military

Many Veterans Not Getting Enough Treatment For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

On February 13, 2010 / By Chris Fisher / In PTSD / No Comments

American SoldierWe recently alerted you to Eric Newhouse’s work to improve veterans’ access to much needed PTSD and traumatic brain injury (TBI) treatments, such as neurofeedback and cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES). New evidence emerged today that supports Newhouse’s claim that soldiers need better and easier access to treatments. A new study showed that although the Department of Veteran Affairs is rolling out treatments nationwide as fast as possible to adequately provide for newly diagnosed PTSD patients, there are still significant barriers to veterans getting a full course of PTSD treatment. The study is published in the latest issue of the Journal of Traumatic Stress. (continue reading)

Army Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Service Members (Army STARRS)

On November 21, 2009 / By Chris Fisher / In Suicide / No Comments

military_marinesExpect to see many more articles about on-going psychological/suicide research with the U.S. military in light of the recent Ft. Hood tragedy. Psychologists are especially trained and suited to play a primary role in helping our soldiers better cope with their often strenuous and demanding duties. We previously reported on psychological health and the U.S. Military in “United States Army To Evaluate and Improve The Psychological Health Of All Soldiers” and “The Soldiers Suicide Prevention” Seeks To Improve The Lives Of Our Valiant American Soldiers.” The focus of today’s report is The Army Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Service Members (Army STARRS). Army STARRS is the largest study of suicide and mental health among military personnel ever undertaken. (more…)

United States Army To Evaluate and Improve The Psychological Health Of All Soldiers

On August 23, 2009 / By Chris Fisher / In Psychological Assessment / No Comments

militaryThe United States Army announced its plans to initiate psychological testing with all active duty, national guard, and reserve soldiers in an effort to identify those with possible mental health issues, as well as to strengthen psychological functioning among our brave warriors. A newly developed 170-item test that appears to have a biopsychosocial approach to assessment will be used to evaluate medical, physical, psychological, spiritual, and family domains. Treatment recommendations are generated based on the test results. The University of Pennsylvania tested 4,000 soldiers in a collaborative pilot program in advance of the formal October 2009 launch date of this program. (more…)

“The Soldiers Suicide Prevention” Seeks To Improve The Lives Of Our Valiant American Soldiers

On June 20, 2009 / By Chris Fisher / In Suicide / No Comments

soldiers_saluting -copyright Stacy BraswellThe Beck Institute, a non-profit organization headed by Aaron Beck, M.D., created The Soldiers Suicide Prevention to provide a central resource for suicide prevention mental healthcare services for the proud men and women of our fighting forces. Healthcare providers can also receive Cognitive Therapy-based suicide prevention training. As a strong supporter of our fine military personnel, I urge our readers to get involved with this great cause. The Soldiers Suicide Prevention hopes to significantly increase the number of mental health professionals trained in suicide prevention specifically suited for America’s soldiers, and they currently offer Training Scholarships as an added financial incentive. You can apply for a scholarship here. The Soldiers Suicide Prevention also requests your tax deductible donations to ensure continued and expanded operations for this important mission. (more…)