[VIDEO] By Sarah Pusateri -
It is often noted that the military is responsible for bringing about change in society. From widespread use of the so-called “miracle drug” – that is, penicillin – to the basic computer and thereafter the internet, the military is often the breeding grounds for what is to become “the norm” of today.
With an increasing number of men and women in uniform returning home with post traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, mental health professionals view the military and their approach to treating PTSD as the gateway to removing the stigma of mental disorders and psychiatric drugs.
A cocktail of anti-depressants, mood stabilizers and sometimes even tranquilizers can make the difference in allowing soldiers to be healthy in order to continue their jobs in the military.
“Over half our forces are taking psychiatric medicines – several at a time,” says psychiatrist Stephanie Mullany, MD.
Mullany has been treating soldiers suffering from PTSD for several years.
“They are so depleted, so exhausted from multiple deployments and from deployments that last a year and a half,” Mullany says. “There is nothing left of them and they have to go back. They couldn’t do it without these psychiatric medicines.”
Medicines like Paxil, Zoloft, and Prazosin. These names might ring a bell. They’re also used to treat anxiety and depression disorders in the general public.
“These drugs definitely play a role in helping people recover and get some of their life back.” says Pam Smith Beatty with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
PTSD isn’t a problem limited to the military. People who have been in serious car accidents or have been sexually assaulted often experience similar symptoms. Mullany says, even those around people who have been through traumatic experiences can display symptoms of PTSD.
“Their symptoms are as severe and troubling as those who have been injured in combat,” she explains.
However, according to navytimes.com, an army report in 2010 showed that suicides in the military had spiked. The report questioned whether the use of anti-depressants may have contributed to the spike, even though the drugs have warning labels on the potential for increased risk of suicide.
And while mental health professionals work to prevent dependence upon these drugs, Mullany believes something good could come out of the current conflicts.
“Every war has brought some windfall to the civilian world – usually it’s been technology. In my heart, when I was seeing soldiers coming back at the air force base – it occurred to me just so clearly,” Mullany says. “This war is going to benefit us by reducing stigma for mental health more than anything ever has.”
More of this interview can be viewed in the upcoming documentary by Healthystate.org entitled Uniform Betrayal: Rape in the Military.
This reporter can be reached at spusateri@wusf.org
Related Stories:
From HealthyState.org: Defense Dept. Takes Steps In Combating Sexual Assault |
From HealthyState.org: USF Studies PTSD’s Physical Effects On Female Veterans |
From HealthyState.org: New Bill Aims To Help Victims Of Military Rape, Sexual Assault |
From HealthyState.org: New Research Breaking Down Barriers Of PTSD |
From HealthyState.org: Scripting a Nightmare for Those Suffering PTSD |
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