Mental health needs of returning veterans.
As more service members return from war zones around the world, clinicians must be prepared to treat them. Veterans with PTSD and other mental disorders must overcome the stigma associated with seeking treatment, and clinicians must equip these patients and their family members to deal with challenging symptoms. Clinicians should learn about military culture and jargon to better understand these patients and should become familiar with veteran resources to direct veterans and their families to the appropriate services. Clinicians may also need to communicate with their patients' employers to help both parties deal with illnesses such as PTSD. A coordinated effort is needed to meet the needs of veterans and their families, and clinicians play an integral role in recognizing and meeting those needs.
From the National Center for PTSD, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, DC, and Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts.
Terence M
TM
Keane
John P
JP
Docherty
Robert L
RL
Jesse
Jennifer
J
Lee
Jessica
J
McNurlen
Eileen
E
Zeller
D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000379:methods; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice / Q000379:methods; D005192:Family Health; D005195:Family Relations; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008603:Mental Health; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D014481:United States; D014728:Veterans / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D058014:Veterans Health