Category Archives: PTSD

In the 35 years since the American Psychiatric Association added post-traumatic stress disorder to its definitive Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, PTSD has become a part of our national conversation — originally focused on combat veterans but now widely recognized among rape victims, disaster survivors and others who have experienced extreme trauma. Two new books suggest positive responses to this often crippling condition.

Though only 10 percent of American forces see combat, the U.S. military now has the highest rate of post-traumatic stress disorder in its history. Sebastian Junger investigates.

The U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs estimates that between 11 and 20 percent of veterans who served in Iraq or Afghanistan suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder during any given year. As veterans return home, new research is helping design innovative treatments for them.

Philip Paolini served four years in the Vietnam War as a marine. In the years since then, he’s faced a number of hardships, including post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD), substance abuse and homelessness.

Local veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder are getting help dealing with their illness by bonding with dogs and teaching the four-legged animals to herd sheep. The herding classes are offered at Drummond Ranch in Acton.

Thousands of veterans die by suicide every year, many of them suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Unexpected fireworks right outside your window can be startling for anyone. For veterans coping with post-traumatic stress disorder, the sudden loud blasts can trigger flashbacks, anxiety or worse.

Retired Army Reserve First Sgt. Seth Kastle wrote a book to explain post traumatic stress disorder to his kids titled “Why Is Dad So Mad?” Thanks to generous donations through his Kickstarter campaign, he was able to raise enough money to write another book “Why Is Mommy So Mad?” He joined HLN’s Weekend Express to explain what it was like to use his personal experiences to create these books.