The Hidden Risks of PTSD for Our Nation's Veterans

The Mindful Self-Express
The mind-body experiment
by Melanie Greenberg, Ph.D.
Why Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is Not a Mental Health Problem
The Hidden Risks of PTSD for Our Nation's Veterans
Published on May 1, 2011 by Melanie A. Greenberg, Ph.D. in The Mindful Self-Express

Recent scientific studies show that Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is not a mental health problem. Am I saying this to be controversial and get more readers? The answer is "yes." Do I actually believe this statement? The answer is "yes" again. "But how can you say such a thing?" you ask. "Doesn't the DSMIV-TR, the major diagnostic manual of the American Psychiatric Association, include diagnostic criteria for PTSD." "It sure does," I answer. "The individual must experience a threat to life or physical integrity and his reaction at the time of the event must include fear, helplessness, or horror. In addition, she needs to report symptoms such as nightmares, avoidance or emotional numbing, and chronic anxiety." "Well then?" you ask. And, finally taking pity on you, I say "PTSD is not a mental health issue, it is a mind-body problem. Focusing only on the mental health aspects does a disservice to our nation's veterans because it ignores the links between PTSD and a variety of life-threatening and/or costly medical problems, many of which require preventive intervention."
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The Hidden Risks of PTSD for Our Nation's Veterans