Military Report: Understanding PTSD in service members and veterans [Video]

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) – Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, commonly known as PTSD, impacts a large portion of the armed services but as our understanding of the disorder improves, treatment and resources have improved as well.

Once known as shell shock, PTSD has been a part of military history since the dawn of war. While the military comprises less than 1 percent of the national population, 7 percent of all veterans experience PTSD.

Historically, there was a lot of stigma about getting treatment for this and other mental illnesses. Some saw it as a sign of weakness and others may have considered it made up. Modern science has helped us better understand the reality of this illness and how it impacts both behavior and our brains. However, treatment has changed a lot too. MaryBeth Goodman, the Director of the Cohen Clinic, described early treatment as “throwing darts at a wall.”

Goodman …