Screening for PTSD in Military Service Members

Course overview

"A significant percentage of veterans who fought in Vietnam, the Gulf War, Iraq, and Afghanistan will experience PTSD sometime in their lives (Richman, 2019). Veterans with PTSD are twice as likely as the general population to die from suicide and accidental injury. Mental illness increases the risk for unhealthy behaviors, which in turn, increases the risk of mortality. Among veterans treated for PTSD in the VA from 2008 and 2013: 60% were diagnosed with depression 39% with nicotine dependence 23% with alcohol dependence 3% with opioid dependence. Many veterans only request health services for physical symptoms. Nonbehavioral health practitioners must understand the symptoms and sequelae of PTSD, screening tools, and suggestions for referral for mental health evaluation and intervention. The goal of this course is to prepare healthcare professionals to identify patients in need of evaluation for trauma-related mental health conditions.