Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

If you are in the military, you may have seen combat. You may have been on missions that exposed you to horrible and life-threatening experiences. You may have been shot at, seen a buddy shot, or seen death. These are types of events that can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Experts think PTSD occurs:

• In about 30% of Vietnam veterans, or about 30 out of 100 Vietnam veterans.⁶ A more recent review of data seems to show that about 19%, or 19 out of 100 Vietnam veterans, have had symptoms of PTSD.⁷
• In as many as 10% of Gulf War (Desert Storm) veterans, or in 10 veterans out of 100.⁸
• In about 6% to 11% of veterans of the Afghanistan war (Enduring Freedom), or in 6 to 11 veterans out of 100.⁹
• In about 12% to 20% of veterans of the Iraq war (Iraqi Freedom), or in 12 to 20 veterans out of 100.⁹

Other factors in a combat situation can add more stress to an already stressful situation and may contribute to PTSD and other mental health problems.^{10, 11} These factors include what you do in the war, the politics around the war, where it's fought, and the type of enemy you face.

• See a chart of different types of combat experiences in Afghanistan and Iraq .
• See information on other factors that may add stress during war.

Another cause of PTSD in the military can be military sexual trauma (MST). This is any sexual harassment or sexual assault that occurs while you are in the military. MST can happen to men and women and can occur during peacetime, training, or war.

Getting treatment

Many veterans don't seek treatment for PTSD. You may feel that treatment won't help, or worry about what people will think. Your military background may add other pressures that keep you from seeking treatment. You may feel that it will hurt your career, or that those in your unit will lose faith in you. You may fear that your unit will see you as weak.

• See a chart of reasons soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq didn't seek treatment .
• If you need help deciding to see your doctor, see some reasons why people don't get help and ways to overcome them.
• The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has many programs for veterans and their families who are worried about PTSD or related problems. If you are a veteran, contact your local VA about these resources. You can find help with treatment, jobs, housing, and sexual assault.