Military Says Mental Health No. 1 Reason for Hospitalization

Our service men and women are suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) at alarming levels, according to an article in USA today entitled Mental Health Leading Cause of Military Hospital Stays.  Why is this so?  After all, wars have been fought for many generations and this level of mental health concerns has never been this high.  I don't pretend to have the definitive answer, which is likely due to many factors.  However, one thing is for sure - we have seen huge advances in the past few decades in terms of weaponry and armor such as kevlar helmets and vests.  These advances in military technology mean that many soldiers who might have been killed in combat in past generations are now faced living with the terrible memories of the horrors of war.  PTSD is real and there are effective treatments but we are a long way from a "cure".  Stay tuned for more information, as there are some promising treatments on the horizon.

-Dr. Tim