Combat veterans and survivors of violence, natural disasters, and terrorism have often experienced disturbing events that may lead to psychological trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). RAND research has evaluated the delivery of post-deployment mental health care to combat veterans, examined the treatment capacity of health care systems in response to PTSD, and estimated the costs of providing quality mental health care to all affected individuals.
The Invisible Wounds of War Study assessed Iraq veterans' health-related needs associated with PTSD, major depression, and traumatic brain injury, examined the treatment capacity of the current health care system, and estimated the costs of providing quality health care to all military members who need it.
REPORT
The Real Warriors Campaign, launched in 2009, is a multimedia program designed to promote resilience, facilitate recovery, and support the reintegration of returning servicemembers, veterans, and their families. This report presents the results of an independent assessment of the campaign.
JOURNAL ARTICLE
Mental illnesses are not only a growing public health concern but also a major social and economic issue affecting individuals and families throughout the world.
REPORT
Japanese translation of Support for Students Exposed to Trauma, including a series of teacher- or school counselor–led lessons aimed at reducing distress for middle school students who have been exposed to a traumatic life event. The program includes skill-building techniques geared toward changing maladaptive thoughts and promoting positive behaviors.
JOURNAL ARTICLE
The objective of this study was to evaluate two abbreviated versions of the PTSD Checklist (PCL), a self-report measure of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, as an index of change related to treatment.
COMMENTARY
Delivery of evidence-based care to all veterans with PTSD or depression would pay for itself—or even save money—within two years by improving productivity and reducing medical and mortality costs, writes Terri Tanielian.
REPORT
Testimony presented before the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Health on December 2, 2011.
MULTIMEDIA
At this November 2011 Policy Forum, Jonathan Schleifer, policy director for Iraq Afghanistan Veterans of America, joined RAND's Terry Schell for a discussion about the challenges faced by and experiences of recent combat veterans.
TOOL
The U.S. Department of Defense sponsors many programs for servicemembers and their families. RAND compiled a searchable online catalog of 211 programs that address psychological health and traumatic brain injury.
REPORT
Despite the recent drawdown in Iraq, the high operational tempo of the past decade that has included longer and more-frequent deployments has resulted in significant mental health problems among some servicemembers. More than 200 programs are available to help treat psychological health and traumatic brain injury issues, but better coordination of those efforts is needed.
RESEARCH BRIEF
Provides overviews and detailed descriptions of 211 programs currently sponsored or funded by the Department of Defense to address psychological health and traumatic brain injury, along with recommendations to maximize program effectiveness.
NEWS RELEASE
Despite the recent drawdown in Iraq, the high operational tempo of the past decade that has included longer and more-frequent deployments has resulted in significant mental health problems among some service members. More than 200 programs are available to help treat psychological health and traumatic brain injury issues, but better coordination of those efforts is needed.
NEWS RELEASE
Evidence supports the effectiveness of some atypical antipsychotics in reducing symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and behavioral symptoms in elderly patients with dementia. There is insufficient evidence that the medications are effective for treating eating disorders, substance abuse and insomnia.
RESEARCH BRIEF
If all veterans suffering from major depression and posttraumatic stress disorder were to receive evidence-based treatments, policy simulations suggest that cost savings generated would be $138 million (15 percent) over two years.
REPORT
Many programs are available to encourage and support psychological resilience among service members and families but little is known about their effectiveness. A focused literature review identifies evidence-informed factors for promoting psychological resilience and a basis for evaluating military resilience programs.
COMMENTARY
Not only would the delivery of quality behavioral care prevent suicides, but it would also aid in the recovery of the nearly 20 percent of service members with post-traumatic stress disorder or depression, writes Rajeev Ramchand.
MULTIMEDIA
In this May 2011 Congressional Briefing, behavioral scientist Rajeev Ramchand presents RAND research and analysis on recent increases in suicides among members of the U.S. military.
JOURNAL ARTICLE
What traumatic stress survivors believe about PTSD may make it difficult for them to recognize that they have a serious mental health condition that warrants treatment.
JOURNAL ARTICLE
Health care facilities may be prepared to deal with the medical aspects of large-scale disasters but they lack guidelines for managing the psychological aspects of disasters.
REPORT
U.S. military officials should improve efforts to identify those at risk and improve both the quality and access to behavioral health treatment in response to a sharp rise in suicide among members of the nation's armed forces.
RESEARCH BRIEF
The increasing number of suicides is causing concern in the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). Suicide-prevention programs in DoD and across the services have some (but not all) of the characteristics of comprehensive programs.
RAND® is a registered trademark. Copyright © 1994-2012 RAND Corporation.