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Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

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.

Research conducted by: RAND Health; RAND National Security Research Division; RAND Project AIR FORCE; RAND Arroyo Center; RAND Justice, Infrastructure, and Environment; RAND Gulf States Policy Institute; Invisible Wounds of War Project

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Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in Vulnerable Populations

June is National PTSD Awareness Month and June 27th is PTSD Awareness Day, providing an opportunity to recognize the challenges faced by survivors of trauma who live with PTSD symptoms. RAND research is helping increase awareness about the disorder and inform policy about how to prevent and address it.

Blog Post

RAND Assesses Post-Deployment Health-Related Needs of Iraq Veterans

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.

Research Briefs (7)

Addressing Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury Among Servicemembers and Their Families: Existing Department of Defense Programs and Options for Improvement — Nov 9, 2011

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.

What Is the Impact of Using Evidence-Based Treatments for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Depression in Veterans? — Jul 6, 2011

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.

The War Within: Suicide Prevention in the U.S. Military — Feb 17, 2011

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.

Helping Children Cope with Violence and Trauma: A School-Based Program That Works — Dec 31, 2010

School-based program helps children cope with violence

Making It Easier for School Staff to Help Traumatized Students — Jun 4, 2009

Describes Support for Students Exposed to Trauma (SSET), a cognitive-behavioral program intended to be delivered in schools by teachers or school counselors rather than clinical personnel.