Combat Related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in Veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom: A Review of the Literature

Abstract: The conflict Afghanistan and Iraq have now taken their places amongst the longest running wars in American history. As many Americans return from military service, the prevalence of combat related post traumatic stress syndrome is estimated to be as high as 30 % or returning veterans. This debilitating condition impacts the individual, their family, and their community in significant ways. A variety of treatments including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Prolonged Exposure Therapy, and Virtual Reality Therapy have all been cited as effective interventions for this population. As our nation continues military conflict in the middle east, clinicians need to be prepared to screen and treat individuals suffering from combat related PTSD.