Health

After nearly a decade at war, the United States is starting to understand the significant human costs of war after engagement. Military members that have completed their active duty, or even been placed on furlough, have returned to the States with horrific emotional scarring as a result of their combat experiences. Called “Post Traumatic Stress Disorder” (PTSD), the psychological condition is characterized by an array of symptoms ranging from sleeplessness or nightmares to panic attacks and violent behavior. PTSD has even been blamed for deviant behaviors like drug addiction, homicide and suicide. According to Heal My PTSD, a support website, over 300,000 present and former service members suffer from PTSD, or 20% of the entire population of the armed services. Recent breakthroughs, however, may have an answer for victims of PTSD.