Alternative PTSD treatments expand across military
Charles Zuckerman
Monday, June 11, 2012, 4:07:52 PM
Therapy dogs, art programs and outdoor escapes have all been touted as effective in helping veterans heal from post-traumatic stress disorder, and as they gain more scientific backing, the VA and Department of Defense are incorporating these "alternative" methods into their more traditional treatments, Stars and Stripes reports.
Traditional methods such as trauma-focused therapy and medication are still widely used and recommended for veterans suffering the psychological wounds of war, but as other methods gain in popularity, they are being used ever more widely, the news outlet reports.
Until recently, the VA and Department of Defense did not necessarily take alternative therapies seriously, even when they were used to complement traditional methods like medication. However, with so many success stories, treatment options such as dogs, art and acupuncture are beginning to garner clout.
Dr. David Cifu, the national director of the Department of Veterans Affairs' physical medicine and rehabilitation program, told the news outlet that relying on traditional methods alone may not be enough for many troops.
"I don't feel people were mistreated - maybe undertreated," Cifu told the news outlet. "They were getting the right treatment just not the integrated approach. The key is, the right stuff for the right patient at the right time. The veteran needs to be your guide."
Still, supporters of alternative therapies are waiting for science to support the anecdotal evidence. So far, only acupuncture and meditation are accepted evidence-based treatments, the news source reports.
According to the VA, about 11 to 20 percent of veterans who served in Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom experience PTSD. This June is being recognized across the nation as PTSD awareness month, and is seeking to educate the public about this disorder's impact on families and communities as well as individuals.
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