Genes may tell who will develop PTSD

[AWP]

If someone published a study linking a gene to a heart or other organ deficiency, I could get on board, but the brain? Seriously? Because the best in their field know exactly how the brain functions? Studies show that genetics can play a role in mental illness, but it isn't a given. Genetics increase your odds, but they aren't a slam dunk. Just because your odds are increased that doesn't mean you'll have PTSD or anything else for that matter. You're more at risk and even that isn't a given.

We're talking about the body, how it processes information, the events in question, and one's background....and we're supposed to cling to the theory that a gene will solve a gazillion-variable puzzle?

 

[El Cid]

This has some research done by a SOF soldier about why SOF personnel have lower rates of PTSD than the rest of the military/society.

https://www.exbellum.com/blog/1-ptsd-in-sof-personnel

Agree that not all PTSD is the same, while all experience trauma, trauma itself can take MANY different forms.

 

[DA SWO]

This has some research done by a SOF soldier about why SOF personnel have lower rates of PTSD than the rest of the military/society.

https://www.exbellum.com/blog/1-ptsd-in-sof-personnel

Agree that not all PTSD is the same, while all experience trauma, trauma itself can take MANY different forms.

I would be interested in seeing how Rangers compare to the rest of ARSOF.

 

[El Cid]

You'd think after 12 years or so of constant conflict/war/whateverthef*cktheycallit, they would already have the data on this. Makes a good argument though... SEAL's training pipeline is longer so maybe they do have more of a chance to mature and integrate with their teammates more tightly than other services are given a chance to do....I should say for full disclosure, I have no idea how long the other services schools are, just pointing out the argument the author makes seems reasonable to consider.

 

[x SF med]

Here's a point - it has been noted that the use of amnesiacs (notably complex phenylamides - ketamine and the like) in addition to analgesics and anesthetics in the initial combat care of wounded has reduced the amount of PTSD in those wounded soldiers. It is believed that removing the memory of the event while in many cases leaving the patient 'awake' to render some modicum of self care and responsiveness to the provider reduces the causative cognitive function that triggers PTSD - no immediate memory, less long term metal effects. This study is still ongoing, and is being compiled at Ft Sam and Walter Reed as part of the ongoing care for grievously wounded service members.

 

[Deleted member 2517]

Here's a point - it has been noted that the use of amnesiacs (notably complex phenylamides - ketamine and the like) in addition to analgesics and anesthetics in the initial combat care of wounded has reduced the amount of PTSD in those wounded soldiers. It is believed that removing the memory of the event while in many cases leaving the patient 'awake' to render some modicum of self care and responsiveness to the provider reduces the causative cognitive function that triggers PTSD - no immediate memory, less long term metal effects. This study is still ongoing, and is being compiled at Ft Sam and Walter Reed as part of the ongoing care for grievously wounded service members.

There is a similar method being employed by psychologists. I read about it's a few years ago- essentially, they hypnotize the patient into re-remembering the situation.

Can post traumatic stress disorder, suffered by one in five service members coming home from Afghanistan and Iraq and a contributing factor in suicides, homicides and drug addiction, be treated with the wave of a few fingers?

Researchers from the University of South Florida's College of Nursing believe it can. And they are using part of a $2.1 million U.S. Army grant to prove it.

The treatment is called accelerated resolution therapy. Discovered about four years ago by a Connecticut therapist named Laney Rosenzweig, it involves a therapist rhythmically waving fingers in front of a client's face to induce eye movements similar to those occurring during the deepest part of sleep.

Dissatisfied with other eye-movement therapies she deemed too passive, Rosenzweig says she "discovered something kind of revolutionary" — replacing mental images that can trigger post traumatic stress with other images.

"I call it voluntary memory/image replacement," she says. "If you go back and change the images from the trauma and they are gone, there is nothing to be triggered to."

The rest of the article-
http://tbo.com/news/can-a-wave-of-the-hand-ward-off-wars-wounds-209381

 

[Gunz]

There is a similar method being employed by psychologists. I read about it's a few years ago- essentially, they hypnotize the patient into re-remembering the situation.

I'm one of those people who looks at psychiatrists/psychologists as one step up from faith healers and snake charmers...so I'll never be able to buy into hypnotism as a treatment for anything no matter how many fingers are being waved. That doesn't mean the story in your link isn't worthwhile, it just means I'm a skeptic.

The only traumatic or life-threatening event I can't recall involved loss of consciousness and severe concussion. I'm guessing that the use of amnesiacs--described above by x SF Med--would be to duplicate the role your brain plays when it induces "natural amnesia" during head trauma...?

 

[Ranger Psych]

Eye movement/tracking therapy actually is a valid technique. It's nothing like hynotism so don't even think about that shit in that manner. It's simply setting up a stage where it's distracting and arguably somewhat annoying/confusing while you're recounting your situations. I haven't gone through any sessions myself, however I've seen one and I can see how it would work... and also saw myself, with my untrained eye other than "I be fucked up and know it" that the guys going through it had an obviously increased quality of life.

 

[Trinity]

Eye movement/tracking therapy actually is a valid technique. It's nothing like hynotism so don't even think about that shit in that manner. It's simply setting up a stage where it's distracting and arguably somewhat annoying/confusing while you're recounting your situations. I haven't gone through any sessions myself, however I've seen one and I can see how it would work... and also saw myself, with my untrained eye other than "I be fucked up and know it" that the guys going through it had an obviously increased quality of life.

EMDR, I have not experienced it, but am going to obtain training to use it, it's good to hear that you perceived it as effective, I am interested in learning what you saw in the session that looked to be useful for creating a better quality of life, (I'm a CA lic therapist, working to learn all I can to help ease the suffering of veterans with trauma disorders.)

 

[Ranger Psych]

What I saw was results in terms of the forced multitasking of a neurologically stimulating event (having to track a moving object visually does require some concentration) and then while maintaining that focus on that, discussion/recollection/etc of events. It seemed to cause processing on a different level of the events that were key to that individual that resulted in a lesser overall mental impact. I'm not a psychologist or anything like that, but I did notice a positive change in those that went through. Less overall symptomatic displays after multiple treatments, and the people going though it also stated that they felt there was something going on and that they had less personally noticed issues.

 

[policemedic]

I've seen the elephant a time or two; certainly much less than many SS menbers. Aside from pulling the trigger several times I've more often had to make a decision whether or not to drop the hammer. I'm in my 24th year of service; I guess that makes me old. Not Troll old, of course; that's impossible.

The reason I believe I don't have PTS is that I had good training geared specifically towards what I would go through in/after a shooting or other critical incident. From the psychological and physiological phenomena associated with the events to the process of the aftermath nothing was a surprise. Frankly the more often it happened the easier it was.

I think it's important to understand what is likely to happen and to have the support of a group of warriors during and after.

That's not to say PTS can't occur after something other than a shooting or combat experience. It can. But I think understanding the mental and emotional roller coaster is key to managing it.

 

[Brill]

The reason I believe I don't have PTS is that I had good training geared specifically towards what I would go through in/after a shooting or other critical incident. From the psychological and physiological phenomena associated with the events to the process of the aftermath nothing was a surprise. Frankly the more often it happened the easier it was.

Key points why live fire is so valuable (as well as solidifying trust/confidence in team mates).

 

[Gunz]

...and to have the support of a group of warriors during and after...

This was the most beneficial experience/therapy for me, although the "after" came way after.

It wasn't until the late 90s and the internet that some of us we were finally reunited with our bros...and what an intense emotional experience. For some guys it was too much to take at one time after so many years of denial. For others, like me, it didn't kill the demons but it was the start of the road back...

 

[DA SWO]

My issues started after retirement.
I think the multiple TBI's probably reduced my coping abilities, even so it's just mild PTSD.

 

[policemedic]

There's no question that TBI is a factor.

 

[Diamondback 2/2]

I don't know about the genetic possibility of being more likely to have X Y Z. I think any and all ideas should be explored, well except for drinking yourself numb, tried it for several years, it doesn't work.