Doctors at the Dept. of Veterans Administration are conducting experiments to see if they can predict Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
PTSD is a condition that can come after a traumatic event, such as a sexual assault, car accident, or combat. Hopefully, research will help doctors understand what causes some soldiers to shrug off events while others become stressed.
Recently, a group of Marines who had just returned from Iraq, have done a six- month follow-up testing at the VA San Diego Healthcare System.
Studies already have shown the soldiers past may raise their risk. If they are subjected to childhood abuse, trauma, or mental illness it will raise the certainty of suffering the disorder.
The newest PTSD studies are using computers and technology to test Marine and Army units before deployment. They are undergoing a physical, mental genetic tests along with brain imaging and stress exams. One of the tests involve a blink test to gauge their startle response and neuropsychological screening.
"Right now, we can't determine with certainty who will and who won't develop PTSD. Perhaps with better measures, we can get closer," said Paula Schnurr, deputy executive director of the Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Previously called shell shock, post-Vietnam syndrome or combat fatigue, PTSD was officially recognized as a mental disorder in 1980 by the Dept. of Veterans Affairs.
PTSD sufferers have flashbacks, nightmares, are fearful and withdraw from society and have unpredictable outburst. The disorder can go undiagnosed for years.
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