Buoyed by millions of dollars in federal funding, researchers have continued to explore possible new treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder in recent months.
In San Diego, scientists are studying whether an anesthetic normally given to women during childbirth can reduce the effects of PTSD-and early results show subjects are doing better than a control group.
A San Francisco study suggests that police recruits who have higher levels of cortisol after waking up might be more vulnerable to stress, a finding that could eventually help identify service members who are at greater risk for PTSD.
And in New York, scientists at New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical are researching how virtual reality exposure therapy can help veterans process traumatic events.
Michelle Obama Announces Veterans' Mental Health Initiative
First Lady Michelle Obama has announced that more than 100 medical schools have agreed to do more training and research for veterans with mental health problems as part of her Joining Forces campaign. Read more at Fox News.
Army Claims Psychological Training Program Works, but Some Experts Aren't Convinced
A new Army report on the military's Comprehensive Soldier Fitness Program, which seeks to train soldiers to be more psychologically resilient, concludes that the program is effective. However, some civilian mental health experts disagree. Read both sides at PBS NewsHour.
Fewer Veterans Prescribed Anti-Anxiety Drugs for PTSD
A new study finds that fewer veterans are being prescribed anti-anxiety medications for their posttraumatic stress disorder. The study's authors say the finding is positive because these medications can be addictive and can interfere with exposure therapy; but some experts worry providers are merely substituting other drugs that can cause similar problems. The VA currently recommends treating PTSD with antidepressants and talk therapy. Read more in Reuters.
VA Announces Progress in Ending Veterans' Homelessness
The VA has made significant progress towards its goal of ending homelessness among veterans, housing more than 33,000 people in the last 2 ½ years, the agency reported in December. The VA is hoping to issue 60,000 additional housing vouchers by the end of 2014 and to provide $100 million in grants to community agencies that work with homeless veterans. Read more in The Washington Post or learn how your agency can apply for funding.
Studying the Connection Between PTSD and Dreams
For most people, dreams are a healthy opportunity to process memories. But people with posttraumatic stress disorder are often plagued by recurring nightmares involving the same traumatic memory. Scientists are looking into why trauma affects dreams-and whether a 30-year-old drug meant to treat high blood pressure could stop it from happening. Learn more at NPR.
For One Veteran with PTSD, Acting Led to Healing
Iraq War veteran Sgt. Matthew Pennington was losing his battle against posttraumatic stress disorder-until a film project directed by a New York University student helped him step out of his shell and talk about his experiences. Read his story in The New York Times.
