POSTTRAUMATIC-STRESS-DISORDER - SILENT PROBLEM AMONG OLDER COMBAT VETERANS

Despite a proliferation of research on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ( PTSD) among Vietnam combat veterans, until recently relatively little attention has been given to this disorder among older combat veterans. PTSD in this cohort is prevalent, and is generally chronic, silent, a nd exacerbated by the problems of aging. This study examines chronic P TSD due to combat at later life and presents data on these issues, dis cusses moderator variables of aging and PTSD, and addresses treatment issues. Several forms of therapy are considered, including cognitive b ehavioral therapy, reminiscence, and relaxation/desensitization. Also, several treatment suggestions are given, advocating interventions of a stuck narrative in an aging population.