National Guard Soldiers Prefer Family-Based Interventions for PTSD and Co-Occurring Family Problems
BACKGROUND:
With the historically unprecedented deployment to OEF/OIF of National Guard and Reserve troops, who tend to be older and more likely married with families, more than 2.7 million family members have been affected by service members� deployments. In light of the negative impact of combat-related PTSD on family relationships, as well as the potential for families to provide an important source of social support for combat Veterans, there is a pressing need for VA to address family concerns among this newest generation of combat Veterans. This is the first study that has examined Army National Guard soldiers� interest in and preference for various treatment approaches for post-deployment reintegration problems. Investigators used an anonymous self-reported questionnaire to assess PTSD symptoms, relationship concerns, and treatment preferences, including interest in family-focused interventions, among 97 National Guard soldiers who had recently returned from OEF/OIF combat deployment. They were recruited to participate in the survey as part of a Soldier Readiness Training Program. On average, participants reported one OEF/OIF deployment, and nearly half screened positive for PTSD symptoms.
FINDINGS:
- Among a sample of Army National Guard soldiers recently returned from OEF/OIF combat deployment, a majority showed a preference for couples or family counseling over individual counseling.
- The percentage of soldiers willing to consider couples counseling (76%) was significantly greater than the percentage willing to consider individual counseling (64%). Among soldiers who also were parents, 80% preferred family counseling, while 75% reported they would consider individual counseling.
- Soldiers who reported a greater number of PTSD symptoms also reported more dissatisfaction with their romantic relationships.
LIMITATIONS:
- The number of participants in this study was small, thus findings should be considered preliminary.
- PTSD symptoms and relationship satisfaction were assessed using brief screens. The authors suggest that future studies employ more comprehensive assessments.
AUTHOR/FUNDING INFORMATION:
This study was funded through the Minneapolis VA Healthcare System. Dr. Polusny is part of HSR&D�s Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research, Minneapolis, MN.
Khaylis A, Polusny M, Erbes C, Gewirtz A, and Rath M. Post-traumatic Stress, Family Adjustment, and Treatment Preferences among National Guard Soldiers Deployed to OEF/OIF. Military Medicine Feb 2011;176(2):126-131.
