BOX 1-1Statement of Task*

The Institute of Medicine will convene a committee to conduct a study of ongoing efforts in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study will be conducted in 2 phases: the focus in phase 1 will be on data gathering and will result in the initial study as noted in the congressional legislation; the focus in phase 2 will be on the analysis of data and result in the updated study. The work of the committee is dependent upon the timely delivery of data, in a usable format, from the DOD and the VA on their current PTSD programs.

Phase 1 (initial report):

In phase 1 of the study, the committee will collect data from the DoD and the VA on programs and methods available for the prevention (Chapter 5), screening (Chapter 6), diagnosis (Chapter 6), treatment (Chapter 7), and rehabilitation (Chapter 8) of post-traumatic stress disorder. The committee will highlight collaborative efforts between DoD and the VA in those areas (Chapter 4). Additionally, the committee will consider the status of studies and clinical trials involving innovative treatments of post-traumatic stress disorder that are conducted by the DoD, the VA, or the private sector, with regard to

  • efforts to identify physiological markers of PTSD (Chapter 3);
  • efforts to determine causation of PTSD, using brain imaging studies and studies looking at the correlation between brain region physiology and PTSD diagnoses and the results (including any interim results) of such efforts (Chapter 3);
  • the effectiveness of alternative therapies in the treatment of PTSD, including the therapeutic use of animals (Chapter 7);
  • the effectiveness of administering pharmaceutical agents before, during, or after a traumatic event in the prevention and treatment of PTSD (Chapter 5); and
  • identification of areas in which the DoD and the VA may be duplicating studies, programs, or research with respect to PTSD.

Phase 2 (updated report):

In phase 2 of the study, the committee will analyze the data received in phase 1 specifically to determine the rates of success for each program or method; and an estimate of the number of members of the Armed Forces and veterans diagnosed by the DoD or the VA as having PTSD and the number of such veterans who have been successfully treated.

In addition, the committee will focus on targeted interventions at Fort Hood, Texas; Fort Bliss, Texas; Fort Campbell, Tennessee; and any other locations the committee deems necessary, including VA facilities. The committee will also examine gender-specific and racial and ethnic group-specific mental health treatment services available for members of the Armed Forces, including the availability of such treatment and services; the access to such treatment and services; the need for such treatment and services; and the efficacy and adequacy of such treatment and services.

Finally, the committee will examine the current and projected future annual expenditures by the DoD and the VA for the treatment and rehabilitation of PTSD; and provide recommendations for areas for future research with respect to PTSD.

*

Chapter references were not part of the original statement of task and are intended to guide the reader to the chapter where this topic is discussed.

From: 1, Introduction

Cover of Treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Military and Veteran Populations
Treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Military and Veteran Populations: Initial Assessment.
Committee on the Assessment of Ongoing Effects in the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder; Institute of Medicine.
Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2012 Jul 13.
Copyright 2012 by the National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.

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