Diagnosis and Treatment of PTSD-Related Compulsive Checking Behaviors in Veterans of the Iraq War: The Influence of Military Context on the Expression of PTSD Symptoms

The purpose of this research is to evaluate the effectiveness of the eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) Integrative Group Treatment Protocol (EMDR-IGTP) in reducing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms related to the diagnosis and treatment of different types of cancer in adult women. EMDR-IGTP intensive therapy was administered for 3 consecutive days, twice daily, to 24 adult women diagnosed with different types of cancer (cervical, breast, colon, bladder, and skin) who had PTSD symptoms related to their diagnosis and treatment. The data was analyzed using factorial ANOVA with the effects of the EMDR-IGTP evaluated with the Short PTSD Rating Interview as dependent variable and group (two groups of patients: active phase and follow-up phase of cancer treatment) and time (four time points) as independent variables. Post hoc analyses were carried out. Results showed significant main effects for time and group. No significant interaction was found. Results also showed an overall subjective improvement in the participants. This pilot study suggests that intensive administration of the EMDR-IGTP can be a valuable support for cancer patients with PTSD symptoms related to their diagnosis and treatment. Further research with randomized controlled studies is needed to demonstrate the effectiveness of EMDR-IGTP in this population.

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The Impact of War on Emergence of Depression and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder on Iranian Veterans of Iran-Iraq War

European Journal of Social Sciences Education and Research ◽

10.26417/ejser.v11i2.p70-82 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. 70

Author(s):

Aylar Mansouri

Keyword(s):

Iraq War ◽

Community Sample ◽

Ptsd Symptoms ◽

Ordinary People ◽

War Veterans ◽

Statistical Population ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Age Range ◽

The Impact ◽

The City

Iran has been involved in many wars throughout its ancient history, a vivid example is the Iran-Iraq war. This imposed war was ongoing during September 1980 – August 1988 (Mohsenian, 2008). ).The main goal of this study was to investigate differences depression and PTSD symptoms in veterans who participated in the Iran-Iraq compared to community sample. The objectives of this research were: 1.Comparing depression in soldiers who are PTSD patients and ordinary people. 2. Comparing PTSD symptoms in soldiers and ordinary people. The research hypotheses were formulated according to the defined objectives. The statistical population included the Iran-Iraq war veterans and the ordinary male individuals within the age range of 25-50 residing in Tehran. . The data analysis for present research was down descriptively. The Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans’ Affairs of the city of Tehran permitted the researcher to select the statistical samples through the families of martyrs and veterans in person. The related questionnaires were handed in to the testees in person. The research objectives and nondisclosure of information were explained to the testees prior to distribution of the questionnaire. The data was collected using a PTSD checklist by Weathers, Litz, Herman, Huska, Kean etal (1993) and the Beck depression inventory. The multivariate effect indicates a significant difference between the depression and PTSD in war veterans and ordinary individuals aged 25-50. Depression and PTSD in Iran-Iraq war veterans it was higher compared to ordinary individuals.

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