A PTSD Treatment Program for Combat (Vietnam) Veterans in Prison

Abstract

A treatment program for combat veterans with PTSD in prison is described. The prison setting presents a "survivor mode" environment, similar to that of Vietnam, in which incarcerated veterans may reexperience the PTSD symptoms. Further, they revert to a "combat mode" when attempting to handle their prison life. The PTSD Treatment Program for Combat Veterans focuses on three dimensions in treatment. In the first dimension the group progresses through 6 stages, which are defined as: (1) the second tour (reexperiencing life in a survival setting), (2) stress management, (3) veterans, PTSD, and crime, (4) conflict resolution, (5) handling symptoms of PTSD, (6) the effects of PTSD on the family. The second dimension focuses on the veteran's unique symptom picture, which is treated in individual therapy with various techniques, dependent on the veteran's need. The third dimension is a miniseries of various video films of the Vietnam conflict. Videos would be discussed, critiqued, and the veteran's feelings examined.

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