New PTSD Research Wins Attention of UBH Denton

PHILADELPHIA, PA, June 18, 2013 (Press-News.org) Based on the evidence presented on a national scale, as well as experiences among its own patients, UBH Denton--a psychiatric hospital in Texas--can attest to the rising severity of PTSD, or post-traumatic stress. PTSD is commonly associated among returning veterans who endured traumatic situations during military service; however, it is a mental health issue that plagues many Americans who have faced a wide variety of distressing events. Believing that the public should become more aware about the PTSD, UBH Denton highlights new research presented in a recent article from PsychCentral.

According to the article, most health professionals have maintained that external triggers--such as seeing a photo of an attacker or recalling the inciting incident--can prompt anxiety and stress in PTSD sufferers. However, medical researchers have detected--based on specific brain observation studies--that many PTSD patients can experience show that the effects of trauma persist in certain brain regions even when combat veterans are not engaged in cognitive or emotional tasks, and face no immediate external threats. These effects can include distressing flashbacks, nightmares and emotional instability--and sometimes these symptoms can cause PTSD sufferers to commit suicide.

In fact, PsychCentral reports, "Among the 1.7 million men and women who have served in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, an estimated 20 percent have PTSD. Research shows that suicide risk is higher in veterans with PTSD...More soldiers committed suicide in 2012 than the number of soldiers who were killed in combat in Afghanistan that year." Given this consequence, UBH Denton encourages all individuals--especially veterans and their family members--to stay aware of PTSD symptoms and seek professional assistance if these effects are present.

UBH Denton notes that the new evidence also helps provide more thorough evidence of detecting PTSD, as it is often hard for mental health professionals, sufferers and doctors to assess the condition based on self-reports. Specifically, according to the article, the researchers found, "had spontaneous brain activity in the amygdala, a key structure in the brain's "fear circuitry" that processes fearful and anxious emotions, was significantly higher in the 52 combat veterans with PTSD than in the 52 combat veterans without PTSD. The PTSD group also showed elevated brain activity in the anterior insula, a brain region that regulates sensitivity to pain and negative emotions."

In a recent press statement, UBH Denton comments on the new research, "UBH Denton applauds research that advances our knowledge of the depilating effects of PTSD. Through research we can better understand the best course of treatment and prevention to help those who are suffering. This type of research is important to share with those who are suffering with PTSD. By understanding their illness is real; they will hopefully be encouraged to seek help. If you know of persons who have systems of PTSD encourage them to talk with a mental health professional."

ABOUT:

UBH Denton, or University Behavioral Health Denton, is a freestanding psychiatric hospital in northern Texas. Founded in 2005, this facility offers services in mental health and chemical dependency treatment. Specifically, the staff at UBH Denton maintains a focus on utilizing evidence-based treatments that have proven positive outcomes. UBH Denton remains committed to serving the diverse needs of patients, including younger children and teenagers and offers inpatient and outpatient options.