Dr. Gordon T. Austin Responds to PTSD Screening Proposal for Returning Soldiers

NEW YORK, NY, August 14, 2012 (Press-News.org) While many are aware of the dangers that PTSD can cause among active and returning soldiers, there has been little research regarding ongoing analysis of those under treatment. According to a recent article from CBS News, the Institute of Medicine recently made a proposal to federal agencies to require annual screenings of returning soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan to correctly diagnose the debilitating condition. In addition, the organization suggested that participating agencies continue research on the effects of certain treatments to ensure a proper course of care for patients. As a medical professional and former member of the U.S. Navy, Dr. Gordon T. Austin discusses the importance of providing returning soldiers with proper care and support regarding PTSD.

According to the article, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) treated more than 438,000 veterans for PTSD in 2010, demonstrating the breadth of this problem. For a variety of reasons, only half of the 13 to 20 percent of soldiers who fought in Iraq or Afghanistan will seek, or continue, treatment. The article notes that many soldiers fear that the treatment will jeopardize their future careers. Another theory for the lack of care regards the small amount of research that proves certain treatments are effective, and how such successful treatments are put into regular practice.

Dr. Gordon T. Austin has firsthand experience providing surgical care to those fighting overseas, and notes how important it is for servicemen and women to receive top-notch medical treatment. While he supports the achievements the Department of Defense and the VA have made, he observes that there is great room for improvement regarding PTSD care. Sandro Galea, the chairman of the Institute of Medicine panel, also addresses these shortcomings, and states in the article, "Treatment isn't reaching everyone who needs it, and the departments aren't tracking which treatments are being used or evaluating how well they work in the long term. In addition, DOD has no information on the effectiveness of its programs to prevent PTSD."

For Dr. Gordon T. Austin this proposal means much more than ensuring the health of returning soldiers, it is also a way to show them continuous support for their service. While he encourages more intensive treatment for returning soldiers, Austin concludes with additional recommendations, "PTSD treatment is especially important for Reserve and Guard members who have a tendency to 'fall between the cracks' after they return. We owe this not only to members but to their families and to the communities to which they return."

ABOUT:

Dr. Gordon T. Austin is a retired United States Navy Veteran and has proudly provided 38 years of service to his country. CAPTAIN Austin is the current Vice President (Naval Services) of the Reserve Officers Association of the United States. His expertise has led to medical advancement in the military and improved care for soldiers overseas. He currently devotes much of his time and attention to raising awareness and support for issues related to U.S. troops and veterans. In addition, Dr. Austin is a third-generation dentist who served the Carrollton, Georgia, community for over 25 years, as well as an Honorable Fellow of the Georgia Dental Association and a Fellow of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the American College of Dentists, and the International College of Dentists.

Website: http://drgordontaustinsite.blogspot.com