Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Introduction

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and War-Related Stress Booklet (New)

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and the Family Booklet (New)

Links

For additional information

Introduction

PTSD is a psychological response that can happen when we experience one or more intense traumatic events - particularly ones that threaten our life or that of someone else. Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a daily reality for many veterans and CF members and families. Symptoms can include:

• distressing memories, images, nightmares or flashbacks of the event(s);
• gaps in memory;
• feelings of being cut-off or detached from loved ones;
• less control over impulses;
• problems concentrating;
• sleep disturbances; and/or
• anger and irritability

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and War-Related Stress Booklet

To help veterans and still-serving CF clients who may be suffering from PTSD, VAC has published a booklet Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and War-Related Stress (New) that describes common symptoms of the PTSD and offers practical advice on how to cope with this condition. As well, treatment options are discussed. Partners and families of PTSD sufferers also will find this booklet helpful as it contains information on how to support, and respond to, a loved one affected by PTSD.

Guidelines for Assessment of the Stress and Anxiety Disorders (including PTSD) are contained in the Table of disabilities.

More information on the disability pension process

Web site Links

For additional information on PTSD you can visit the following sites:

• National Defence (external link) site provides an overview of PTSD, resources, and support.
• United States Department of Veterans Affairs, National Center for PTSD (external link)

For additional information please contact Veterans Affairs Canada