As troops return from Iraq and Afghanistan, an increasing number of TRICARE beneficiaries are experiencing symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Military research shows that 17 percent of troops, including active duty and reserve, returning from the war show signs of behavioral health problems, which include PTSD. 

PTSD develops after exposure to extreme psychological trauma—events that produce fear, helplessness or horror, such as a threat to life or physical integrity. Indirect trauma, i.e., seeing another person in a life-threatening situation, can trigger PTSD, as well. Not all trauma related to deployment is due to combat situations. Motor vehicle or other accidents can also lead to PTSD.

Not everyone exposed to such trauma develops PTSD. Those who do, however, may re-experience the traumatic event as intrusive recollections, images, thoughts, dreams, flashbacks or intense reactions to situations that resemble an aspect of the traumatic event. Other less specific symptoms may also be present, such as increased arousal and startle response, difficulty sleeping, irritability and poor concentration. Many times there is guilt, coexisting depression and panic disorder.

Of those who have behavioral health problems returning from war, more than 65 percent say that they hesitate asking for help because it makes them feel like they are weak. Therefore, communication with your military patients about their symptoms is often somewhat challenging.

For your assistance in approaching your military patients, recognizing symptoms and identifying treatment for their condition, the Veterans Health Affairs (VHA) and the Department of Defense (DoD) have created clinical practice guidelines. These clinical practice guidelines are available to you online.

Active duty service members (ADSMs) must always get a referral from their primary care manager (PCM), as it is critical for their care to be coordinated. All other beneficiaries, such as retirees and dependents, can access coverage for PTSD or other behavioral health problems without a referral through their eight unmanaged behavioral health care visits (See Article 7).

Patients diagnosed with PTSD are eligible for typical behavioral health outpatient services, such as individual psychotherapy, group therapy, crisis intervention, collateral visits and family therapy. Other benefits may include psychological testing, medication management, inpatient treatment, substance abuse treatment and more.

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Veterans Health Affairs (VHA) and Department of Defense (DoD) National Center for PTSD National Institute of Mental Health PTSD Alliance Veterans Administration Military OneSource Hooah 4 Health Courage to Care Lifeline Services Network

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