WVXU: Research aims to change effects of PTSD on brain

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that diagnoses of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans is roughly double that of the general American population.

Kate Chard, PhD, University of Cincinnati professor of psychiatry and behavioral neuroscience and director of PTSD programs at the Cincinnati VA, is conducting cutting edge research and developing new evidence-based treatments for veterans with PTSD.

"What's different about the military is we have people in the military who have the same childhood traumas as the rest of us — maybe car accidents, natural disasters — but they also can have traumas related to combat," Chard told WVXU.

Chard is leading a study analyzing blood, saliva and EEG brainwaves to find biological differences in veterans with PTSD. The Cincinnati VA also offers three main kinds of treatment: cognitive processing therapy, prolonged exposure and EMDR.

"I think the thing that makes Cincinnati really stand out is we never stop. If one treatment doesn't work for you, then let's try something else," Chard said. "We're always going to be there for you to help you address your PTSD."

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Featured photo at top courtesy of the United States Marine Corps.