"The Army medical research community is doing everything it can to improve the lives of our nation's wounded warriors. The PTSD/TBI research consortium is a collaborative effort that demonstrates the Army's commitment to care for our Soldiers' psychological and physical health. "
-Maj. Gen. George Weightman, commanding general, U.S. Army's Medical Research and Materiel Command
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury (PTSD/TBI) Research Consortium
What is it?
The research consortium was established by U.S. Army Medical Research & Materiel Command (USAMRMC) in consultation with a group of the nation's top researchers and leading experts who study post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). The consortium seeks to analyze patient data to identify root causes and potential treatments for PTSD and TBI.
What has the Army done?
The Army has contracted with The University of California, San Diego to lead the consortium that includes military medical centers, academic medical centers and veterans administration hospitals.
What continued efforts does the Army have planned for the future?
The Army continues to educate its Soldiers and leaders on how to better recognize PTSD and TBI. The Army is committed to improving the lives of Soldiers and veterans who have suffered brain and psychological injuries through faster diagnosis and more effective treatment. The medical research community is reviewing proposals to develop improved tools for understanding and treating PTSD and TBI. The consortium will bring to market novel treatments or interventions that will ultimately decrease the impact of military-relevant PTSD and TBI.
Why is this important to the Army?
Our Soldiers' physical health and psychological well being is an Army priority. Blast injuries form the basis for most of our casualties today and will likely continue to do so in the foreseeable future. It is estimated that 300,000 current or former servicemembers could have suffered PTSD or depression with even more who have possibly suffered TBI. This research consortium is just one of many steps in the Army's commitment to restore quality of life to our injured Soldiers.
Resources
Army Behavioral Health Web site
Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs
Related article in USA Today, 4 Aug., 2008: Pentagon spends $300M to study troops' stress
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