How Many Veterans Have PTSD?

How Many Veterans Have PTSD?

The Albany Clinic • December 28, 2021

Untold numbers of veterans from all human conflicts have PTSD, but that’s the result of the sheer numbers involved, misdiagnosis, and many other influencers. In the last several decades, research has improved exponentially to identify symptoms, triggers, and methods to relieve the physical and emotional consequences of the illness.

Ptsd Definition

According to the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is defined as a “disorder that develops in some people who have experienced a shocking, scary, or dangerous event. It is natural to feel afraid during and after a traumatic situation. Fear triggers many split-second changes in the body to help defend against danger or to avoid it.” Regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, politics, or wealth, it can happen to anyone.

Can Ptsd Be Cured?

Like most other mental health illnesses, PTSD isn’t something that can be “cured” in the traditional sense. It’s not an illness you can take medicine for, recover from, and later be tested for without evidence of previous infection. However, once you’ve been diagnosed, you can begin one or more treatment programs to help manage its symptoms. The key, of course, is recognizing you’re ill and committing to getting better. Improvement may take some time.

Risk Factors

  • You survived a dangerous event and trauma
  • You were seriously hurt
  • You saw another person who was hurt
  • Childhood trauma
  • Feelings of horror, powerlessness, or extreme fear
  • Absence of social support after a traumatic event
  • You’re trying to cope with additional stress following a trauma, such as losing a loved one, experiencing pain and injury, unemployment, or homelessness
  • There’s a history of mental health issues or substance abuse in yourself or biological family members

What Can Promote Recovery?

Some factors that could encourage recovery following trauma include:

  • Searching for support from others, including friends and family
  • Locating a support group following a traumatic event
  • Learning to feel optimistic about your actions in the presence of danger
  • Developing a positive coping approach or a means to navigate through the distressing event and take lessons from it

Implementing these factors can enable you to act and react effectively even when you feel fear.

How Many Veterans Have Ptsd?

According to the National Center for PTSD, part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and a leading authority on post-traumatic stress disorder in veterans, the number of veterans who have PTSD varies by service era:

  • For veterans who fought in Operations Iraqi Freedom (2003-2011) and Enduring Freedom (2001-2014), almost 11 to 20 of them (or between 11 and 20 percent) have PTSD in a particular year.
  • For veterans who saw action in the Gulf War (January – February 1991), about 12 percent experience PTSD in a particular year.
  • Of United States veterans who saw combat during the Vietnam War (between the early 1960s to 1975), about 15 percent had been diagnosed with PTSD as of the most recent survey in the late 1980s (the National Vietnam Veterans Readjustment Study). It’s estimated that about 30 percent of Vietnam veterans have had PTSD during their lifetime.

Of course, symptoms that today would be identified with post-traumatic stress disorder pre-date the 20 th century by hundreds of years. Since the Revolutionary War, symptoms like avoidance, irritability, and anger have affected veterans of every U.S. military engagement. PTSD-like symptoms have also been recorded in famous literary examples, including works by William Shakespeare (Henry IV, Part I) and Greek historians (Herodotus), and other ancient writers, poets, and philosophers. U.S. combat veterans who fought and were injured during fighting in Vietnam may have been some of the first people to be treated with ketamine – as an anesthetic.

Diagnosis & Treatment

If you’re a veteran and you think you have PTSD, the first place you should go for diagnosis is your local clinic sponsored by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA is a globally recognized organization with decades of expertise in diagnosing and treating PTSD and other mental illnesses in veterans. You’ll likely undergo a thorough physical exam and psychiatric evaluation, and your symptoms will be compared to criteria in the DSM-5 or other literature. Afterward, treatment may include individual or group psychotherapy, self-help, support groups, antidepressants, or medicine like ketamine to help curb your symptoms.

Final Thoughts

If you have PTSD and other mental illnesses but ignore the symptoms, they may worsen with time. Allowing symptoms to fester, untreated, for years on end could have severe consequences for not only your overall wellness but also for friends and family. Get help today .

The post How Many Veterans Have PTSD? appeared first on The Albany Clinic.

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In-Clinic vs. At-Home Ketamine Therapy: What’s Best for Your Mental Health?

By Kimberly Mercille • July 9, 2025
As ketamine therapy becomes increasingly popular for treating mental health conditions like depression and PTSD, more people are exploring their options. At-home ketamine therapy gained traction during the pandemic for its convenience, but without medical supervision, this approach may come with elevated risks. In this article, we’ll explore some of the key differences and pros and cons of in-clinic versus at-home ketamine therapy. What Is In-Clinic Ketamine Therapy? IV Ketamine Treatment In-clinic ketamine therapy involves receiving treatment at a licensed medical facility, such as The Albany Clinic , where professionals monitor and administer the medication under strict protocols. This ensures your safety, especially during your initial sessions. At The Albany Clinic, we specialize in intravenous (IV) ketamine infusion therapy , which has been most well-researched when it comes to treating mental health disorders. IV ketamine bypasses the digestive system, delivering the medication directly into the bloodstream. IV ketamine can help relieve symptoms of various mental health disorders, including depression , anxiety , post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) , and more. During an infusion at our clinic, you’ll rest in a calm, controlled environment while ketamine is delivered into a vein through a catheter. Our trained staff will closely monitor your vital signs and mental state throughout the session, adjusting the dose of ketamine if needed. We’ll observe you after treatment to ensure any side effects are managed promptly and effectively. Spravato We also offer Spravato (esketamine) at our clinic, a nasal spray based on ketamine. Unlike other forms of ketamine treatment, Spravato is approved by the FDA and is specifically for adults with treatment-resistant depression or major depressive disorder with suicidal thoughts . Spravato is only approved for in-clinic use under professional supervision and cannot be administered at home, making clinical oversight a legal and medical necessity for this treatment option. During a Spravato session, you’ll self-administer the medication under the supervision of our medical staff. We’ll then closely monitor you for a couple of hours to ensure you’re safe and all side effects have subsided before leaving. What Is At-Home Ketamine Therapy? At-home ketamine therapy allows patients to self-administer the ketamine, typically in the form of lozenges or nasal sprays, delivered via mail. While this option offers flexibility, it usually involves minimal supervision , often limited to virtual check-ins with healthcare providers. Some at-home providers offer optional video support during sessions, but this is not always the case. Patients are largely responsible for monitoring their own physical and emotional reactions, without the benefit of immediate medical intervention if adverse effects occur. At-home treatment often includes supplementary materials , such as guided meditations or journaling tools. However, the lack of real-time clinical oversight makes this option less ideal for those with complex or severe mental health needs. Safety Considerations: In-Clinic vs. At-Home While ketamine therapy is considered safe for most patients, it does come with potential physical and psychological side effects , including: Physical Risks: Elevated blood pressure or heart rate Nausea or vomiting Sedation or dizziness Impaired coordination Rare allergic reactions Psychological Risks: Hallucinations or dissociation Temporary confusion or anxiety Emotional vulnerability during treatment Risk of misuse or dependency The FDA has issued warnings about at-home ketamine use due to its potential for abuse and lack of medical supervision . Without proper monitoring, the risk of addiction and long-term complications, such as bladder damage and cognitive decline, may increase. Key Differences Between In-Clinic and At-Home Ketamine Therapy

A Guide to IV Ketamine

By Matt Rodriguez • July 8, 2025
Intravenous (IV) ketamine has emerged as a promising option for individuals struggling with treatment-resistant depression and other hard-to-treat mental health conditions. Ketamine was originally developed as an anesthetic, but is now being used in controlled medical settings to deliver rapid relief when traditional therapies fall short. This guide explores the history, science, benefits, and practical considerations of IV ketamine therapy and what you can expect from treatment at The Albany Clinic.

Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) for Depression

By Kimberly Mercille • May 27, 2025
Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) is an emerging mental health treatment that targets key mechanisms linked to depression. In this article, we’ll discuss the science behind SGB and its potential benefits. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, this information can help you make an informed decision about whether SGB might be the right option. What is a Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB)? What is the Stellate Ganglion? The stellate ganglion is a cluster of sympathetic nerves located on each side of the neck near the first rib. These nerves are part of the autonomic nervous system, which controls automatic body functions like heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion. The term "stellate" means "star-shaped" because the ganglion often looks like a star under a microscope. It helps regulate the body's stress response by controlling norepinephrine, a chemical that triggers the fight-or-flight reaction. When this system becomes overactive, it can cause various physical and psychological problems, including depression. Stellate ganglion block (SGB) therapy may help by reducing the activity of the stellate ganglion, calming the fight-or-flight response, and lessening the damaging effects of prolonged nervous system stress. How Does Stellate Ganglion Block Work? Stellate Ganglion block (SGB) is when a local anesthetic is injected near the stellate ganglion. These drugs inhibit transmission between nerve cells, dampening activity in the ganglion. They typically include lidocaine, bupivacaine, or mepivacaine, which are sometimes combined with a steroid medication. Patients may also receive another medication to relax them before treatment. SGB is typically performed using ultrasound guidance . The injection process lasts no more than 10 minutes, but patients will motinoted for another 30-45 minutes after treatment to ensure their safety. How Does Stellate Ganglion Block Work for Depression? Chronic stress is a major contributor to depression and is often linked to an overactive sympathetic nervous system. People with depression commonly show high levels of cortisol, a hormone that plays a key role in the body's stress response, in their blood stream. Cortisol is helpful in small doses, but when chronically elevated, it can disrupt neural circuits in the brain. Excessive cortisol can lead to: Neurotoxicity - Cortisol can be toxic to nerve cells, especially in the hippocampus, which is crucial for memory and emotional regulation. Overinflammation - Cortisol increases the activity of the body’s natural defense system, resulting in the system causing damage to nerve cells. Impaired synaptic plasticity - Cortisol inhibits the capacity for the brain to “re-wire” itself. This makes it harder for people to adapt to stressful situations and learn new patterns of behaviour. Disrupted sleep - High cortisol can prevent people from sleeping well. During sleep, restorative biological processes occur in the brain, and excess cortisol can prevent these from happening. SGB decreases sympathetic nervous system activity, which can reduce cortisol levels. This can help restore function in brain areas and pathways associated with positive mood, emotional regulation, and stress resilience. Evidence Supporting SGB for Depression To date, there’s very limited evidence supporting the use of SGB for depression. One pilot study found that SGP significantly reduced depression symptoms in people with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and was well-tolerated. However, there was no significant difference to the placebo group and the sample size was very small. Nonetheless, multiple lines of research show that SGB can alleviate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which shares similarities with depression. In a trial of SGB for PTSD , participants reported significantly lower scores of depression following treatment. Who May Benefit from SGB for Depression? SGB is primarily utilized for treating PTSD, so individuals with PTSD who also experience depression may find SGB beneficial. Additionally, SGB has shown potential in alleviating anxiety symptoms, suggesting it may be advantageous for those dealing with both depression and anxiety. Because SGB isn’t approved by the FDA, it is typically only used when standard treatments like antidepressants and psychotherapy haven’t worked. SGB is an “off-label” treatment, much like ketamine therapy or brain stimulation therapies. Importantly, SGB may not be suitable for everyone because of medical reasons. Contraindications include: Recent myocardial infarction Coagulopathy or anticoagulant therapy Glaucoma Pre-existing contralateral phrenic nerve palsy Severe emphysema Cardiac conduction block Potential Risks and Side Effects of SGB Common Side Effects Most side effects of SGB are temporary and resolve as the anesthetic wears off. These may include: Hoarseness or Voice Changes: The proximity of the stellate ganglion to nerves controlling the voice box can lead to temporary hoarseness. Drooping Eyelid (Ptosis): Temporary drooping of the eyelid on the side of the injection may occur. Red or Bloodshot Eyes: Some individuals may notice redness in the eyes following the procedure. Watery Eyes and Nasal Congestion: Increased tearing and nasal stuffiness are possible but typically short-lived. Sensation of a Lump in the Throat and Difficulty Swallowing: Some individuals may experience a sensation of a lump in the throat and have difficulty swallowing after the procedure. Warmth or Tingling in the Arm or Hand: A warm or tingling sensation in the affected limb may be experienced temporarily. Although uncommon, some individuals may experience more serious complications, such as nerve damage, seizures, and allergic reactions. Given the potential risks, patients interested in SGB at the Albany Clinic will have an in-depth consultation with one of our qualified healthcare professionals before undergoing treatment. They can assess your medical history, current health status, and the potential benefits and risks of the procedure in your specific case. SGB for Depression in Illinois If you're in the Carbondale area and interested in the potential benefits of SGB for depression, the Albany Clinic is here to help. We specialize in innovative mental health treatments, including SGB, which has been shown to provide rapid relief from mental health symptoms, with effects lasting several weeks. Our experienced team offers personalized support, guiding you through every step—from determining if SGB is the right option for you to exploring alternative treatments and financial considerations. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your mental health journey.