PTSD, - Page 2

Just want to clarify--I'm a "Mrs." not a "Mr."   

ggturner...LOL...take it as a compliment..LOL

"Someone mentioned he could not believe dogs are stressed any more than they were in the campaigns in the pacific in WW2. "

PTSD was not diagnosed until 1980.  Certainly people have always suffered from it, but it wasn't until 1980 that experts began using the diagnosis:

"PTSD is a relatively new diagnostic category in the history of psychology. The diagnosis of PTSD first appeared in 1980 in the internationally accepted authority on PTSD, the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychological Association), 3rd Edition (APA 1980). At that time the DSM had a limited view of what could cause PTSD, defining it as developing from an experience that anyone would find traumatic, leaving no room for individual perception or experience of an event. This definition was expanded when the DSM III was revised in 1987, and the DSM IV (APA 1994) provides even broader criteria." PTSD is a relatively new diagnostic category in the history of psychology. The diagnosis of PTSD first appeared in 1980 in the internationally accepted authority on PTSD, the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychological Association), 3rd Edition (APA 1980). At that time the DSM had a limited view of what could cause PTSD, defining it as developing from an experience that anyone would find traumatic, leaving no room for individual perception or experience of an event. This definition was expanded when the DSM III was revised in 1987, and the DSM IV (APA 1994) provides even broader criteria."    http://www.healing-arts.org/tir/n-r-rothschild.htm          

So, in WW II, the diagnosis of PTSD was not used.  In those days (according to my parents), things were often "swept under the rug."   So, while soldiers, and war dogs, certainly suffered from PTSD, the military did not acknowledge the problem or provide any treatment for it. 

someone really close to me is an Iraq and Afganistan vet, witnessed quite a few things during their multiple deployements. They have been diagnosed with PTSD. Their german shepherds definately have a positive affect on this condition.
There are service dogs/PTSD alert dogs that the dept of Veterans Affairs has training programs for, and even pays/reemburses  Veterans for.

I was also told a story that someone witnessed-  A person with PTSD was having an "episode" his dog came up to him as the dog sensed this coming on, and started licking his hand. He pet and held the dog, and was feeling relief of some sort.

Not sure how it works exactly, but if I myself am feeling in a bad mood or upset about something my dogs come lay next to me and I feel a little better. I'm not the only one that has experianced this either :-)

Good probability Mrs. Turner, and I apoligize for calling you a Mr., that detection could be one of the reasons we hear more about it. I know that I use to see alot of WW2 vets that had alot of  issues that were swept under the table,education has helped alot when it comes to diagnosis and treatment. I know alot of Vietnam vets that came home that needed help, but found very little.
    As far as dogs at that time they were throw aways when we left. Only to be remembered by those soldiers that loved and respected their contribution as fellow soldiers. Documentarys have brought to light the important roles they played in the war effort. Since then things have changed for the better. Finally they are being recognized for their efforts. Maybe because of the availability of information is one of the main causes for the increased numbers.
Hank

Also, veteran dogs that served in Iraq or Afganistan that are retired after having 1 confirmed kill are available for adoption.
They often go to good homes. I used to know of a website that would show pics and adoption informnation on them too. I'll post it on here if I find it.

desertdog, i know what you are trying to get across to people. he is not in any way talking about people.
 hank, i think every dog has a breaking point. i saw a lot of service dogs in nam. they had every type of dog under the sun over there. saw more down south on my first tour than i did at dang ha up north.
i personally think it has nothing to do with genetics,handler or training.hell with the gunfire and mortars etc. it will crack the best dogs in the world.
mike diehl took one of my pups to fort Bragg where they were training dogs for overseas deployment. he was there to assist the handlers on training their dogs for deployment. my pup was lucky to be there as he herd grenades,mortar and lots of gunfire. i felt in writing this that mike needed some recognition for this free work.

Desertdog,  no need to apologize for calling me a "Mr.!"   I hope things have changed for the better for our military soldiers and their dogs. 

Sable, my husband was stationed at Ft. Bragg when I first met him (82nd Airborne).  Thank you for your service to our country! 

Real, I would love to see that website.  In a post on another thread, I mentioned that there is a military vet and his wife that live in my area that have a farm and they provide a place for war dogs to retire (if they aren't adoptable or until they can be adopted). 

Found a few websites
http://vdha.us/content15512.html

and
http://www.save-a-vet.org/adopt.htm

Thanks guys, and yes Mike should be recognized for his in my opinion expertise in helping in that way. These are the kind of responses I was hoping for. Hopefully we will get more .
Hank