At the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the National Center for PTSD is charged with advancing research, education, and training in PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and stress-related disorders. Led by Dr. Paula Schnurr, the Center seeks not only to deepen scientific understanding of PTSD but also to translate that knowledge into clinical practices that can reduce suicide among veterans and others exposed to trauma.
The Center’s operational priorities are five-fold: biomarkers; PTSD and suicide; treatment efficiency, effectiveness, and engagement; systems of care; and implementation of research findings. With these pillars, it aims to ensure that the latest scientific insights are applied in real world care settings.
Historical Perspective and PTSD Prevalence
PTSD as a formal diagnosis is relatively young—only recognized officially in 1980—which limits long-term historical tracking. Earlier studies of veterans tended to examine them many years post-service, making comparisons with more recent cohorts problematic.
Nevertheless, despite different eras and types of conflict, similarities in risk and resilience factors across veteran populations have emerged. Advances in identification, diagnosis, and treatment—including growing understanding that PTSD is treatable—mark significant progress in recent years.
How to Identify and Respond to PTSD
Education is central. The National Center for PTSD provides resources to help veterans, family members, and health professionals understand PTSD, its symptoms, and when to seek help.
If someone suspects PTSD in themselves or a loved one—especially following trauma—the Center recommends using brief screening tools, then consulting a health care provider if screening is positive. Veterans in crisis can reach immediate support via the VA hotline: dial 988, then press 1, or by texting 838255.
Treatment Options with Strong Evidence
Therapies recommended by the VA and Department of Defense Clinical Practice Guideline remain the backbone of effective PTSD care. These include:
Psychotherapies such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Prolonged Exposure.
Medications including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as paroxetine, sertraline, and also venlafaxine.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), which has shown substantial evidence of effectiveness.
Veterans can use the VA’s “PTSD Decision Aid” to compare treatment options and choose what aligns with their preferences and circumstances.
Emerging Research and Innovations
Recent studies are looking to enhance PTSD treatment even further. A randomized clinical trial combining repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) with Cognitive Processing Therapy found that veterans receiving active rTMS prior to CPT had greater symptom reductions than those receiving a sham (inactive) version of rTMS plus CPT. These benefits persisted through six-month follow-ups.
Other studies explore group therapies for specific populations, prolonged exposure therapy for both active duty and female veterans, and the role of resilience and risk factors in long-term outcomes.
Evidence Linking PTSD Treatment to Suicide Prevention
Studies suggest PTSD is an independent risk factor for suicidal ideation and behaviors. For example, veterans with PTSD are significantly more likely to experience suicidal thoughts or actions than veterans without PTSD.
Effective treatment of PTSD—through validated psychotherapies, medications, and integrative strategies—appears to reduce suicidal ideation. Also, the Center’s trials—including prolonged exposure work and group psychotherapy—have helped establish that focusing on trauma rather than avoiding it can decrease risk.
Current Trends in Veteran Suicide Rates
According to the VA’s 2024 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Report:
In 2022, there were 6,407 suicides among U.S. veterans, a slight increase from 2021 but lower than in many of the preceding years.
Female veterans saw a 24.1% decrease in age-adjusted suicide rates from 2021 to 2022.
Male veterans experienced a smaller increase in age-adjusted rates (1.6%), roughly matching male non-veterans’ increase (1.8%).
Firearms were involved in about 75% of suicides by male veterans.
These data highlight ongoing challenges but also meaningful progress in certain areas.
Guidance for Family Members and Support Networks
Family members can play a critical role in prevention and recovery. Key ways to support someone with PTSD include:
- Educating themselves about PTSD and how it may manifest.
- Accompanying loved ones to appointments and assisting with tracking treatment and medication.
- Offering emotional support, listening without judgment, and respecting when the individual is not ready to talk.
- Encouraging involvement in social activities and physical exercise, which aid in recovery.
- Being patient, recognizing that withdrawal or avoidance is often a symptom—not simply resistance.
- Caring for one’s own mental health is equally important for family members; they too may need support and resources.
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