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Is There a Connection Between PTSD and Violent Behavior?

Numerous studies show that repeat deployments are a risk factor for post traumatic stress disorder among war veterans. PTSD and traumatic brain injuries can affect a person’s self control and even increase anger or hostility but the connection between PTSD and violent behavior does not appear to be strong, according to a recent news article. The correlation between the two is difficult to nail down with any amount of certainty but the research does suggest there are medical conditions that are suffered by thousands of military who went to war in Afghanistan and Iraq. Those who suffer from PTSD often avoid activities or certain environments while being hyper vigilant. They experience intrusive memories as well as suffer from depression many times. Aggressiveness, anger and hostility though are not as common. A recent study examined 66,000 marines that fought in Iraq and those with multiple deployments suffered twice the amount of PTSD compared to those only deployed once. Those with longer times at home in between their deployments experienced half the amount of risk factor as those who had rapid deployment turnaround times. There is also significant evidence that if PTSD goes untreated, it tends to worsen over time. Some of the hallmarks of mild traumatic brain injuries are: headaches, trouble sleeping, poor attention and confused thinking. Oftentimes, impulsive behavior is seen as well. Some questions regarding traumatic brain injuries are simply contradictory but the effects on the future behavior of sufferers are quite complicated. The Department of Veteran’s Affairs says the sooner we come to understanding how PTSD is connected to cases of extreme violence, the more anecdotal we become.

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