New PTSD treatment to help veterans after devastating report

An innovative new treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) will soon be available for Defense Force veterans following Australia-first survey.

The treatment will explore a new form of intensive exposure therapy and has been shown to be as effective as standard treatment.

It follows the release of royal commission interim report in the suicides of veterans earlier this year.

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The new treatment follows the publication of the interim report of the Royal Commission on Veteran Suicide. (New)

The report called for immediate action, including closing the backlog of compensation claims and simplifying and harmonizing compensation for veterans.

Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs and Defense Matt Thistlethwaite said veterans suffer from PTSD more often than the general population.

“PTSD is a huge problem for the veteran community in Australia,” he told reporters today.

“These research results indicate that a new form of therapy produces results just as good as the longer form.

“We are committed to providing veterans suffering from PTSD with the best range of treatments possible.”

The RESTORE (Rapid Exposure Supporting Trauma Recovery) study investigated a new method of treating PTSD over an intensive two-week period.

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Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs and Defense Matt Thistlethwaite said the new treatment was “meaningful”. (New)

It was found to be as effective as standard therapy lasting more than 10 weeks, with veterans who participated in it less likely to drop out.

“This treatment offers veterans a shorter course of treatment that may be more suited to their lifestyle,” Thistlethwaite said.

The study was developed in collaboration between the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, the Department of Defense and the Phoenix Australia Center for Post-Traumatic Mental Health.

Treatment for PTSD is offered through the Open Arms Veterans and Family Counseling Service.

The royal commission’s final report will be delivered in June 2024.

If you are a current or former member of the ADF or a member of your family and need advice or support, please contact the All Hours Defense Helpline at 1800 628 036 or open arms au 1800 011 046.

Crisis assistance is available from: safety rope the 13 11 14.