Soldiers Helping Researchers Study PTSD

Soldiers Helping Researchers Study PTSD
May 22, 2008
Army News Service|by Spc. Creighton Holub

FORT HOOD, Texas - A number of Soldiers have volunteered to assist the University of Texas conduct a study to learn more about the emotional and psychological wounds of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

In an effort to combat PTSD symptoms experienced by U.S. service members returning from battle, the Imaging Research Center at the university's Austin campus is evaluating volunteers from the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, before they depart for their upcoming deployment.

"We are initiating a beginning," said retired Col. Brian Baldwin, who is the PTSD research project manager. "There is no previous database like what we're starting here. I equate this to heart disease 20 years ago. The research that was done enables us to mitigate those risk factors. PTSD is a wound of war that we need to protect our Soldiers from."

The volunteer Soldiers run through a battery of stress-related tests to create a baseline for each individual. The results of the tests will be compared against the same tests after returning home from the unit's rotation to Iraq.

The tests involve Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI scans, genetic screening and psychological assessments. The Soldiers also have to complete a monthly online questionnaire to track their experiences while deployed.


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