What Pain Specialists Need to Know About Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom Returnees

Abstract

Objective: To provide a screening and early intervention model for pain specialists working with Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom returnees presenting with early symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD].

Findings: Why should pain specialists learn about PTSD in Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom returnees? As the war continues, American service members face frequent physical threats, which pose strong potential for injuries that result in various forms of chronic pain. Exposure to war-related stressors, combined with chronic pain, may increase the likelihood of PTSD. Upon returning to the United States, service members may not seek psychiatric help due to stigmatization. As such, they are more likely to present in pain clinics to address their physical injuries and pain, as there tends to be less stigma involved in doing so. Posttraumatic stress disorder may hamper therapeutic gains in pain patients.

Conclusions: As first-line providers, it is important to be cognizant of psychological symptoms, particularly symptoms of PTSD. Use of the proposed screening and early intervention model in pain clinic settings may decrease chronic pain and help prevent chronic PTSD in America's service members.

KEYWORDS:

• Chronic pain
• posttraumatic stress disorder
• pain clinics
• early intervention
• Operation Iraqi Freedom
• Operation Enduring Freedom