Trauma Experiences and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Among Women in the United States Military

Abstract

Expanding roles of women in the military, and the negative effect of military trauma, make their mental health a priority. This article reviews literature on military trauma, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the provision of mental health services among females in the U.S. military. The literature suggests that female military personnel experience three main types of trauma, and these are: combat, sexual, and environment-induced trauma. In addition, they have increased risks of developing PTSD. Although gender-sensitive services that address trauma among military women have grown, PTSD remains underdiagnosed and undertreated among female veterans. Implications for social work practice are also discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• PTSD
• women
• military