Traumatic Stress Studies Division

Specialized Clinics

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Division at the Bronx Veterans Affairs Medical Center

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is estimated to occur in up to 30 percent of combat soldiers. For many, combat-related PTSD remains a serious and chronic problem, leading to substantial disability and affecting social, occupational, and interpersonal domains. Although PTSD can occur in veterans of any war, each war has unique set of circumstances, and each veteran, his own experiences. We therefore treat each veteran individually in the context of his or her personal history. In addition to treating the symptoms of PTSD directly, our program focuses on helping reduce the intense feelings of rage, isolation, and loneliness. We also provide assistance with service-connected disability and other benefits.

Persian Gulf War Veterans

In addition to suffering from emotional problems, Persian Gulf War Veterans suffer from chronic health symptoms. These health symptoms are not fully understood, and this fact often increases anxiety about potential long-term effects of the Persian Gulf War. In addition to combat exposure, many Persian Gulf War Veterans were exposed to chemical weapons and witnessed SCUD missile attacks, which may have their own psychological and biological consequences.

Vietnam Veterans

These veterans have not only survived combat exposure but also lived with scars of having served in a long and "unpopular" war and feeling that their emotional problems were not adequately appreciated and treated early on. As a result, Vietnam veterans often suffer from very complex feelings of guilt, anger, sadness, and grief; they benefit from contact with other veterans who understand what they have been through.

Korean War Veterans and World War II Veterans

Although many veterans have suffered from PTSD for years, others are just now becoming aware of the emotional toll the war has taken on their lives. PTSD sometimes is reactivated, or even first manifested, in response to getting older, retiring, losing a loved one, or becoming ill. Our program can address the effects of trauma on aging and work to prevent delayed PTSD from becoming a chronic or disabling problem.