TDNet Discover

Background: More than two million military personnel have fought in Afghanistan and Iraq, many of whom come home to a family. The significant others of these service members(SM) are to some unknown extent also subjected to the effects of war. Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential impact on a significant other of a SM who has been diagnosed with PTSD and/or traumatic brain injury from combat in either Afghanistan or Iraq. In addition, the study aims to determine if the extent of impact on the significant other warrants clinical intervention. The data should be used to influence the revision of treatment protocols for the SM to include interventions to support their significant other both physically and emotionally. Methods: Research was conducted by performing a snowball sampling survey posted to Facebook. The questions were based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th edition criteria for disorders and demographic information that could be applied to the military significant other population of combatants. Results: Analysis of the survey data showed that there is an effect on a significant other as a result of their service member’s experience in combat. The sample size was large enough to be relevant to the population. Conclusion: With this information, medical providers, the military, and the Veteran’s Administration (VA) can identify and take steps to create awareness or implement education to influence impact of the SM’s combat trauma on his or her family.