Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Can video games trigger PTSD?

The Hawaii-based PTSD organization Stay Strong Nation is arguing that the combat simulation aspects of the newest Call of Duty video game can serve as "volatile triggers for veterans suffering from PTS[D]."

Gresford Lewishall, vice president of the organization, said in a prepared statement, "Veterans either play or have exposure to the games and subsequently feel like they're back in Afghanistan or Iraq in life or death situations. Their heart beat accelerates and they feel a sense of unease come over them."

Read more here.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Obama's budget seeks $7.2 billion for PTSD/TBI treatment

President Obama's 2012 budget proposes a healthy $7.2 billion to research and treat post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. This is an increase of $765 (14.6%) compared to the current, 2011, budget.

Nextgov has more.