PTSD AND THE WARFIGHTER: A TECHNOLOGY-BASED APPROACH TO THERAPY

Abstract

The missions in support of Global War on Terrorism may have concluded throughout the Middle East, but the residual effects of the sustained combat operations remain present and continue to influence the lives of so many combat Veterans. Advances in technology, such as health monitoring and wearable devices, could improve the treatment of the warfighters and the approach adopted by the Defense Health Agency and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps have policies established to remove their respective Sailors and Marines from their standard deployable status to a Limited Duty (LIMDU) position, which are limited to six-month periods and two concurrent periods before personnel must go before a Medical Review Board, where they are susceptible to medical separation or medical retirement. It is important to explore additional treatment options so the victims can obtain a renewed sense of purpose, eliminate suicidal thoughts and ideations, and if preferred, continue their military service and share their valued experiences with the next generation. This research explores nontraditional methods of PTSD treatment, to include technology, mood tracking, and sleep data, and how these data points influence one another.Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.Lieutenant, United States NavyLieutenant, United States Nav

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