A Mixed-Method Analysis of an Equine Complementary Therapy Program to Heal Combat Veterans

Abstract

There are more than 500,000 veterans who participated in various US military wars over the past 60 years who suffer from symptoms diagnosed as PTSD and traumatic brain injury (TBI). It is becoming clear that military personnel exposed to combat operations are at an increased risk for PTSD [1]. According to Makinson & Young [2], “PTSD is a mental disorder characterized by a sudden onset of symptoms due to environmental exposure to a psychologically stressful event such as war, natural disaster, or sexual victimization”. The DSM-5 handbook describes intrusion symptoms, avoidance, negative alterations in cognition and mood, and alteration in alertness and negativity [3]. Intrusion symptoms include the reoccurrence of the event in thoughts, dreams, illusions, or flashbacks. Those suffering from PTSD will also avoid thoughts and feelings connected to the event/people or places that trigger recollections of the trauma and possess negative alterations to include negative beliefs about oneself, diminished interest in social activities, or detachment from others. Veterans will express alteration in alertness and activity and exhibit irritable behavior, insomnia, and hypervigilance. Most importantly is that veterans who suffer from the impacts of PTSD experience an overall impairment in their day-to-day living.