A Review Of Art Therapy Among Military Service Members And Veterans With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Every day in the United States approximately 22 veterans, and one active duty service member, reservist, or national guardsman commits suicide and the rate is climbing. In 2008, there were 197 reported suicides; 2009, 238; 2010, 301; 2011, 283; 2012, 325. In addition to fighting the Global War on Terror, current service members and veterans are left to battle postwar symptoms related to posttraumatic stress disorder, otherwise known as PTSD. As the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have come to a close, there is growing concern over the efficacy of postwar treatment, which will be needed for the increasing number of veterans returning home. Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare is the largest healthcare delivery system in the United States and according to a U.S. Congressional Research Service report for Congress, the prevalence of PTSD among Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) veterans receiving VA healthcare in FY2002-2012 was 29%. It is important to note that although combat exposure is a leading cause of PTSD among males, military sexual trauma (MST) is the leading cause of PTSD among females. Although treatment for PTSD is widely researched among past and present military service members, little is known about the potential therapeutic benefits art therapy could offer this population. Existing research indicates that art therapy shows promising treatment results among service members. This project aims to provide a review of why art therapy programs should be implemented among current military service members and veterans diagnosed with PTSD.