Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects about 20 percent of veterans according to some estimates, and the condition poses one of the biggest challenges for military families. However, new research suggests combining PTSD treatment with couples therapy may not only treat the condition better, but also strengthen relationships, reports WebMD.com.
The study looked at a method known as cognitive-based conjoint therapy (CBCT), a certain type of couples therapy. The sessions not only discuss the couple's relationship but also educates patients on PTSD and offers ways to cope with it. Though there are treatments available for individuals, experts believe having a spouse or significant other there can help.
"PTSD patients don't do as well in individualized therapy," researcher Dr. Candice Monson told WebMD. "Social support emerges as the most robust factor that encourages recovery."
The findings are just the latest potential change to the way the community addresses PTSD. Earlier this year, some in the medical community advocated renaming the condition as an injury rather than a disorder, according to Time magazine.
The change has been recommended by some in the military community as well, who feel classifying it as an injury rather than a disorder may change public perception of the condition.