Title: Deployment and PTSD in the Female Combat Veteran: A Systematic Review
Abstract: Nursing ForumVolume 49, Issue 1 p. 1-10 Original Article Deployment and PTSD in the Female Combat Veteran: A Systematic Review Patricia L. Conard MSN, RN, Corresponding Author Patricia L. Conard MSN, RN Doctoral Student College of Nursing, Texas Woman's University, Denton, TX Correspondence Patricia Lynn Conard, MSN, RN, PhD student, College of Nursing, Texas Woman's University, Denton, TX E-mail: [email protected]Search for more papers by this authorDonna J. Sauls PhD, RN, Donna J. Sauls PhD, RN Associate Professor and Online PhD Program Coordinator College of Nursing, Texas Woman's University, Denton, TXSearch for more papers by this author Patricia L. Conard MSN, RN, Corresponding Author Patricia L. Conard MSN, RN Doctoral Student College of Nursing, Texas Woman's University, Denton, TX Correspondence Patricia Lynn Conard, MSN, RN, PhD student, College of Nursing, Texas Woman's University, Denton, TX E-mail: [email protected]Search for more papers by this authorDonna J. Sauls PhD, RN, Donna J. Sauls PhD, RN Associate Professor and Online PhD Program Coordinator College of Nursing, Texas Woman's University, Denton, TXSearch for more papers by this author First published: 08 July 2013 https://doi.org/10.1111/nuf.12049Citations: 24Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Abstract Background The number of females serving in the Gulf War has risen and continues to be a rapidly growing group. Females occupy a wide range of roles and face a myriad of challenges as they serve alongside their male counterparts in almost every role. Females are also facing redeployment, multiple deployments, and/or extended deployments. The stressors of war and deployments may be putting them at risk for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If left untreated, PTSD can have devastating and debilitating consequences for veteran's functioning and relationships, their families, and society. Objective To examine the literature over the past 10 years to determine if there is a relationship between deployments and the incidence of PTSD in female combat veterans as compared with male veterans. Method Systematic review. Results The numbers of veterans screening for PTSD are increasing. Those who have experienced extended or multiple tours have higher screening rates. Females report slightly less combat exposure than males but higher exposures to other stressors of war such as military sexual trauma. Females were at higher risk for depression while males were at higher risk of substance abuse. 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