Chapter 11: Intricacies in the Treatment of and Interaction With Combat Veterans

The combat veterans’ population present unique challenges for the treating clinician as well as for their employers and co-workers. Given their increasing numbers, there is an increasing likelihood of interacting with this population. Be it Vietnam, Desert Storm or otherwise, this population has often encountered combat situations, many of which resulted in injury, death or other trauma. The unique therapeutic, workplace or social considerations of this population are discussed along with risk factors associated with this population. Four key questions clinicians who intend to treat combat veterans need to consider are can they gain trust and are they prepared to hear harrowing stories in a nonjudgmental way; do they know or will they learn the military terms and jargon including the veteran’s overall duties and rank at discharge; are they prepared to hear about death, injury, trauma, moral injury and the like without retreating; and are they skilled and psychologically equipped to deal with suicidal ideation and behavior. Providers to the combat veteran population must also be prepared to assist with an assortment of physical symptoms they often present.