Post-traumatic stress disorder in veterans: innovative therapy and prevention methods

Background. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the most common mental disorders among military personnel and veterans, which has significant consequences for their mental and physical health. To overcome the challenges associated with this problem, it is important to analyse the key factors that contribute to the development of PTSD among military personnel and veterans. Purpose – the purpose of the work was to review recent studies of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans, to reveal its key causes, manifestations and consequences, as well as to analyse the effectiveness of innovative methods of therapy and prevention. Materials and Methods. A linguosemantic analysis of scientometric databases was conducted on modern innovative approaches to the therapy and prevention of PTSD, in particular psychotherapeutic, pharmacological, technological and psychoeducational methods. Results. The literature review results demonstrate the effectiveness of integrative strategies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, exposure therapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and virtual reality. A strategy for integrating modern psychotherapeutic approaches, neurotechnologies, pharmacological interventions, and social support programmes is presented to improve veteransʼ mental health and promote social adaptation. The prospects of personalised medicine in the treatment of PTSD, which is based on the analysis of neurobiological profiles, biomarkers, and psychosocial characteristics of veterans, are emphasised. The conclusion is made about the need for further interdisciplinary research to improve existing and create new therapeutic approaches aimed at improving the mental health of veterans and their social integration. Special attention is paid to modern treatment methods based on an evidence-based approach, particularly psychotherapeutic and pharmacological interventions, as well as their effectiveness. Conclusions. The article examines the current problem of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans who were exposed to extreme stressors during combat. Innovative approaches aimed at early identification of PTSD, identification of treatment predictors, personalised medicine, and implementation of new interventions focused not only on trauma but also on the overall improvement of the functional state of veterans are presented.