November 16, 2005
Contact: Jeff Schrade (202)224-9093

(Washington, DC)  A review to ensure the accurate diagnosis, treatment and compensation of individuals suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has gained the support of U.S. Senator Larry Craig, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

“Many who return from the War on Terror, while not troubled in body, may be troubled in mind.  An accurate diagnosis of their condition is the cornerstone of effective treatment, and effective treatment is what places them on the path to recovery,” Craig said.

The Department of Veterans Affairs announced today that it has contracted with the Institutes of Medicine on a two-pronged approach to the examination of PTSD. 

Under the agreement, one IOM committee will be established to review the current scientific and medical literature related to the assessment of PTSD and how accurate the current screening instruments are.  Another IOM committee will provide technical assistance on issues related to treatment, prognosis, and compensation of PTSD. 

The Institutes of Medicine is a part of the National Academies, which include the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, and National Research Council. They are private, nonprofit institutions which provide science, technology, and health policy advice under a congressional charter.

The first committee will take six months to complete its tasks.  The second committee, whose meetings will be open to the public and will accept public input, will take one year for its assignments.  Information about how to provide comments on those activities will be posted on the National Academies of Science (of which the IOM is a member) website, located at http://www.national-academies.org.

“The bottom line is that we want to help veterans get the help, treatment and just compensation they need.  I applaud Secretary Nicholson for having the foresight to request this independent review that will inform the decisions of policy makers for years to come,” Craig said.