Meta-analysis of Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and the Association with Criminal Behavior

摘要

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the most common disabling disorders present among returning military personnel, especially those in combat. Many veterans will not receive treatment for PTSD due to the stigma and lack of understanding from the community and their family. Without the proper education and coping skills, one could turn to substance abuse or suicidality. More recently it has been reported that there is an association between veterans with PTSD and criminal or aggressive behavior; to what extent, the results have varied. This is accompanied by an alarming rate of incarcerated veterans. Therefore, it is important to bridge the gap between veterans with PTSD and criminal or aggressive behavior to construct effective intervention and treatment programs. A Meta-Analysis was conducted on studies that evaluated Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), and Operation New Dawn (OND) military veterans diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the prevalence of their involvement in the criminal justice system. The studies contained in the analysis were published from January 2007 to November 2017 with participants who are former military. The review supported previous research in that there is an increased rate of violence and aggression among veterans with PTSD.