NCJ Number
150454
Journal
International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology Volume: 38 Issue: 2 Dated: (Summer 1994) Pages: 117-130
Date Published
1994
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This article describes the one existing program of treatment for incarcerated Vietnam veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), in operation at the Federal Correctional Institution in Phoenix.
Abstract
The PTSD veterans enrolled in this program were incarcerated for offenses ranging from bank robbery and drug- related offenses to terrorist and bomb threats, weapons offenses, making false statements to the Veterans Administration (VA), and aggravated assault. About half the participants were married with children. The PTSD program consists of three treatment dimensions, the first of which pertains to group. Within that dimension are six stages, identified as the second tour, stress management, handling symptoms of PTSD, veterans with PTSD and crime, conflict resolution, and the effects of PTSD on the family. The second dimension relates to individual psychotherapy, and the third utilizes videos to analyze and understand the Vietnam conflict from a different perspective. Additional services offered by the program include substance abuse treatment, counseling provided at the local VA Vet Center, and assistance in easing the inmate's social reintegration. 4 references