PTSD

Around 20% of veterans who fought in the Middle East are troubled by Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). As per VA (Veterans Association), veteran deaths by suicide was at an average of twenty per day in 2017. Veterans suffering from PTSD and other mental health issues face difficulty in adjusting to regular life and in many cases, end up on the street, addicted to drugs, or even end up committing suicide. Studies suggest that many deaths are a result of over-prescription of opioids and other medications which are prescribed to veterans when they are injured. Most of the vets deal with combat-related chronic pain, making their life extremely difficult. Doctors tend to prescribe opioids to deal with chronic pain, which gives way to side effects like stress, anxiety, mood swings, and sleep disorders. Source: va.org

Between 2005 and 2017, 78,875 veterans took their own lives, according to the most recent data from the VA — more than the number of Americans killed in each major conflict except for World War II and the Civil War.

The reasons are not fully understood, but the numbers reflect a burden with heavy wartime demands after almost two decades of post-9/11 wars. Some explanations from studies, news reports and experts have pointed to post-traumatic stress disorder, misuse of medication, traumatic brain injuries, financial issues, family problems, military sex assault and combat experiences. However, a substantial portion of suicides are committed by those who did not deploy. In 2018, for example, 41.7% of service members who killed themselves had never deployed to a combat zone.

“Veteran suicide is a public health crisis and addressing it is complex. There are many factors that lead to suicide, and we know that what will work for older male veterans may not be the same as what will help for younger women veterans,” Rep. Mark Takano, D-Calif.

Cannabidiol in the Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Case Series

Administration of oral CBD in addition to routine psychiatric care was associated with PTSD symptom reduction in adults with PTSD. CBD also appeared to offer relief in a subset of patients who reported frequent nightmares as a symptom of their PTSD. Additional clinical investigation, including double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, would be necessary to further substantiate the response to CBD that was observed in this study.

Lucas Elms, BS,¹ Scott Shannon, MD, FAACAP,² Shannon Hughes, PhD,³ and Nicole Lewis, ND⁴