New name for PTSD could mean less stigma


By SB Anderson

Washington Post: “Military officers and psychiatrists are embroiled in a heated debate over whether to change the name of a condition as old as combat. The potential new moniker: post-traumatic stress injury.”

Why? “Military officers and some psychiatrists say dropping the word “disorder” in favor of “injury” will reduce the stigma that stops troops from seeking treatment. “No 19-year-old kid wants to be told he’s got a disorder,” said Gen. Peter Chiarelli, who until his retirement in February led the Army’s effort to reduce its record suicide rate.”

Psychiatrists studying the potential name change are holding a public hearing today in Philadelphia.

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