Members of a state House committee say they're concerned about a rise in the number of returning military veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder — or PTSD.
The House Veterans and Military Affairs Committee is looking at ways to make sure help is available. On Thursday it conducted an interim study on how state officials can prepare for an increase in soldiers seeking treatment for PTSD.
The programs administrator for the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, Mike Walters, predicts dealing with those suffering from the disorder will be a challenge for the state for the next 20 years.
While there are federal programs available to those who experience symptoms, Walters says many veterans are hesitant to seek treatment for fear of being stigmatized.
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.
