Nature-based therapy as a treatment for veterans with PTSD: what do we know?
| Pages | 15-20 |
| Published date | 20 March 2017 |
| Date | 20 March 2017 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JPMH-08-2016-0039 |
| Author | Dorthe Varning Poulsen |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Mental health,Public mental health |
Nature-based therapy as a treatment for
veterans with PTSD: what do we know?
Dorthe Varning Poulsen
Abstract
Purpose –The purposeof this paper is to provide a comprehensive argumentfor nature-based therapy(NBT)
for veteranswith post-traumatic stresssyndrome. It is the aim to generate an overviewof the evidence for NBT
to the target group. A review of available scientific literature within the field, has been comprehensively
conducted. This workis the foundation for the recommendations to decision makers and politicians.
Design/methodology/approach –This paper provides a conceptual analyses and a general review of the
literature. Following steps have been conducted. Based on the research question, relevant work (scientific
papers) have been identified using search terms in English within the three areas the target group (veterans),
the diagnosis (post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD) and treatment (NBT). Study-quality and evidence level
have been assessed and discussed.
Findings –The findings show a wide variation according to the interventions the nature setting, the length and
frequency of the NBT session as well as the health outcome measures. The studies demonstrated a positive
impact on the PTSD symptoms, quality of life and hope. None of the studies found negative impact of the
interventions. Being in a group of other veterans facing the same problems was highlighted as well. Some studies
measured the ability to return to workforce for the veterans and found NBT beneficial in that process.
Research limitations/implications –The limitation of the research due to the methods of identifying
studies. The purpose of this was to give an overview of existing literature, and there can be studies, that are
not found in this process. Including qualitative and quantitative methods are useful in a process of
understanding the impact of NBT for veterans with PTSD. The quantitative studies, which unfortunately are
few, can give information of the extent to which the treatment affects the symptoms of PTSD. Seen in the
perspective of the burden for the veterans suffering from PTSD and the economic burden for society, the
process of synthesizing the research in the field in order to generate a fundament seems necessary.
Practical implications –This policy papers are useful in order to make recommendations for politicians and
decision makers as well as practitioners.
Social implications –The burden of suffering from PTSD is heavy for the veterans and their family.
The society must drive forward the development of new and better evidence-based treatment programs for
veterans with PTSD. NBT might be a step in the right direction of this.
Originality/value –It is well-knownthat there are an increasein the number of veterans diagnosedwith PTSD.
Generally the drop-out rate of the veterans is high in conventional treatment and it is found that veterans
experience some side effects from medical treatment. NBT is, in existing research, found to have a positive
impact on the veterans,and therefore, it should be part of future treatmentprograms for veterans with PTSD.
Keywords PTSD, Recommendations, Veterans, Nature-based therapy, Post-traumatic stress syndrome
Paper type General review
Introduction
This paper describes society’s obligation to provide appropriate treatment to military personnel
who are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following war service. Furthermore,
the paper reviews nature-based therapy (NBT) as a relevant component of an overall treatment.
PTSD can occur after experiencing or witnessing traumatic events (American Psychiatric
Association, 2013). Combat-related PTSD is a condition that has huge personal implications for
the individual and his family, and poses an economic burden for society. The prevalence of PTSD
among the US troops returning from Afghanistan and Iraq has been reported at 14-15 per cent
(Gates et al., 2012), and for UK troops the number is 3-5 per cent (Fear et al., 2010; Richardson
Received 29 August 2016
Revised 17 October 2016
Accepted 17 October 2016
Dorthe Varning Poulsen is an
Assistant Professor at the
Department of Geosciences
and Natural Resource
Management, University of
Copenhagen, Frederiksberg,
Denmark.
DOI 10.1108/JPMH-08-2016-0039 VOL. 16 NO. 1 2017, pp. 15-20, © Emerald Publishing Limited, ISSN 1746-5729
j
JOURNAL OF PUBLIC MENTALHEALTH
j
PAG E 15
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