Israel's breakthrough in PTSD, chronic illness care will change medicine for veterans – opinion

This decision unequivocally confirms what has long been understood: psychological trauma is not disconnected from the physical body. The profound connection between mind and body now receives official medical and public validation, necessitating a reevaluation of how we address the impact of combat on soldiers.

According to the study, the lifetime cost to the economy for an individual suffering from PTSD amounts to approximately NIS 1.86 million ($530,000). This substantial sum is primarily attributable to loss of employment and decreased productivity (approximately 74%), as many individuals struggle to function effectively in the workforce.

Furthermore, there are healthcare and disability benefit expenses (approximately 18%) covering psychological and psychiatric treatments, medications, and care for associated chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease, as well as costs derived from an increased risk of comorbid conditions and addictions (approximately 8%).

For comparison, the economic cost of other chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or heart disease, ranges between NIS 1.8 billion and 2.2 b. ($510,000-$620,000) annually. This clearly indicates that effective, proactive trauma care is not merely a matter of human compassion, but a crucial economic and, more importantly, human investment. Just as the IDF equips its soldiers with physical protective gear before entering battle, it is imperative to equip them with psychological defense mechanisms. Proactive trauma care is not a luxury; it is a strategic imperative.

THE OBJECTIVE is to integrate psychological training, tools for coping with extreme stress, and even basic psychological support as an integral part of pre-combat preparation. Just as soldiers practice shooting and combat tactics, they must also practice psychological resilience.

This involves providing them with tools before they enter combat, enabling them to regulate stress responses, identify early warning signs of trauma in themselves and their peers, and comprehend the psychological processes that occur during and after a traumatic event. It is about practical training that teaches immediate “release” techniques.

Soldiers and officers should be trained to utilize tools that facilitate immediate coping upon the conclusion of a traumatic incident (e.g., after an engagement, a difficult event, or exposure to disturbing sights). Time is critical – immediately following exposure to a traumatic event, while adrenaline is still high and experiences are fresh, it is possible to prevent the development of post-trauma. The goal is to prevent the event from becoming entrenched as trauma in the brain by providing rapid emotional and physical response.

Immediately upon returning from the field, safe and accessible spaces must be established where soldiers can undergo focused and guided “trauma release.” The objective is to ensure that difficult events do not become “locked” into the nervous system, meaning that trauma release is not solely achieved through verbal processing but also physically, through recognized techniques employed by militaries worldwide and validated by numerous scientific studies.

We must not be content with reactive treatment. The State of Israel and the IDF must adopt a proactive approach to trauma care, both in preparation for combat and upon return, by embracing methods that enable efficient and rapid trauma release.

Investing in the psychological resilience of our soldiers is an investment in a healthier future for them and society as a whole. This is a moral obligation and a strategic and economic imperative.