Veteran Mental Health Initiative
The PTSD Initiative
The Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation in partnership with RSL Queensland conducted innovative medical research into the physical and psychological toll of PTSD on Vietnam veterans. The PTSD Initiative: Vietnam Veteran Study has been published in the prestigious Medical Journal of Australia and formed the basis of a national GP Education Program for healthcare professionals.
Hard copies are available for some of these resources so please get in touch if you would like to order any quantities.
Research videos
Full-length version, length 4:49
Social media version, length: 1:44
Bite-sized videos outlining research findings
These bite-sized are extracts from the full-length video seen above.
1. Prevalence of PTSD, length: .21
2. Key findings, length: .22
3. Tests completed by participants, length: .18
Clinical videos
Director of Research, Professor Darrell Crawford for the Gallipoli Medical Research Institute (GMRI), explains the importance of research into the physical toll of PTSD. Length: 5:47
Questions asked in the video:
- Introduction 0:00
- What physical symptoms are associated with PTSD? 1:07
- What chronic illnesses are linked to PTSD? 2:07
- How do you communicate to a patient that their symptoms may be associated with PTSD? 3:13
- How can GPs effectively identify and manage patients with PTSD? 4:05
- What role can GPs play in supporting people with PTSD? 5:00
Psychiatric Advisor to GMRF, Dr Andrew Khoo explains key points for the diagnosis of PTSD and what pharmacological support is available in general practice. Length: 12:01
Questions asked in the video:
- Introduction 0:00
- What is the prevalence of PTSD in the general population and in veterans? 0.37
- Are there different “kinds” of PTSD? 2:00
- What are the recent developments in the diagnosis of PTSD? 3:05
- How can we identify a patient who may have PTSD? 5:39
- What treatment modalities are most effective for PTSD patients? 7:36
- What can GPs do to support their patients with PTSD? 9.48
Videos for GPs and healthcare professionals
Dr Phillip Parker GP and veteran, discusses ways to work with patients who may have PTSD, inlcuding techniques for dealing with hesitant patients, the stigma of PTSD, particularly in the veteran community and the role of the sufferer’s family. Length: 1.56
Dr Parker talks about the ways GPs can support patients with PTSD, and provides practical tips for treatment options. Length: 2.24
Dr Parker discusses issues for veterans with PTSD and their GPs. Length: 1.26
Dr Parker talks about specific item numbers and assessment tools he uses when treating a veteran with PTSD. Length: .53
Personal account videos
Tony’s story
Tony Dell, a participant in the PTSD Initiative, shares his experience dealing with PTSD.
Richard’s story
Richard, a participant in the PTSD Initiative shares his experience dealing with PTSD.
Karen’s story
Karen shares her experiences of supporting her husband Richard, a Vietnam veteran diagnosed with PTSD.
Kerri-Ann’s story
Kerri-Ann shares her experience supporting her husband who served in Afghanistan.
Downloads
- McLeay, Sarah C., et al. “Physical comorbidities of post-traumatic stress disorder in Australian Vietnam War veterans.” Med J Aust 206.6 (2017): 251-257
- Peer-to-peer booklet, Managing the Physical and Psychological Symptoms of PTSD, 16-page A5 booklet, for people experiencing PTSD symptoms, June 2017
- A guide to Post traumatic stress disorder and your general health, 8-page magazine, general audience, June 2017
- About the PTSD Initiative, 4-page A5 brochure, general audience, Mar 2017
RSL News magazine articles
- Backing the Right Horse, Edition 6 2018, 4-pages
- Researching the Healing Power of Compassion, Edition 4 2018, 3-pages
- Forging a New Path for Your Treatment Options, Edition 3 2018, 4-pages
- Could adventure be part of your journey to recovery, Edition 2 2018, 4-pages
- The GP and Me, Edition 1 2018, 4-pages
- Facing the Physical Symptoms of PTSD including IBS, October 2017, 2-pages
- Your Guide to Good Health, the Importance of a Regular Visit to Your GP, August 2017, 4-pages
- Sleep your Way to Better Health, April 2017, 4-pages
- PTSD Education Program for GPs Launched, April 2017, 4-pages
- A Matter of the Mind for Your Heart Health, February 2017, 4-pages
- The Journey Home and the VMHI Reintegration Study, December 2016, 4-pages
Links/resources for healthcare professionals and clinicians
- Treatment Algorithm for PTSD, developed by GMRF, Sep 2017
- eMHPrac Resource Guide e-Mental Health in Practice
- Manual for the Administration and Scoring of the PTSD Symptom Scale (PSS-I)
- Post Traumatic Diagnostic Scale (PDS)
- Mental Health Professionals Network
Support for mental health practitioners through local networks and online professional development program - Report: Mental Health in the Australian Defence Force: 2010 ADF Mental Health Prevalence and Wellbeing Study
- Learning module: RACGP GP Learning Module: ‘Working with veterans with mental health problems’ – 1 hour, earn CPD points
(RACGP reference 79745)Links/resources for individuals
- RSL Queensland
T: 134 775 (business hours)
ESO Directory or contact your local RSL Queensland veteran services officer. - Open Arms (Formerly Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service)
Free and confidential nation-wide counselling and support for war and service-related mental health conditions 24hours/7 days a week
T: 1800 011 046 - Mates4Mates
T: 1300 4 62837 - Phoenix Australia – Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health
Self-help resources and information on treatment options - Beyond Blue
PTSD information - Black Dog Institute
PTSD information - Lifeline
Counselling services for anyone at any time
T: 13 11 14 - Parentline
Confidential telephone counselling support for parents and carers of
Children
T: 1300 301 300 - eheadspace
Online and telephone service for young people and their families going through a tough time
T: 1800 650 890 - Suicide Call Back Service
Nationwide suicide providing 24/7 telephone, video and online professional counselling to people who are affected by suicide
T: 1300 659 467