Ohio State researchers study new treatment to reduce suicide among veterans

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A new study led by researchers at Ohio State University's Wexner Medical Center found promising results for military personnel and veterans suffering from Post-traumatic stress disorder and suicidal intentions.

The new treatment suggested in the study as part of the Suicide and Trauma Reduction Initiative (STRIVE) that veterans and military personnel suffering should have ten therapy sessions over a two-week period, instead of one therapy session per week over 10 weeks.

“We know that the prevalence of military personnel or veterans that have a diagnosis of PTSD is higher than the general population," said Ohio State clinical assistant professor Dr. Rosie Bauder. "We also know that veterans and military personnel are more likely to die by suicide and more likely to die by suicide involving firearms.”

Dr. Bauder is a clinician on the study and said receiving the treatment over a shorter period of time, which is referred to as a crisis response plan, helped participants yield better results faster than the traditional therapy schedule.

“One of the things that’s especially promising about the idea of giving treatment in this massed format is that we’re able to see symptom reduction quickly and we’re actually able to see people feel better,” said Dr. Bauder.

Some of the participants of the study were treated in Columbus while others did it virtually, with both in-person and virtual sessions providing equal effectiveness. “There is recovery from PTSD. PTSD doesn’t need to be a lifelong illness or chronic illness,” said Dr. Bauder.

To learn more about the crisis response plan treatment and see how it may help you or a loved one, click here.