STRONG STAR consortium advances PTSD treatment for soldiers

The STRONG STAR consortium, based at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, is at the forefront of combating combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Partnering with the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center (CRDAMC) at Fort Cavazos, the consortium provides innovative care for soldiers grappling with the effects of PTSD, a prevalent mental health condition among veterans.

With nearly two decades of dedicated research, STRONG STAR has established itself as a leader in the development of evidence-based strategies that enhance the psychological health of service members and veterans. The consortium collaborates with over 150 researchers from more than 50 academic, military, and Veteran Affairs institutions to improve understanding, assessment, diagnosis, and management of military-related mental health issues.

Col. Amit Gupta, director of psychological health at CRDAMC, emphasizes the integration of advanced scientific methods into clinical practice. The goal is to improve the effectiveness of existing treatment options for active-duty members, ensuring they receive optimal care that extends into their future.

Fort Cavazos is currently hosting several clinical treatment trials under the STRONG STAR initiative. Many of these trials offer service members and veterans access to cutting-edge assessments and therapies that are not available at other military facilities. One notable study involves a combination of prolonged exposure (PE) therapy, a well-established method for treating PTSD, with a stellate ganglion block (SGB). This quick, minimally invasive procedure targets the sympathetic nervous system, aiming to alleviate symptoms like anxiety and hyperarousal.

Lt. Gen. Kevin D. Admiral, commanding general of Fort Cavazos and III Armored Corps, stated that STRONG STAR has assessed and treated thousands of service members, focusing on maximizing their psychological health to ensure readiness. The collaboration with STRONG STAR amplifies best clinical practices across the Military Health System, ultimately increasing operational effectiveness.

Recognizing the importance of family in mental health recovery, STRONG STAR has established the Strong Families Support and Prevention Program at the Shoemaker Center in Fort Cavazos. This program offers two distinct tracks:

1. **Trauma Track:** This track provides evidence-based therapy aimed at treating PTSD within the family context. It focuses on improving communication, emotional connections, and day-to-day functioning during trauma recovery.

2. **Prevention Track:** This track emphasizes proactive support for families dealing with military-related stressors, such as deployments and reintegration. It aims to strengthen communication and co-parenting skills, enhancing emotional resilience before challenges emerge.

Service members and military retirees interested in the PE therapy combined with SGB study can visit strongstar.org/sgbperct for eligibility details or contact 254-258-8574. The treatment consists of a single SGB injection followed by ten therapy sessions over two weeks. For families seeking to enroll in support services, they can call 254-289-3468 or visit strongstar.org/strongfamilies.

For those in need of immediate help, resources are available through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. This service connects individuals with trained crisis counselors who provide support no matter their location in the United States.