Emotional scars from Iraq getting difficult to ignore

"PTSD is an increasingly common disability.

More than one-third of the returning Iraq and Afghanistan vets seek treatment for combat-related disorders, a number far larger than the Veterans Administration anticipated."

""Combat equals trauma," said Eric Kettenring, counselor at the Missoula Vet Center.

The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research found that PTSD frequently leads to aggressive behavior, alcohol abuse and marital problems.

"The yearly divorce rate among U.S. Army soldiers doubled between 2001 and 2003," said Kettenring. "Among officers, it tripled."

Treatment may take six months to a year for those with moderate damage who seek help early, said Michael Mason, chief counselor at the Center for Mental Health (formerly Golden Triangle Community Mental Health).

"More severe cases may take much longer," he said. "We're still working with Vietnam vets, many of whom have been in treatment most of their adult lives.""

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