PTSD: Difficult Diagnosis 'Can Break An Individual'

PTSD: Difficult Diagnosis 'Can Break An Individual'
Members of the media wait outside of the Bernie Beck Gate, an entrance to the Fort Hood military base, for updates on a shooting that occurred inside on Wednesday, April 2, 2014 in Fort Hood, Texas. (AP Photo/ Tamir Kalifa)
Members of the media wait outside of the Bernie Beck Gate, an entrance to the Fort Hood military base, for updates on a shooting that occurred inside on Wednesday, April 2, 2014 in Fort Hood, Texas. (AP Photo/ Tamir Kalifa)

Ivan Lopez, who officials say shot himself to death Wednesday night after shooting and killing three others at Fort Hood in Texas, was being “evaluated” for post-traumatic stress disorder, officials say.

It’s something the U.S. military is paying close attention to with as many as two in 10 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans coming home with symptoms, according to the Veterans Affairs Department, which has set up its own center for PTSD. President Obama issued an executive order in 2012 telling the VA to expand its suicide prevention and mental health services.

PTSD can cause violent outbursts and mood swings. But it’s clear there is not an epidemic of stressed out veterans committing mass shootings, and experts disagree on whether PTSD could ever be blamed.

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