As more veterans return from overseas, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) continues to gain attention from the mental health, military and government communities. However, PTSD has become more prominent in pop culture due to an increase of PTSD portrayals in television and movies. One of the most notable and timely examples is the new character, Dr. Owen Hunt, on ABC’s popular medical drama, Grey’s Anatomy.
Dr. Hunt, shown above in preparation for a brain scan, recently returned from active military duty in Iraq. Since his introduction earlier this season, he has progressively shown more problems with assimilation into civilian life and has demonstrated PTSD symptoms.
Are you interested to see how ABC is portraying PTSD? You can view the most recent episode of Grey’s Anatomy, in which Dr. Hunt seeks help after his symptoms increase, by clicking here and selecting episode 18.
Because most individuals do not read psychological or medical journals, articles, and studies, it is important that the messages that they do receive about conditions such as PTSD are accurate. A misleading portrayal can do much more harm than good by adding to misconceptions and stigmatization.
Do you think that films and television shows, such as Grey’s Anatomy, are portraying PTSD properly? Do you think that the appearance of PTSD in popular shows will increase awareness or understanding of the condition?
i think it is imperative that television see and understand EMDR and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder accurately.
i think the broadbrush effect on our society can be much more harmful, i have an independent television project in development about PTSD & EMDR. Docu/drama, please feel free to contact me.