Veterans invited to help with study

War veterans, their partners and relatives are being invited to describe what it's like living with the fallout from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

La Trobe University researcher Dr Lynette Evans says very little is known about how PTSD and its symptoms affect family members and relationships.

"We know that many war veterans return home from conflict severely affected by PTSD, depression and drinking problems," she said in a statement.

Dr Evans, a clinical psychologist, and Dr Sean Cowlishaw, also from La Trobe University, and Associate Professor Malcolm Hopwood, clinical director of the Austin Health Veterans' Psychiatry Unit, are working together on the survey of families of veterans with PTSD.

Dr Evans said treatment was available for veterans.

"But individual treatment seems to have limited impacts on the family dynamics and distress of people experiencing these problems. We need to know more about how families are affected, and what we can do to provide support and treatment," he said.

Prof Hopwood said helping families would also benefit the afflicted veteran.

"If we can help family members better cope, then we will have also equipped them to help the veteran recover," he said.

"We need to hear from couples in which one partner has combat-related PTSD."

To participate or find out more, call 1800 013 017.