PTSD in Female Veterans
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe anxiety disorder that affects millions of people around the world. Individuals can develop PTSD after experiencing any event that results in psychological trauma. Symptoms of PTSD involve flashbacks to the traumatic event, nightmares, obsessive behavior, anger, insomnia, difficulty concentrating, and hypervigilance. Individuals who suffer from PTSD can experience significant difficulties in social relationships, have lower self-esteem, and have trouble maintaining employment. People with PTSD experience a higher risk of committing suicide and developing a substance abuse disorder. Although PTSD can affect any individual, military veterans are especially susceptible. Furthermore, within this population, women are more than twice as likely as men to develop PTSD.
Although studies investigating precisely why women are more likely than men to experience PTSD have not yet been completed, some experts have theorized that low unit cohesion is a major factor. Unit cohesion, defined as the mutual bonds of friendship and support among members of a military unit, is thought to be helpful in reducing the incidence of developing PTSD. Women are more likely than men to experience low unit cohesion for a variety of reasons. One of the most obvious factors is the relative lack of females in the military; currently, women make up only 20% of the armed forces. Pervasive male prejudice against women is another factor that can diminish unit cohesion for female soldiers.
Perhaps the biggest impediment to achieving quality treatment for women suffering from wartime PTSD is a shortage of research. While both the VA and independent agencies have completed hundreds of studies researching the prevention of and treatment for PTSD amongst general military populations, there have been no studies completed that solely target women. More must be done to help women who have sacrificed so much for their country.
Question: What is the author's purpose in writing this passage?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In the last paragraph, we learn that female combat veterans have not been specifically targeted in studies. The author even adds that "more must be done" to help these women.
To entertain readers with an interesting account of combat is incorrect. The author does not relate an interesting story of combat. Rather, the author describes the cause and effects of PTSD in veterans.
To suggest that better medications are needed for PTSD sufferers is incorrect. The author does not mention medications at all.
To inform readers of some treatments for combat-related PTSD is incorrect. The author does not describe potential treatments for PTSD.