Psychosomatics 27: 567-573, 1986
Copyright
© 1986 Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine
Combat stress, post-traumatic stress disorder, and associated psychiatric disturbance
BRUCE BOMAN M.B., F.R.A.N.Z.C.P., Ph.D.1
1 Senior specialist (psychiatry) at the Repatriation General Hospital in Sydney, Australia
In DSM-III, associated features and complications of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) include a range of symptoms and behavioral abnormalities comprising depression, anxiety, irritability with unpredictable explosions of aggression, impulsivity, suicidal actions, and substance abuse. The present study found that these associated features occurred with equal frequency among Vietnam veterans with PTSD and Vietnam veterans free of the disorder, and that these features also commonly occurred among currently serving military personnel with no overseas service. Consequently, it should not be assumed that wartime service necessarily is a major etiologic factor when veterans are affected by neurotic symptoms or disruptive behavior.
