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Somatic symptoms in Gulf War mortuary workers
James E McCarroll1, Robert J Ursano, Carol S Fullerton
1Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814-4799, USA. jmcarroll@usuhs.mil
Psychosomatic Medicine
|January 31, 2002
Summary
Exposure to deceased individuals, particularly those from Operation Desert Storm, was linked to increased somatic symptoms in mortuary workers. Higher exposure levels correlated with greater symptom development, indicating a significant relationship between handling remains and physical distress.
Area of Science:
- Psychological Trauma
- Somatic Symptom Disorders
- Mortuary Science
Background:
- Previous research has explored the psychological impact of trauma, but the specific link between exposure to the deceased and somatic symptoms requires further investigation.
- Military mortuaries handle remains from conflict zones, presenting unique challenges for personnel.
- Understanding the physiological responses to handling deceased individuals is crucial for occupational health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between exposure to deceased individuals and the subsequent development of somatic symptoms.
- To determine if the degree of exposure to remains influences the severity of somatic symptoms.
Main Methods:
- A pre-post study design was employed with 352 military personnel working in a mortuary receiving remains from the Persian Gulf War (Operation Desert Storm).
- Somatic symptom levels were assessed before and after exposure to deceased individuals.
- Participants were categorized into four groups based on their level of exposure to remains, controlling for factors like age, sex, volunteer status, prior experience, depression, and mutilation fear.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant increase in postexposure somatic symptoms was observed compared to preexposure levels.
- The two groups with the highest degree of exposure to deceased individuals showed the most pronounced increase in somatic symptoms.
Conclusions:
- The findings provide empirical support for a relationship between exposure to deceased individuals and the manifestation of somatic distress.
- Occupational health strategies may need to consider the impact of handling remains on the development of somatic symptoms.