Trajectories of PTSD: a 20-year longitudinal study
Zahava Solomon1, Mario Mikulincer
1Bob Shappel School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel. solomon@post.tau.ac.il
The American Journal of Psychiatry
|April 6, 2006
Summary
Combat stress reaction significantly increases the risk of severe and enduring posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans. These psychological wounds of war can fluctuate over time, impacting long-term recovery.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Military Psychology
- Trauma Studies
Background:
- Combat stress reaction (CSR) is a critical factor influencing veteran mental health.
- Understanding the long-term psychopathological effects of combat is essential for veteran care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the psychopathological outcomes of combat exposure in veterans.
- To compare outcomes between veterans with and without combat stress reaction.
Main Methods:
- Prospective longitudinal study of 214 veterans from the 1982 Lebanon War.
- Assessment at 1, 2, 3, and 20 years post-war, categorizing participants by CSR history.
Main Results:
- Veterans with CSR were 6.6 times more likely to develop PTSD, with greater severity and risk of exacerbation.
- Delayed PTSD onset was reported by 23% of veterans without CSR.
- PTSD symptom profiles showed time-related changes, with fluctuating rates over 20 years.
Conclusions:
- Combat stress reaction is a significant vulnerability marker for long-term PTSD.
- The psychological impact of combat is profound and complex, particularly for CSR casualties.
- Aging and persistent stressors can impede recovery from war-related psychological trauma.
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