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The prisoner of war.

R J Ursano¹, J R Rundell

¹Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland.

Military Medicine

|April 1, 1990

Summary

The prisoner of war (POW) experience impacts mental health through captivity factors and coping mechanisms. Repatriation can lead to psychiatric disorders, with social support influencing recovery.

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Area of Science:

Psychiatry
Military Medicine
Psychology

Background:

The prisoner of war (POW) experience is shaped by captivity environment and sociocultural factors.
Effective coping mechanisms include communication, social structure, and personality flexibility.

Purpose of the Study:

To outline the psychiatric consequences for former POWs.
To identify key factors influencing post-captivity mental health outcomes.

Main Methods:

Review of psychiatric disorders common in former POWs.
Analysis of environmental, sociocultural, and personal factors affecting POWs.
Assessment of the role of social support in recovery.

Main Results:

Common psychiatric disorders include medico-psychiatric issues, PTSD, adjustment disorder, depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, and family problems.
Captivity severity and social support significantly impact post-repatriation mental health.

Conclusions:

Former POWs face diverse psychiatric challenges post-captivity.
Environmental, social, and personal factors are critical in determining recovery and illness trajectories.

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