Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Institutionalized World War II Veterans
Nathan Herrmann1, Goran Eryavec1
1From the Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, North York, Ontario, and North York General Hospital.
Summary
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects 23% of elderly World War II veterans, with many experiencing chronic symptoms. Combat exposure and certain pre-war factors correlate with PTSD development in this population.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Gerontology
- Military Medicine
Background:
- Limited research exists on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in World War II (WWII) veterans compared to Vietnam veterans.
- Understanding PTSD in aging WWII veterans is crucial due to their unique combat experiences and long-term health implications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of PTSD and other psychiatric disorders in elderly, institutionalized WWII veterans.
- To investigate etiological correlates, including combat exposure and pre-war variables, associated with PTSD in this cohort.
Main Methods:
- Assessment of 62 cognitively intact WWII veterans residing in a long-term care facility.
- Evaluation of past and present psychopathology, combat exposure severity, and pre-war/wartime variables by blinded investigators.
Main Results:
- Lifetime prevalence of PTSD was 23%, with 57% of those experiencing chronic symptoms.
- High prevalence of other disorders: 37% major depression, 53% alcohol abuse.
- Strong correlation found between combat stressor severity and PTSD development; significant links to pre-war family history of alcohol abuse, early life family member deaths, and prior job instability.
Conclusions:
- PTSD is a common and serious, often unrecognized, psychiatric condition in elderly, institutionalized WWII veterans.
- Combat exposure severity is a key factor in PTSD development.
- Pre-war vulnerabilities may increase susceptibility to PTSD in WWII veterans.
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