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Acute Stress Reaction in Combat: Emerging Evidence and Peer-Based Interventions
Amy B Adler1, Ian A Gutierrez2
1Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Ave, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, USA. amy.b.adler.civ@mail.mil.
Current Psychiatry Reports
|March 30, 2022
Summary
Combat-related acute stress reactions (ASRs) affect 17.2% of deployed soldiers. This study examines ASRs, their prevalence, and effective peer-based interventions for military personnel.
Area of Science:
- Military medicine
- Psychotraumatology
- Occupational health
Background:
- Acute stress reactions (ASRs) in service members can impair functioning in high-risk military occupations.
- Impaired functioning during combat operations can endanger personnel and mission success.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight combat-related ASRs in service members.
- To differentiate ASRs from other psychiatric conditions.
- To estimate ASR prevalence and discuss team-based response strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on ASRs.
- Analysis of self-reported data on ASR experiences in deployed soldiers.
- Examination of peer-based intervention protocols.
Main Results:
- An estimated 17.2% of soldiers deployed to combat report experiencing a possible ASR.
- This prevalence highlights the need for enhanced prevention and management strategies.
- Peer-based interventions like iCOVER show promise for addressing ASRs.
Conclusions:
- ASRs represent a significant concern in military populations, despite not being a formal diagnosis.
- Effective team member response and peer support are crucial for mitigating the impact of ASRs.
- Further development and implementation of intervention strategies are warranted to support service members exposed to combat stress.
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