Combat Trauma and Distress Symptoms Among Women Veterans

The experiences of women veterans who served in combat and combat-support roles deserve much attention. The study aims to explore the differences in symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder between women combatants and women in combat support roles.

This cross-sectional study included the files of 71 veterans' women (mean age 25.81 [SD = 5.243; Median = 24.50]), who served over 20 years, and who filled out questionnaires on admission for evaluation. The outcome variables included 2 measures of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) [PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) and Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5)], the predictors included the Dissociative Experience Scale, and the Brief Symptom Inventory.

Of 49 who filled out the PCL, 77.6% (n = 38) met the criteria for probable PTSD probable PTSD (PCL ≥ 33); Of 45 who filled out the DES, 17.8% (n = 8)-met the criteria for probable dissociation (DES ≥ 30%); and of 41who filled out the BSI, 78.0% (n = 32)-found with probable distress (BSI ≥ 63). Dissociative symptoms (P = .007) were the only variable where women in combat duties differed from women in combat support roles. In women who reported experiencing combat trauma, whether they were physically injured or not, and regardless of being in a combat or in a combat-support role, the presence of probable PTSD is most strongly associated with probable distress, as measured by the BSI.

These findings clarify the unique needs women veterans face in receiving mental health care, of both combatants and women in combat support roles.