Differentiating between post-Vietnam syndrome and preexisting psychiatric disorders

The scientific literature and the news media have suggested that the symptoms of post-Vietnam syndrome are being overlooked by society and mental health workers. The literature relating to psychiatric problems in Vietnam combat troops and veterans was confusing, and reporting of the posttraumatic stress syndrome was slow. However, the Veterans Administration accepts the diagnostic entity of posttraumatic stress disorder as potentially compensable. We report a case that demonstrates many of the complex issues faced when treating a Vietnam combat veteran. We believe the time has come for a large-scale study of Vietnam veterans to identify the risk factors involved in postwar psychiatric problems.