Childhood abuse experiences and combat-related PTSD

Current literature on the etiology of combat-related PTSD strongly implicates combat trauma exposure as a primary etiological factor. However, studies of premilitary variables have produced conflicting results, perhaps in part due to methodological inconsistencies and failure to employ standardized measures. The present study examines one premilitary variable, childhood physical abuse history. Using a standardized measure developed by child abuse researchers, forty-five percent of veterans with PTSD were identified as recipients of abusive physical punishment during childhood. A positive correlation between physical abuse history and severity of combat-related PTSD was found. These preliminary findings set the stage for further investigation of the child abuse variable and underscore the need for treatment of veterans with combat-related PTSD which addresses developmental traumagenic events.