Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms Among Soldiers Exposed to Combat in the Persian Gulf

Abstract

This study surveyed a relatively small sample. No attempt was made to perform diagnostic interviews on to evaluate the full spectrum of symptoms associated with posttraumatic stress disorder. However, the results suggest that personal injury may be highly important among the many combat experiences suspected of contributing to psychological trauma and later development of posttraumatic stress disorder. The results also suggest that soldiers often use alcohol to alleviate nightmares and sleep disturbances following combat experiences. Soldiers who directly experienced combat in the Persian Gulf War, particularly those who suffered physical injury, may be at increased risk for mental health problems compared with the general population of Persian Gulf veterans.