by Bob Trowbridge

Created on: August 21, 2010

The number of victims of post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD) related to war is highly under-reported (as are incidents of suicide). There is a tendency for military medical professionals to begin with an assumption of malingering, pretending to have PTSD to get out of active duty or out of the service completely.

In fact, the conditions of war in Iraq and Afghanistan create the perfect atmosphere for PTSD, even more-so than the Vietnam war, although there are many similarities.

Those conditions include the difficulty of telling friend from foe, the tactic of using improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and suicide bombers. In previous wars one group of armed soldiers faced another group of armed soldiers. The enemy was easy to identify and victories were clear.

In a situation where anybody could be a dangerous enemy, the level of high alert takes a toll on the body and the mind. There are few opportunities to let one’s defenses down. When this is coupled with repeated tours of duty, the number of service men and women with PTSD is not surprising.

Primary Effects

The primary effects of PTSD include nightmares. This also means difficulty sleeping. Possibly worse than nightmares are flashbacks in which the veteran briefly and suddenly finds him or herself back in the war zone. Even being back home with loved ones does not give the feeling of safety one would expect.

Veterans with PTSD are hypersensitive. Any loud or sudden noise will put them on high alert. This causes the physical symptoms of fight or flight, the familiar surge of adrenaline. This state of high alert, both in the war zone and later at home can lead to high blood pressure and other physical symptoms.

It can also lead to symptoms of mental illness such as extreme paranoia or extreme withdrawal.

Secondary Effects

As difficult as the primary effects of PTSD are on the victim, the effects on the family and friends can be devastating. Divorce is common for returning vets with PTSD. Relating to spouses and children is difficult. War changes even those who manage to avoid the worst effects of PTSD. For those with PTSD, however, parents, spouses, children, and friends find themselves dealing with someone who is essentially a different person, almost a stranger.

There is even the potential danger of violence in someone with serious PTSD. Some veteran murders have already occurred. This is an impact of war that is underreported and under-treated.

Tertiary Effects

Aside from the personal impact on the individual with PTSD, fitting back into “normal” society can be extremely difficult. PTSD is the cause of much of the homelessness in veterans going back all the way to Vietnam. Simply getting a regular job can be a big problem.

Other issues such as alcohol and drug abuse are often tertiary to PTSD. These exacerbate an already big problem of simply fitting in socially. PTSD survivors have problems with small talk and other “normal” social activities. They are not comfortable around those who did not share their war experiences.

Conclusion

Dividing the effects of PTSD into three categories is artificial. The impact of PTSD on the victim and on loved ones is one issue with many characteristics. All of these effects must be addressed for any lasting healing to occur.

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