Distinguishing features of delayed-onset posttraumatic stress disorder.
The author identifies common themes in the clinical presentations of war veterans who experienced a delayed onset of posttraumatic stress disorder. These patients appear to share the characteristics of (1) long periods of good postwar adjustment, (2) guilt about a relatively circumscribed act of omission or commission during combat, and (3) similar defense mechanisms. The author explores the implications of these findings for the understanding of posttraumatic stress disorder.
Ramchandani
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Department of Psychiatry, Medical College of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19129.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003130:Combat Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000523:psychology*; D014728:Veterans / Q000523:psychology*