Psychopathology in war-zone deployed and nondeployed Operation Desert Storm troops assigned graves registration duties.
Early psychopathology outcomes were compared in troops mobilized for Persian Gulf graves registration duty but differentiated by war-zone deployment. Constructs of interest were Axis I psychiatric disorders, particularly posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), negative affect states, and somatic complaints. Psychometric instruments, including the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R, were administered to troops attending drill exercises. Although similar in personal characteristics and reporting low rates of premorbid psychopathology, groups differed in the prevalence of PTSD diagnoses, anxiety and anger symptoms, and somatic complaints. Current and lifetime PTSD rates of 48% and 65%, respectively, suggest that the psychological aftermath of war-zone participation involving the gruesome task of handling human remains was profound.
New Orleans Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Louisiana 70146.
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PB
Sutker
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M
Uddo
K
K
Brailey
J J
JJ
Vasterling
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P
Errera
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D003130:Combat Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005655:Funeral Rites; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D008877:Middle East; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012066:Relief Work; D014857:Warfare