Diagnostic markers and scale of differential diagnosis of socially-disadaptative post-combat syndrome

Abstract

Mental disorders resulting from combat actions can affect up a considerable percentage of servicemen. Specific disorders have been observed in combatants and veterans of different wars, highlighting the influence of combat conditions on mental health. Social maladjustment among it can be highly prevalent, impacting combat readiness and post-war adaptation. The above emphasizes the significance of differential diagnosis in identifying specific mental conditions like Socially-Disadaptive Post-Combat Syndrome and distinguishing them from other disorders. Socially-Disadaptive Post-Combat Syndrome is a condition that develops after the return of a combatant from a combat zone and is characterized by a maladaptive, conflictual response to a wide range of insignificant social situations. The study aims to develop a diagnostic tool for identifying Socially-Disadaptive Post-Combat syndrome. This study focuses on combat-related mental disorders among Ukrainian combatants and veterans who participated in the Anti-Terrorist Operation / Joint Forces Operation (ATO/JFO) from 2014 to 2021. The research involves 395 participants, with 39 combatants exhibiting symptoms of Socially-Disadaptive Post-Combat Syndrome forming the main research group, and 21 individuals with PTSD forming the comparison group. As a result of the study, we systematized diagnostic markers and develop a Diagnostic Scale of Socially-Disadaptive Post-Combat syndrome. Our devised diagnostic scale consists of two sections: a list of criteria related to specific circumstances (comprising 4 criteria - 2 obligatory criteria and 2 optional criteria) and a list of symptoms (comprising 16 symptoms). We also believe that conducting research on combatants and veterans of other wars is expedient.