Abstract
ABSTRACT Objectives We examined long-term patterns of PTSD and behavioral outcomes in Vietnam veterans. Methods A random sample of 12,400 veterans was surveyed in 1984, 1998, and a deployed subset (n = 729) in 2020. Outcomes included PTSD, psychological well-being, health functioning, and disability. Results Four PTSD patterns emerged over 35 years: current PTSD (9.1%, rising to 15.5% in heavy combat), prior PTSD (9.7%), sub-threshold PTSD (25.2%), and never PTSD (56.0%). A strong combat-PTSD dose-response relationship persisted across timepoints. Veterans with current PTSD showed the worst outcomes; those with sub-threshold or prior PTSD had intermediate outcomes, while never-PTSD veterans fared best. Community support mitigated adverse effects. Conclusions Findings highlight the enduring impact of combat, with PTSD and related dysfunction affecting veterans even below clinical thresholds, leaving many ineligible for DVA programs.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call