The Post-Vietnam Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Clinical Dilemma

Abstract

There has been considerable research on combat stress from two World Wars ( shell shock in the first, and combat fatigue in the second) and the Korean conflict ( zombie reaction). It was the brain washing techniques associated with prisoners of war in Korea that drew attention to the delayed traumatic shock found—and frequently not diagnosed—in Vietnam veterans. Widespread drug escapism and short tours of service led to a low level of combat stress. The lack of esprit de corps among the soldiers in Vietnam and the war's unpopularity at home contributed both to the delayed traumatic disorders and to the reluctance of doctors and society to recognize and treat them.