Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Abstract

Posttraumatic stress disorder, as defined by DSM-III, is the most common and conspicuous residue of combat-induced stress. But though the core of PTSD symptoms is similar in casualties of a large range of catastrophic events, clinical studies show both variations within the post-traumatic syndrome and a large variety of symptoms above and beyond those included in classic PTSD. Each catastrophic event leaves its own particular mark, and even different wars have somewhat different psychiatric aftermaths derived from their own distinguishing characteristics. This chapter delineates the characteristic manifestations of post-traumatic disturbances among Israeli veterans of the Lebanon war.