Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms in U.S. Veterans of the Gulf War,
Abstract
This brief report summarizes a study conducted jointly by the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) and the U.S. Army Medical Research Unit-Europe on stress-related symptoms among soldiers who deployed for Operation Desert Shield/Storm (ODS/S). Research methods include a survey conducted in November and December 1991, nine to ten months after the Gulf War, with 3,720 soldiers (Private to Staff Sergeant) and 544 leaders (Sergeant First Class to Lieutenant Colonel). Participants were asked about their combat experiences and current levels of symptoms and adjustment. Stress response was measured by the Impact of Event Scale and the Brief Symptom Inventory. Respondents were not assessed for PTSD, but they were asked about symptoms typically associated with the disorder. Results indicate that the majority of respondents report some PTS-related symptoms over the previous week: 69% report at least one intrusive symptom; 37% report at least three avoidance symptoms; and 46% report at least two arousal symptoms. Symptom risk was associated with exposure to dead or wounded casualties, particularly to U.S. casualties. The report concludes that soldiers of all ranks, especially leaders, should be aware that PTS symptoms are common following a wartime deployment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 15, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA288542
Entities
People
- Amy B Adler
Organizations
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research