Interpersonal problems of Vietnam combat veterans with symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder.

274 male veterans seeking treatment for substance abuse were divided on the basis of combat experience and DSM-III criteria of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Ss with evidence of PTSD were compared with a non-PTSD group of Vietnam combat veterans and a noncombat group of Vietnam-era veterans on measures of specific interpersonal problems using the Horowitz Interpersonal Problem Inventory, traditional measures of family and social adjustment, and the MMPI. The PTSD group scored significantly higher on clusters of problems dealing with intimacy and sociability than did either of the comparison groups. PTSD Ss also scored higher on the MMPI scales of Paranoia, Psychopathic Deviate, Social Introversion, Social Maladjustment, Family Problems, and Manifest Hostility, but did not differ from other groups on Family Environment Scale variables. Results, which were not attributable to premilitary adjustment differences or to confounding demographic variables, are compared to previous studies, and research questions that remain outstanding are discussed. (11 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Warzone violence in Vietnam: an examination of premilitary, military, and postmilitary factors in PTSD in-patients

The impact of childhood victimization and other premilitary factors on warzone abusive violence was examined with 177 Vietnam combat veteran inpatients. Premilitary and military variables were also examined in relationship to postmilitary variables, including violence and PTSD. Statistical analyses showed that none of the premilitary variables predicted warzone violence. High combat exposure did, however, predict warzone abusive violence and PTSD. In addition, participation in warzone violence predicted postmilitary violence to self, spouse, and others. Although high rates of childhood victimization and high levels of combat exposure were found, neither predicted postmilitary violence, criminal activities, drug/alcohol problems, or suicide attempts. Low childhood adjustment ratings and school suspensions predicted adult alcohol abuse and drug abuse, respectively. These findings and their implication for treatment are discussed.     

Empirical development of an MMPI subscale for the assessment of combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder.

200 male Vietnam combat veterans who were assigned to a posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) group (n?=?100) or a non-PTSD group (n?=?100) were administered the MMPI to develop empirically based criteria for use of the MMPI to aid in assessment and diagnosis of PTSD. Standard clinical profiles demonstrated that PTSD Ss had overall higher mean elevations, and discriminant function analysis correctly classified 74% of Ss in each group. A special PTSD subscale was developed and cross-validated that improved diagnostic hit rates to 82% of Ss. (9 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Inpatient diagnosis of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.

Attempted to distinguish among 3 types of inpatient veterans: (a) those with a diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and combat experience; (b) those with a diagnosis other than PTSD and with combat experience; and (c) non-PTSD, noncombat patients. 75 Vietnam-era veterans classified in these groups were administered an assessment battery that included the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Profile of Mood States. Results show no differences among the groups on premorbid variables. PTSD Ss, however, responded in a more pathological direction on psychometric and adjustment variables. A discriminant analysis using these variables correctly classified 85% of the Ss in the 3 groups. Time spent in combat was highly correlated with PTSD variables such as intrusion and numbing experiences; total stress; and symptoms of anxiety, depression, and anger. Results also cross-validate the MMPI-based PTSD scale developed by T. Keane et al (see record 1985-02913-001). (16 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Vietnam combat veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Analysis of marital and cohabitating adjustment.

21 help-seeking Vietnam combat veterans (mean age 34.71 yrs) with a diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were compared with 18 help-seeking combat veterans (mean age 33.44 yrs) without evidence of PTSD and 21 help-seeking veterans (mean age 33.4 yrs) with minimal combat experience on indexes of cohabitating and marital adjustment. Also, premilitary adjustment was assessed and validated by relative's reports. The PTSD group reported significantly more problems than did the other groups with self-disclosure and expressiveness to their partners, physical aggression toward their partners, and global relationship adjustment. The PTSD group did not differ from the other groups on measures of intimacy and affectionate behavior. The findings were not attributable to premilitary adjustment, response style, or demographic factors. Previous reports that combat veterans have special difficulties expressing positive emotions were not supported by present findings. (25 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Some preliminary data on the psychological characteristics of Vietnam veterans with posttraumatic stress disorders.

There appears to be a high incidence of posttraumatic stress disorders (PTSDs) among Vietnam combat veterans; yet, there is little information available on the utility of traditional psychological inventories for assessment of this disorder. The present study examined whether responses on a variety of standardized psychological inventories (the MMPI, Self-Rating Depression Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Fear Survey Schedule–II) would distinguish 3 carefully matched groups of Vietnam veterans: (a) 12 Ss (mean age 34 yrs) with an exclusive diagnosis of PTSD, (b) 12 Ss (mean age 35 yrs) with other nonpsychotic psychological diagnoses, and (c) 12 Ss (mean age 34 yrs) with combat experience who are currently well-adjusted. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses indicated that the assessment battery was able to discriminate with good success Vietnam combat veterans with PTSD from relevant comparison groups. (28 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Change in MMPI scores from college to adulthood as a function of military service.

Examined changes in MMPI scores from adolescence to adulthood in a longitudinal study of 540 men who attended college during the Vietnam War. Using change scores that were adjusted for initial values, civilians were compared to veterans who were grouped according to combat exposure: none, peripheral, or direct. In cross-sectional analyses, the groups differed only as adults. Groups were similar in relative stability but differed by multivariate analysis in absolute change on the clinical scales. Only veterans with peripheral exposure differed from civilians in multivariate contrasts, even after controlling for premilitary variables. Effect sizes were small. Results suggest that combat exposure does not produce uniformly negative outcomes and may have positive effects in select populations. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Interpersonal problem solving and coping reactions of Vietnam veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder.

In order to assess the relation between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and interpersonal problem solving and coping, 43 Vietnam veterans were assigned to the following four groups: (a) combat veterans with PTSD, (b) combat veterans with severe adjustment problems but not PTSD-diagnosable (AP), (c) combat veterans who were well adjusted (WA), and (d) veterans with little or no combat exposure who served during the Vietnam era (ERA). Multivariate analyses of variance indicated that both the PTSD and AP groups reported less effective coping reactions and poorer problem solving than both the WA and ERA groups. The PTSD subjects also reported less effective problem solving and less problem-focused coping reactions than the AP veterans. Implications of these results are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Persistent value of intra-arterial fibrinolysis 8 hours or more following central retinal artery occlusion or of its branches

We surveyed more than 1,000 female and male active duty soldiers to assess the effect of premilitary and military trauma on their psychological well-being. Questionnaire data were obtained on pertinent demographic information, history of trauma exposure, and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The results indicated significant gender differences in the types of traumatic events experienced, with females reporting more sexual traumas and males reporting more nonsexual traumas. In addition, males reported experiencing more military-related traumas, whereas females reported experiencing more premilitary traumas. The prevalence of PTSD symptoms was 8.6% for females and 5% for males. Recommendations are presented that may help mitigate development of PTSD symptoms in the future.     

Significance of carotid restenosis following endarterectomy

The purpose of this study was to determine whether Vietnam veterans' risk for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was correlated with their premilitary school performance. The authors compared both primary and secondary school record data on hospitalized chemically dependent PTSD patients with those of both non-PTSD, chemically dependent and community controls. All participants were male Vietnam war combat veterans. The comparisons were made with MANCOVA analyses with the effects of combat and age differences between groups controlled. For the most part, primary-school grade point average, absenteeism, and tardiness data on three groups did not differ significantly. However, the mean secondary school grade points of the future PTSD patients were generally substantially lower than those of controls. Additionally, more secondary school absenteeism and tardiness were reported among future PTSD patients than in the controls. The groups did not differ significantly on number of extracurricular activities. Academic weakness, absenteeism, and tardiness in secondary school appear to be moderately strong predictors of vulnerability to PTSD after traumatization. It also supports the claim that chronic PTSD is, in part, the result of weaknesses present before exposure to trauma.     

Clinical assessment of long-term cognitive and emotional sequelae to World War II prisoner-of-war confinement: Comparison of pilot twins.

Assessed late-life psychological outcomes of World War II flight combat exposure among identical-twin pilots raised, educated, and trained together but discordant for combat exposure and war imprisonment, using twin study methodology. It was hypothesized that the prisoner of war (POW) survivor would exhibit psychopathology attributable, in part, to nonshared environmental events, specifically war trauma. Differences were evident in reported psychological symptoms, MMPI profile patterns, psychiatric diagnoses, and intellectual performances. Assigned a lifetime diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the former POW showed deficits in visuospatial analysis and organization, planning, impulse control, concept formation, and nonverbal memory. Results may be used to enhance understanding of measurement of stress-related symptoms among robust and well-trained servicemen. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Cross-validation of a psychological test battery to detect faked insanity.

Attempts were made in these 2 studies of simulated insanity to enhance ecological validity: Experimental fakers were given potent monetary incentives to conceal their deception; psychiatric inpatients and convicted felons were used in criterion groups; and Ss took a battery of psychological tests that varied in task demands. In Exp 1, 8 predictor variables drawn from the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), Bender Gestalt, and a newly developed Malingering Scale were used to derive a single discriminant function that best differentiated 20 prison inmates faking insanity from 40 nonfaking criterion and control group Ss. The optimal function consisted of 3 variables, yielded a canonical correlation of .823, and correctly classified 93.3% of Ss. Exp 2 served to cross-validate the derived equation on 22 substance abusers instructed to fake insanity and 20 inpatients from a schizophrenia treatment unit who received standard instructions. On cross-validation, 97.6% of Ss were correctly classified. Reasons for the unexpected lack of predictive "shrinkage" are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Psychometric profile of posttraumatic stress disorder, anxious, and healthy Vietnam veterans: Correlations with psychophysiologic responses.

Three groups of Vietnam combat veterans, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD, n?=?25), anxious (n?=?7) and healthy (n?=?18), completed a battery of psychometric tests. Measurement of psychophysiologic responses to imagery of individualized combat experiences followed the psychometrics. The PTSD Ss differed significantly from the healthy Ss on almost all measures but showed fewer differences from the anxious Ss. The typical PTSD S was characterized as anxious, depressed, prone to dissociation, and external in locus of control. Correlations with the physiologic responses supported the validity of psychometric scales specifically designed to measure PTSD but cast doubt on the interpretation of traditional measures of overreporting or dissimulation in this disorder. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

An examination of family adjustment among Operation Desert Storm veterans.

This study examined interrelationships among combat exposure, symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and family adjustment in a sample of male and female Operation Desert Storm veterans (N = 1,512). In structural equation models for both male and female veterans, higher combat exposure was associated with higher PTSD symptoms, which in turn were associated with poorer family adjustment, although these indirect effects did not reach statistical significance. The model for female veterans evidenced a significant direct negative association between combat exposure and family adjustment when it statistically accounted for PTSD symptoms. When the relative impacts of separate PTSD symptom groupings were examined, those reflecting withdrawal/numbing symptoms and arousal/lack of control symptoms significantly and indirectly accounted for the negative effects of combat exposure on family adjustment. Study findings indicate a number of possible pathways through which war-zone deployments negatively impact military families and suggest several avenues for future research. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in older men.

Nearly 25% of US men aged 55 yrs or older served in combat, yet its impact on aging is unknown. The relationship of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms to combat exposure was examined in 1,210 veterans of World War II (WWII) and the Korean War, who were participants in the Normative Aging Study. Over 54% of WWII and 19% of Korean veterans reported combat experience. The relationship between combat exposure and PTSD symptoms was stronger in the WWII cohort. The sample prevalence of PTSD by combat exposure ranged from 0% to 12.4%, differing by the PTSD measure. WWII veterans exposed to moderate or heavy combat had 13.3 times greater risk of PTSD symptoms measured 45 yrs later, compared with noncombat veterans. It is suggested that military service in general, and combat exposure in particular, is a "hidden variable" in the study of aging men. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Social support in Vietnam veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder: A comparative analysis.

Conducted a comparative analysis of the social-support systems of 45 Vietnam-era veterans (mean age 36.69 yrs), including 15 Ss in a program designed to evaluate and treat combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), 15 well-adjusted Ss with no symptoms of PTSD, and 15 medical-service inpatients without combat exposure or PTSD. Retrospective reports of social support were obtained from each group for 3 life periods: 1–3 mo prior to entering the service, 1–3 mo following discharge from the service, and at the present time. Indexes of social support included social network size, material support, physical support, sharing, advice, and positive social interactions. Prior to Vietnam, all 3 groups reported comparable levels of support across all dimensions. For PTSD Ss, qualitative and quantitative measures of social support systematically declined over time to low levels at the present time period. For the remaining Ss, the social support was either stable or improved over time. (22 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Adjustment differences among male substance abusers varying in degree of combat experience in Vietnam.

Tested C. R. Figley's (1978) hypothesis that combat veterans will evidence more indications than will noncombat veterans of such posttraumatic stress reactions as sleep disturbances, emotional numbing, social withdrawal, and difficulties in controlling anger. 87 combat and 120 noncombat veterans seeking treatment for substance abuse were compared on demographic, family, and military variables; ratings on Figley's postmilitary problems list; traditional measures of personality (e.g., the MMPI); and childhood and present family environment scales. In combat–noncombat comparisons, combat Ss rated significantly more stress responses as problems than did noncombat Ss. Support for Figley's hypothesis was even stronger when comparing heavy with light combat-experienced Ss. Results strongly support contentions that stress responses persist long after combat experiences, that a subcategory of stress reactions may exist among some substance abusers, and that more specific and sensitive measures of stress reactions are needed beyond traditional measures of personality and environment. (11 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Foods and techniques for managing obesity in companion animals

OBJECTIVE: The stressful experiences of women serving in the military have been a focus of increasing concern. A model of the impact of stress related to military duty and stress related to sexual abuse and harassment on the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among female veterans was evaluated. METHODS: Structural equation modeling was applied to data from 327 women treated in a VA clinical program for women with stress disorders. The model was a chronological one and included variables related to the women's premilitary experience, their military service, and their postmilitary experience. RESULTS: Altogether 48 percent of the sample served overseas, and 12 percent were exposed to enemy fire. A total of 63 percent reported experiences of physical sexual harassment during military service, and 43 percent reported rape or attempted rape. Both duty-related and sexual stress were found to contribute separately and significantly to the development of PTSD. Sexual stress was found to be almost four times as influential in the development of PTSD as duty-related stress. Postmilitary social support played a highly significant mediational role between sexual stress during military service and development of PTSD. CONCLUSIONS: Women's exposure to sexual stress in the military is much more prevalent than previously believed. It is particularly toxic for the development of PTSD. Correct assessment is essential to effective treatment.