PTSD in the Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was considered one of the bloodiest battles ever in the history of the United States. Not only were soldiers harmed physically during the war, but they were also wounded mentally. There are endless accounts of soldiers leaving the war and coming home not just with bullet wounds, but the memories that followed with it. These memories caused soldiers to not sleep at night and in some cases ruining their lives and forcing them to suicide. After the war, specialists came up with a name for this “disease” that was destroying the lives of many Vietnam veterans. They classified it as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. (National) The psychological burdens of war, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, have substantial effects on soldiers in the armed forces making reentry into civilian life challenging.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is defined as an anxiety disorder that can occur after being exposed to a traumatic experience like combat, terrorist attack, or child/sexual abuse. (National) Most times that PTSD is developed are in the time of war. The reason it is developed more during the time of war is because these people are exposed to most of the types of trauma that will cause PTSD. Not every person involved in the war develops PTSD though because the development of PTSD depends on how intense the trauma was, how long it lasted, if the person was injured, if they lost someone important, or how much support they received after the event. (National) After an event has happened, the person involved is given a screening exam to see if they have PTSD. The main things the doctors look for in the exam are symptoms of PTSD. Some of the symptoms of PTSD include, reliving the event, avoiding situations that resemble the event, feeling numb, and feeling keyed up. (National) Along with the PTSD, some other problems may occur. These problems include feelings of hopelessness, depression, and drinking or drug problems. There are...
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