Citation

Wang S, Wilson JP, Mason JW. Integr. Physiol. Behav. Sci. (New Brunswick, NJ) 1996; 31(3): 237-253.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1996, Transaction Periodicals Consortium, Rutgers University)

DOI

10.1007/BF02691455

PMID

8894726

Abstract

This conceptual article presents a model of severe, chronic combat-related PTSD based on several years of longitudinal clinical observations of Vietnam veterans. The model describes a repeating cycle of decompensation that profoundly disrupts the veteran's life. There appear to be "stages" of decompensation that can be described clinically and may be distinct physiologically. The stages describe a wide range of functioning, from adaptive to totally dysfunctional PTSD core symptoms, as well as several other dimensions of clinical functioning, such as affect regulation, defenses, ego states, interactions with the environment, capacity for self-destruction/suicide and capacity for attachment and insight are described for each stage. Clinical and research implications are discussed.

Language: en

Keywords

Adaptation, Psychological; Awareness; Chronic Disease; Combat Disorders; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Object Attachment; Rehabilitation, Vocational; Social Adjustment; Social Environment; Suicide; Suicide Prevention; Veterans; Vietnam