Combat addiction: Overview of implications in symptom maintenance and treatment planning

Abstract

T o m b a t addiction" is discussed as a concept central to understanding the chronicity and treatment-resistant quality of post-traumatic stress disorder in Vietnam combat survivors. Possible neurophysiologic, neurochemical, neuroelectrical, and behavioral parameters are addressed with regard to these mutually rein forcing excitatory states beginning with multiple combat experiences. Interviews with 100 such veterans revealed the remarkably frequent (94%) description of intrusive realistic reexperiencing of combat, particularly nightmares, as feeling po werful, excitinga "high" or "rush ' *-with intervening states being experienced as unpleasant. Other findings are also presented which tend to support this concept. Implications for treatment planning are outlined.

Male Erectile Disorders in Vietnam Combat Veterans With Chronic Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

“…An outline of findings has been published elsewhere (Solursh, 1989). These veterans averaged age 40.5 years in 1987.…”

Prevalence of personality disorders among combat veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder

“…Both PTSD and personality disorders involve behaviors and symptoms that are pervasive across a variety of situations and are persistent over an extended period of time. Empirical studies have shown each of these disorders, when they occur individually, to be particularly intractable (Green, Lindy, Grace, &Leonard, 1992;Herman, 1992;Long et al, 1989;Solursh, 1989). When these disorders co-occur in a single individual, as is often the case for combat veterans, associated symptoms appear to be more highly treatmentresistant (Breslau & Davis, 1992).…”

The Role of Psychopathology and Personality in Rage-Type Homicide: A Review

“…Solursh (1989), in a study of 100 war veterans suffering from PTSD, reported explosive aggression to be present in 97% of his sample. Collins and Bailey (1990), in a sample of 1140 prisoners, found that those suffering from PTSD, or symptoms associated with the disorder, were more likely to commit explosive forms of violence.…”