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Abstract
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The aim of the investigation was to determine clinical-dynamic characteristics of combat-related PTSD, as well as individual and personality features and prerequisites of criminal aggression and mental disturbances observed at the moment of offence.
Subjects and methods
174 male combatants aged 22-43 y.o.; clinico-psychopathological and statistical methods; quality of life self-evaluating scales.
Results
Combatants were divided into 5 groups: 3 psychotic and 2 nonpsychotic. The probability of heteroaggressive behavior seems to increase in accordance with duration of exposure and severity of stress factors. Criminal behavior dominated in first three years after the impact of the combat stress factors. Besides various PTSD symptoms mentioned in ICD-10, DSM-IV, new personality features in emotional, cognitive and motivational value spheres were observed. The more pronounced were these changes, the more prominent were interpersonal difficulties and violence. A frequent or chronical emotional prerequisite of aggression was proneness to emotional excitement in an interpersonal conflict. "Flashbacks" about war situations seemed to release under the influence of strong emotion. Their value system was polar: black and white: either friend or enemy. Therefore, their opinions were rigid, not realistic. They committed offences against person in emotional conditions triggered by stress, when situation was associated with life threat at war or an emotionally overwhelming opposition.
Conclusion
Detailed analysis of personality characteristics of the offender, duration of exposure to combat stress and its severity, as well as subsequent social stress factors and their psychological impact, and circumstances of offence itself is essential for correct judgement during forensic psychiatric evaluation. |