Citation

Ouimette P, Coolhart D, Sugarman D, Funderburk JS, Zelman RH, Dornau C. Traumatology 2008; 14(3): 51-56.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Green Cross Academy of Traumatology, Publisher APA Journals)

DOI

10.1177/1534765608320330

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This study examines the experiences of a convenience sample of Army National Guard soldiers who were combat exposed during the Iraq War. Thirty-one men volunteered to complete an interview and questionnaires during training weekends. Participants reported significant posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms (68% reported re-experiencing and 93% hyperarousal symptoms) based on a PTSD research interview. PTSD severity was associated with more alcohol consumption, illicit drug use, and poorer mental health functional status. These data suggest that combat-exposed soldiers may be at risk for significant PTSD symptoms, higher consumption of substances, and decreased quality of life.

Language: en