Century of Misunderstanding: The History of the Development of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Understanding in the United States Military.

摘要

This thesis examines the development of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) understanding within the United States Military. The study follows the progression of PTSD from its roots as the concept of WWI shell-shock, through WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and finally the Global War on Terror (GWOT) to its current definition. Additionally, this study examines the impact of the home-front environment to which servicemen and women return to after combat, the development of treatment for servicemen and women suffering from PTSD, and the treatment methods unique to WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and the GWOT eras. In short, the research highlights the development of the disorder, its historical impact on servicemen and women, and its development over a period of nearly a century. More to the point, the study aims to provide a historical context for PTSD, and to help show the improvements in its understanding and management throughout the