Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Among WWII Veterans: A Historical Perspective

The term Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) was not widely recognized during the Second World War. Veterans of that era often faced unique challenges in discussing and addressing their psychological struggles, reflecting the traditional masculine norms of the time. This article explores the understanding and prevalence of PTSD among WWII veterans and the historical terminology used to describe their psychological distress.

Historical Context and Prevalence

During World War II, the concept of combat fatigue or shell shock was more commonly used to describe the psychological distress experienced by soldiers. Assignment 1 of this article will delve into the reported cases of combat fatigue and other psychological issues among veterans of the Battle of Iwo Jima and other notable battles.

Case Studies: Battle of Iwo Jima

The Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945 saw significant psychological distress among American Marines. According to Richard F. Newcomb's book Iwo Jima: Bantam Books, US casualties included 6,821 killed in action or missing in action/deceased, with 19,217 wounded and 2,648 cases of combat fatigue. These combat fatigue cases were predominantly among the Marines who suffered 5,931 KIA/MIA/DOW and 17,272 wounded.

Other sources indicate that about half a million US soldiers experienced mental collapse by the end of World War II. According to the Defense Media Network, the actual rate of combat fatigue may have been underreported due to the policies of only discharging the most severely affected soldiers.

Terminology and Recognition

The terminology related to psychological distress among soldiers evolved over time. Assignment 2 will discuss how the terms changed from "combat neurosis" to "combat exhaustion" or "battle fatigue" to acknowledge the vulnerability of all soldiers to such conditions.

Evolution of Terminology

PBS reported in 2003 that the reality of psychological weakness in combat led to the change in terminology from "combat neurosis" to "combat exhaustion," recognizing that psychological issues were widespread. In 2005, Bentley noted that the consensus among the U.S. Army was that all soldiers were vulnerable to battle fatigue due to their combat environment. The official slogan adopted by the U.S. Army was "Every man has his breaking point," reflecting the inevitability of psychological stress among soldiers.

Implications for Modern Understanding

While the term PTSD was not in use during World War II, the recognition of battle fatigue and shell shock has paved the way for a more comprehensive understanding of the psychological impact of war in the subsequent decades. This historical context is crucial for modern day discussions on PTSD and its treatment.

Conclusion

The understanding of PTSD among WWII veterans reflects the changing attitudes and medical classifications of psychological distress. Understanding this historical perspective is vital for providing accurate and empathetic support to veterans today.

References

Newcomb, R. F. (1982). Iwo Jima (Bantam Books). Definition and Evolution of Battlefield Mental Health Terminology. (2005). Bentley. PBS.(2003). The Psychological Wounds of War. Magee, T. (2006). The American Heritage Picture History of World War II (Houghton Mifflin Company).

Further Reading

For more information on post-traumatic stress disorder and its impact on veterans, visit and VA.gov.