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Shell Shock to PTSD: Military Psychiatry from 1900 to the Gulf War
The application of psychiatry to war and terrorism is highly topical and a source of intense media interest. Shell Shock to PTSD explores the central issues involved in maintaining the mental health of the armed forces and treating those who succumb to the intense stress of combat. Drawing on historical records, recent findings and interviews with veterans and psychiatrists, Edgar Jones and Simon Wessely present a comprehensive analysis of the evolution of military psychiatry. The psychological disorders suffered by servicemen and women from 1900 to the present are discussed and related to contemporary medical priorities and health concerns. This book provides a thought-provoking evaluation of the history and practice of military psychiatry, and places its findings in the context of advancing medical knowledge and the developing technology of warfare. It will be of interest to practicing military psychiatrists and those studying psychiatry, military history, war studies or medical history.
- GenresPsychology
320 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
July 26, 2020
This was my first book that focuses on the historical aspect of psychiatric and psychological explanations of mental illness. It was well-written and well-argued.
I particularly enjoyed learning about the ways people first explained mental illness. I was surprised to see people taking first a biological rather psychological approach. Psychology seemed to enter only when biology didn't make sense.
Also, it was amusing to read about the politics of diagnosis. When money is involved, psychological explanations weren't that convincing. People couldn't pay solely based on an argument, they wanted to actually see something like a broken arm.
Culture plays a critical role in understanding mental illness and this is why the history of diagnosis of combat-related disorders cannot be seen as one. Meaning, all disorders are different because all cultures are different.
That said, symptoms can be similar. Because symptoms can be universal, but the cluster of symptoms that forms of diagnosis is influenced by culture.
In conclusion, history of combat-related disorders tells us that combat is difficult to face and without support soldiers will start having a hard time dealing with it. Genetics, the actual event and support provided, interact to change people and that change, if society does not accept it, is then called a disorder. We are far from understanding why this happens, but we know something about when and a lot about how.
I particularly enjoyed learning about the ways people first explained mental illness. I was surprised to see people taking first a biological rather psychological approach. Psychology seemed to enter only when biology didn't make sense.
Also, it was amusing to read about the politics of diagnosis. When money is involved, psychological explanations weren't that convincing. People couldn't pay solely based on an argument, they wanted to actually see something like a broken arm.
Culture plays a critical role in understanding mental illness and this is why the history of diagnosis of combat-related disorders cannot be seen as one. Meaning, all disorders are different because all cultures are different.
That said, symptoms can be similar. Because symptoms can be universal, but the cluster of symptoms that forms of diagnosis is influenced by culture.
In conclusion, history of combat-related disorders tells us that combat is difficult to face and without support soldiers will start having a hard time dealing with it. Genetics, the actual event and support provided, interact to change people and that change, if society does not accept it, is then called a disorder. We are far from understanding why this happens, but we know something about when and a lot about how.
June 26, 2016
Excellent resource
This is an excellent resource for anybody examining the history combat stress and the military's response to this phenomenon. The authors focus primarily on the British response but there is excellent treatment of the Vietnam war and the Gulf war which sets the stage for our experiences in OEF and OIF. This work is thorough and well documented. I recommend it for anyone interested in PTSD from an historical perspective. It is balanced and thought provoking.
This is an excellent resource for anybody examining the history combat stress and the military's response to this phenomenon. The authors focus primarily on the British response but there is excellent treatment of the Vietnam war and the Gulf war which sets the stage for our experiences in OEF and OIF. This work is thorough and well documented. I recommend it for anyone interested in PTSD from an historical perspective. It is balanced and thought provoking.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews