Premilitary, Military, and Postmilitary Factors in the Development of Combat-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Based on an examination of trauma studies, etiological factors of potential posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are proposed. From a premilitary time frame, a positive family history of psychiatric disorder, particularly alcoholism, appears to play a role under low combat-exposure conditions. Under high-combat conditions, a positive family history of mental illness seems less of a risk factor. From the military time frame, combat trauma exposure emerges as the single most influential factor. Postmilitary factors of note include the nature of the homecoming environment and available social support during the first 6 mo after military discharge.