Combat stress reaction is a topic that many people are not aware of. However, psychology creates an understanding of the issue, its impact on an individual and the society as well. There are common misconceptions about CSR. Most commonly people mistake combat stress reaction with other high-pressure conditions such as post-traumatic stress disease (PTSD). Therefore, it is crucial to elaborate on the definition of CSR as defined by the military, its immediate and long-term reactions, its relation to other diseases and the statistics behind the condition. This research focuses on answering this questions in a bid to create awareness on the issue.
Definition of Combat Stress Reaction
Combat stress reaction is also known as battle neurosis or combat fatigue is behavioral disorganization that occurs in a person after experiencing trauma during a war. This stress reaction is often associated with shell shock and reduces as a soldier’s fighting efficiency increases ( Figley, 2014) . Various signs and symptoms of combat stress reaction include fatigue, indecisiveness, inability to prioritize and disconnection from the environment. Combat stress reaction is a short-term response but continuous exposure leads to chronic diseases such as acute stress disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Unfortunately, combat stress disorder can be limited to an individual’s life and thus requires treatment and assistance.
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In the military, this condition is noted as COSR and includes any stress reaction in the battle surrounding. Military doctors characterize it with symptoms such as extreme anxiety, panic, depression, and hallucination. In WWI, it was considered psychiatric illness as a result of nerve damage during combat. Military psychiatrist reserve this term for individuals who exhibit the signs and symptoms or are diagnosed within seventy-two hours. CSR occurs as a result of the prolonged threat. In this situation, the body chooses to remain on high-alert instead of finding calm and equilibrium as expected. As a result, their mental state is challenged.
CSR is a common reaction for soldiers or other individuals that results in mental and emotional strain. Notably, this issue can occur during peace or wartime. Therefore, military personnel is aware that such symptoms may occur during training or combat. Soldiers are advised to keep a lookout for possible signs and symptoms which differ from individual to individual. In case one suspects they have combat stress reaction. They are encouraged to seek medical attention from the nearest medical facility. The sooner the symptoms are dealt with, the easier it is to prevent long-term effects.
Immediate and Long-term effects of CSR
Combat stress disorder is triggered by a number of experiences. For instance, witnessing death and fearing for one’s life are common causes for soldiers. Soldiers who deploy for a long time or experiencing physical injury during combat prompt causes CSR. Crucially, normal citizens are at risk of combat stress reaction from day to day issues. The threats from the combat stress disorder are similar to those of soldiers. They also include loss of a close friend or a valued leader, a history of psychological health concerns, getting less than 6-8 hours of sleep, and traumatic brain injury.
CSR has a notable immediate impact on the soldier’s performance during the war. The initial symptoms include lack of sleep, re-experiencing stressful event or having flashbacks, and nightmares. When military psychologists see these signs within the first seventy-two hours they offer treatment options that allow a quick recovery and even return to combat. Exhaustion and extreme anxiety are some of the immediate signs that limit initial performance during warfare. Therefore, soldiers suffering from the combat stress disorder are off-duty until a medical doctor can give clearance to return. If the receive timely and proper treatment, soldiers may return to combat even better than when they started.
However, long-term exposure to CSR is not as forgiving. Depression is a likely outcome on soldiers if CSR is left untreated. This situation occurs because the person’s mind is filled with negative thoughts and harsh flashbacks plague them. Typically, soldiers suffering from CSR have a tendency to withdraw and seclude themselves. This approach personalizes the suffering and increases the risk of depression ( Novaco, & Chemtob, 2015) . Depression is a condition that needs long-term treatment to cope. Sadly, it is a precursor to suicide and other forms of self-harm that is common among soldiers who find it hard to re-adjust.
Crucially, combat stress reaction leads to stress injuries. This term refers to physical changes that change the way the brain processes information and handles stress as well. Therefore, there is a definite change in the physical, emotional and psychological functioning that is expected from an individual. Friends and family members must be prepared for the adverse change and accept the person as they are. Without proper support, it is difficult to deal with the issues and actually get to a place where one accepts the challenges they are going through. As a result, the military has doctors and personnel support their soldiers’ recovery throughout this process.
CSR, PTSD and Other Stress-Related Disorders
Combat stress reaction if left untreated may lead to other traumas. Depression is one leading complication that results from CSR. This is a psychiatric condition that causes sadness and loss of interest in activities. As a result, it leads to emotional problems that limit a person’s normal interaction and causes challenges in fulfilling daily tasks. Some of the signs and symptoms include trouble sleeping, fatigue, and poor concentration. Basically, if the immediate effects of CSR are left untreated, they translate into depression which is a long-term stress injury.
Anxiety disorder is another trauma cause by CSR. This condition is defined as a state of constant inner turmoil. While CSR is caused by instant exposure to trauma, anxiety is prompted by consistent exposure to attacks or trauma. Therefore, prolonged CSR manifests into the loss of appetite, muscle spasms, headaches and insomnia which are all signs of anxiety. The constant fear makes people unable to function in day to day life because they have a mental handicap that is stopping them. Anxiety is a state that needs repeated treatment and since it is a condition ingrained in the individual.
Notably, the most common condition that results from CSR is post-traumatic stress disorder also referred to as PTSD. In fact, most people confuse the two states which have notable differences. CSR refers to an expected state of mind in stressful physical, emotional and psychological conditions. However, PTSD is a psychological disorder that impairs functioning in certain victims. CSR is expected in all cases but prolonged suffering ingrains the symptoms and causes individuals to suffer from PTSD. Even though, CSR and PTSD symptoms overlap, they are not treated in the same way. For many veterans, CSR can wear off, but PTSD absolutely cripples the individual unless they seek help.
CSR Prevalence vs. PTSD and other traumas
Notably, about 70% of Americans have experienced a traumatic experience in their lives. According to psychologists, it means that 70% of Americans have experienced combat stress reactions because of the body high prompted by stressful situations. Consequently, many of these trauma cases go unheard of and people recover over time. Unfortunately, 2.4% of the United States population suffers from PTSD. This percentage represents 24.4 million people with a serious psychological disorder that requires proper medication and therapy for a patient to overcome it ( Karstoft, Armour, Elklit, & Solomon, 2015, pp. 89-94) . It is alarming that 20% of the population that goes through traumatic experiences ultimately develops PTSD.
The military has taken measures to preclude individual likely to suffer long-term CSR. For example, screening is done to remove persons with history or inclination to psychological disorders. Also, cohesion or working in a unit is encouraged such that soldiers can support each other. Training is another approach that helps individuals prepare themselves and anticipate CSR. Unfortunately, these measures are not as effective in dealing with PTSD. This condition randomly attacks soldiers after war or combat. Consequently, the military has a number of funded facilities that aid in treatment.
CSR statistics are also not as alarming as depression and anxiety disorders. Unfortunately, this explains why CSR is ignored and confused with other psychological conditions. Also, soldiers experience the long-term effects of CSR because they are desensitized to the condition and do not seek help when the signs and symptoms arise. There is a stigma among military professionals that pushes them to hide mental diseases for fear of looking weak. Therefore, CSR easily develops to other complications that are avoidable if people own up to their struggles before they reach an untreatable phase.
Conclusion
In conclusion, combat stress reaction is related to other psychological conditions including PTSD, depression, and anxiety. However, it is a treatable mental disturbance that every individual should understand. Actively, knowing the difference between CSR and other conditions ensures that one can identify the symptoms as they arise and take necessary measures. Admirably, the psychology field is constantly releasing research on CSR and thus creating a better understanding for doctors and military personnel. However, more education is necessary for the general public and military families that interact with combat veterans on a regular basis. Awareness eliminates stigma and creates support for recovery.
References
Figley, C. R. (2014). Stress Disorders among Vietnam Veterans: Theory, Research (No. 1). Routledge.
Novaco, R. W., & Chemtob, C. M. (2015). Violence associated with combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder: The importance of anger. Psychological trauma: theory, research, practice, and policy .
Karstoft, K. I., Armour, C., Elklit, A., & Solomon, Z. (2015). The role of locus of control and coping style in predicting longitudinal PTSD-trajectories after combat exposure. Journal of anxiety disorders , 32 , 89-94.
