Combat Stress Reaction

Abstract

Combat stress reaction (CSR) is the prototype of psychological trauma. It is the immediate result of a failure to cope with combat stress and is typically characterized by an acute and severe reduction in the patient’s functional capacity and by a subjective experience of overwhelming anxiety and inescapable threat. The incidence of CSR in modern wars has been 10%–22% of the total number of physical injuries. It has a typical course, the knowledge of which lends itself to primary prevention, early detection, and appropriate treatment. In 30%–45% CSR results in an incapacitating chronic syndrome: the posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Specific attributes of battles that contribute to CSR are well recognized and may eventually be reduced or prevented. Early and prompt therapeutic intervention is the condition sine qua non for success in the treatment. CSR responds better to treatment which is conducted near the front. Evacuation of CSR patients to the rear should, as much as possible, be avoided.