Home From the War: A Study of Psychiatric Problems in Viet Nam Returnees

Fifty patients who developed psychiatric problems after return from tours of Viet Nam combat duty were compared with a group of patients who had not had such duty. The Viet Nam returnees reported more conflicts in intimate relationships and had a higher incidence of depression and somatization than did the noncombat group. Although the returnees manifested more aggressive and suicidal threats, they did not evidence more direct aggressive or suicidal behavior. The authors suggest that although Viet Nam returnees face significant readjustment stress, their reactions are generally internalized and their potential for violent aggression is no greater than in those without Viet Nam experience.