Combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder: the historical evolution of concept from 'irritable heart syndrome' to 'psycho-organic disorder'

Nowadays PTSD is the most urgent problem in the field of world psychiatry due to its academic, practical, epidemiological significance and other aspects. The authors present a historical review of different conteptions explaining the development of posttraumatic stress disorder. Attention is drawn to the description of evolution of PTSD from psychogenic to complex forms, with the formation of bio-psycho-social approach to the problem. The dynamics of the development of PTSD diagnostic crireria according to the current international classifications is analyzed.