Features of the psychophysiological response of combatants with combat stress reactions

Objective. To determine the features of the psychophysiological response in servicemen with the consequences of combat stress reactions (CSR) within the research paradigm of «predictable-unpredictable threat» (PUT). Material and methods. The study included 87 male servicemen. Group 1 included healthy military personnel (control group CG, n=40), Group 2 consisted of combatants with stress-associated non-psychotic disorders (CSR group, n=47): F43.1 (38.3%), F41.2 (29.6%), F44 (19.5%), F41.1 (12.6%). The mean age of the subjects in the CG group was 23.7±2.3 years vs. 23.2±2.3 years in the CSR group. In addition, the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) was used for the diagnosis. The psychophysiological parameters of servicemen were assessed using the stress testing technique within the PUT paradigm on the Reakor hardware and software complex. Results. Objective psychophysiological markers were identified, such as increased sympathetic tone, excessive startle reflex, and impaired ability to distinguish between direct and potential threats in combatants with CSR (p<0.05). Multiple direct and inverse correlations of psychophysiological indicators with CAPS score were found, enabling objectification of the obligatory symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. The developed regression models predict the CAPS total score, as well as the scores for flashback symptoms, avoidance of trauma-related stimuli, and increased excitability, based on psychophysiological indicators of stress testing within the PUT paradigm. Conclusion. The use of the method in the comprehensive diagnosis of CSR reduces the influence of subjective assessment by specialists during diagnosis and increases the detection rate of aggravation and dissimulation of mental disorders.