DELAYED-ONSET POSTTRAUMATIC-STRESS-DISORDER IN WORLD-WAR-II VETERANS

Delayed onset post-traumatic stress disorder is an underreported condi tion in World War II veterans. There is little agreement about the eti ology of this syndrome. Two cases of post-traumatic stress disorder in World War II veterans whose individual onset was delayed for over 30 years are described. These veterans developed the symptoms associated with the stresses of late life including bereavement, social isolation and chronic medical illness. Theories regarding the etiology of this syndrome are reviewed and a hypothesis suggesting a heterogeneous cond ition is presented.