Neurobehavioral deficits in Persian Gulf veterans: Evidence from a population-based study

Reports of low-concentration nerve gas exposures during the Persian Gulf Wa r have spurred concern about possible health consequences and refocused int erest on the symptoms reported by many returning military veterans. The Por tland Environmental Hazards Research Center is studying veterans from the N orthwest USA who report persistent, unexplained "Persian Gulf" symptoms (ca ses) or who do not report those symptoms (controls). Of the first 101 veter ans studied, cases differed substantially from controls on a broad range of psychological tests indicative of increased distress. A subgroup of cases was identified with objective deficits on neurobehavioral tests of memory, attention, and response speed.