Posttraumatic residues of captivity: A follow-up of Israeli ex-prisoners of war

Background: This article examines the longterm impact of wartime captivity. Method: One hundred sixty-four prisoners of war (POWs) and 189 matched comb atants of the 1973 Yom Kippur War filled out a series of questionnaires tha t assessed posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), general psychiatric sympto matology, and social functioning according to DSM-II-R criteria. Results: Almost 2 decades after the war, ex-POWs exhibited higher rates and greater intensity of posttraumatic stress reactions, more general psychiat ric symptomatology, and more severe problems in functioning at home, at wor k, and in the military than did the control group (Israeli veterans who wer e not POWs). They were also more likely to obtain official disability recog nition and to seek psychological help. Their recovery was slower and profes sional help less effective. In addition, the veterans with PTSD in both gro ups had high rates of comorbid general psychiatric symptomatology. Conclusion: These findings point to the depth, range, and persistence of th e stress residuals of wartime captivity.