The Awareness and Perception of Post Traumatic Stress
Disorders and Combat Stress Reactions in Israeli Society
This paper examines how the public, the military, the government, and
mental health workers in Israel became aware of psychiatric casualties
in combat situations. An examination of the historical context in which
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) was recognized indicates gradual
change within Israeli society with regard to the level of knowledge and
treatment of combat-related psychological problems. The first phase of
PTSD awareness was characterized by denial, the second by acknowledgment
and progress, and the third and current phase by regression. This paper
describes the origins and reasons for these shifts, and summarizes research
studies that explore perceptions of combat-related PTSD in Israel.
Carl Williams, '97
Sponsor: Carolyn Enns
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