Treatment of active duty Vietnam veterans: Some clinical observations

Many groups of Vietnam veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder have been studied, including female veterans, medical personnel, minorities, POWs, etc. One group that had not been studied is active duty veterans. The experiences of several Navy psychiatrists and psychologists involved in the treatment of over 200 active duty Vietnam veterans at three separate military treatment facilities between 1981 and 1984 were presented. Their reasons for rejoining the service or remaining in and the social and psychological conflicts they faced were identified. Elements critical to the success of group therapy were: confidentiality, de-emphasis of associations with mental health facilities and the patient role, and promotion of inter-client support.