Authors
1 Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Nursing
2 Welfare and Rehabilitation University
3 Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences,4. Psychiatry group
Abstract
Introduction: Severe psychological stress is potentially threatening for anyone. Chronic
combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder is accompanied by other psychological problems
including depression. Thus the aim of this study was to describe the consequences of living with
this disorder.
Method: In this qualitative study, 20 male veterans with combat-related posttraumatic stress
disorder were selected purposefully and studied using semi-structured deep interview. Data
were analyzed using conventional content analysis in 2011.
Results: The consequences of living with combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder were
classified into three main categories of psychological, physical, and social consequences, based
on the common experiences of the participants. Psychological consequences include three
subcategories of lack of self-confidence, lack of entertainment, and negative emotions. Physical
consequences include four subcategories of sleep disorders, sexual dysfunction, physical pain,
and restricted physical activity. Social consequences include three subcategories of disrupted
interpersonal relations, lack of income or job, and restricted duty fulfillment.
Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrated that combat-related post-traumatic stress
disorder has had a negative effect on all different aspects of their health including physical,
psychological and social. Reducing this problem requires interventions and continuous
monitoring of the medical health status of these clients.
Keywords
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