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Delayed Onset of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Among Male Combat Veterans

A Case Series

Received March 11, 2004; revised May 12, 2004; accepted June 4, 2004. From the Medical School, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia (MJR, JCLL), and the Mayo Healthcare Group, Taree, Australia (MDR). Send correspondence to Michelle Ruzich, B.A., Research Centre for the Neurosciences of Ageing (RESCENA), Older Persons Mental Health (ACT Health), Level 1, Lewisham Bldg., Calvary Hospital, Bruce ACT 2617 Australia. e-mail: michelle.ruzich{at}act.gov.au
© 2005 American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry

Objective: Authors investigated the nature of delayed-onset posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among combat veterans. Methods: PTSD, along with cognitive and emotional functioning, was assessed in a case series of elderly Australian war veterans. Results: Fifteen elderly male subjects consecutively referred to an outpatient psychiatric clinic were identified as having PTSD with significantly delayed onset. In most cases, the onset of PTSD symptoms was associated with unrelated medical complaints, psychosocial stress, and/or mild cognitive impairment. Conclusion: Environmental stressors, coupled with age-related neurodegeneration, may potentially contribute to the late-life recrudescence or emergence of PTSD symptoms in veterans exposed to combat-related trauma.

Key Words: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder • Combat Veterans • Anxiety • Memory

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