I noticed that a lot of media and publications talk about Vietnam War veterans suffering from PTSD and other psychological/mental health issues.
What was so devastating in this specific war comparing to other wars (i.e. WW1 and WW2) that caused so many vets’ trauma?
Or is it a matter of fact that during previous wars mental health care was less developed?
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The reason PTSD was/is more common in Vietnam and post-Vietnam vets than in WWI and WWII vets is the same as why there are more kids diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders post-2000, or diabetes post-1990 – diagnostic criteria have changed significantly over time. Research on PTSD in veterans was mostly conducted post-Vietnam on veterans of the Vietnam War, and eventually the definition was broadened to include other sorts of trauma (sexual assault, child abuse, etc).
WWII veterans definitely showed their own version of PTSD, though. Most of the men in my grandparents’ generation of my family served in the military during the war, and none of them talked about it. I only became aware of their combat decorations after they died, and the only time I heard about their service was when one of them would shut off the John Wayne war movie of the week and inform us that war wasn’t entertainment.
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