Important decisions are made by individuals perceiving themselves in highly vulnerable and life-threatening situations. Delayed stress among Vietnam veterans is considered to be the result of such significant survival decisions. The affective, cognitive, and behavior patterns associated with these decisions facilitated and maximized chances for survival during combat. Maintenance of these patterns after leaving the combat area produce the group of symptoms collectively labeled “delayed stress syndrome.” The symptoms of delayed stress, the characteristics of the survival decisions, and subsequent patterns retained in non-combat environments and into civilian life are described. Several general considerations, e.g., Vietnam as a primary stressor, the veteran as victim or villain, and the importance of the family system are discussed and their relevance to treatment of Vietnam veterans emphasized.

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Advanced Treatment Strategies
Significant Adult Decisions of Vietnam Veterans
Pages 115-120
Published online: 28 Dec 2017