History of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
History of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
The history of war-related PTSD symptoms has been observed for centuries. In the 1900s, terms like "nostalgia" and "soldier's heart" described similar symptoms. World Wars I and II introduced "shell shock" and "combat exhaustion." Vietnam veterans’ struggles brought attention to the long-term effects of combat exposure. Their advocacy reduced stigma and highlighted the need for better understanding and long-term care of combat-related trauma.
The history of civilian PTSD stretches back through the ages, woven into the fabric of human experiences, yet only recently gaining recognition as a formal diagnosis. Ancient texts reveal that even the greats like Homer, Shakespeare, and Dickens captured the turmoil of trauma. Their characters displayed haunting symptoms, shattered sleep, unshakeable anxiety, that echo what we now understand as modern PTSD.
As the 1800s rolled in, railways crisscrossed landscapes, but with progress came hazards. Horrific accidents led to an outbreak of reports describing “railway spine”, where victims recounted sleepless nights plagued by anxiety and a sense of impending doom after witnessing the accidents.
The relentless march of the Industrial Revolution ushered in man-made disasters, factory explosions and workplace injuries, giving birth to new narratives of trauma amongst civilians, far removed from the battlefield.
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, pioneers of psychoanalysis like Sigmund Freud began peeling back layers of the mind. Investigating how childhood traumas and societal pressures lingered in shadows, festering beneath the surface. Their discussions opened doors to understanding that trauma wasn’t confined to soldiers alone; civilians bore their own burdens.
The devastating toll of World Wars I and II highlighted the plight of not only soldiers returning home but also civilians living under constant threat from air raids and wartime chaos. Sheltering in makeshift basements or fleeing for safety, families experienced collective trauma that would echo through generations.
The women’s movement erupted in the 1970s, shining a spotlight on domestic violence and sexual assault. Forms of trauma often overlooked in traditional discussions surrounding mental health. Survivors bravely shared their stories, reshaping our awareness and understanding of trauma’s reach beyond the battlefield.
Survivors of the Holocaust came forward with their harrowing stories, drawing attention to long-term effects that lingered long after physical wounds had healed.
In 1980, a pivotal moment arrived when PTSD was officially recognised in the DSM-III, breaking barriers that acknowledged trauma could stem from any traumatic event. Be it a natural disaster, a severe accident, or everyday violence, and not solely from combat experiences. Continued research has enriched our understanding, revealing how PTSD is not merely an acute reaction but often evolves into a chronic condition requiring sustained care. As we uncover more about these challenges faced by civilians, it becomes clear that healing journeys can be intricate and prolonged, intertwining personal resilience with societal acknowledgment.