Combat-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Families

A series of studies have demonstrated that post-traumatic stress disorder in war veterans may cause serious problems in husband–wife relationships. These problems reduce the relationship satisfaction in both partners and may cause redistribution of family roles. The increased burden placed on the wives may lead to burnout, transmission of post-traumatic symptoms and development of other mental disorders. In addition, PTSD symptoms have an immediate effect on the veterans’ ability to fulfill their parental roles, which certainly affects the children’s development. The 1991–1995 war in Croatia had many consequences on the war veterans, their families and civilians. For nearly two decades, the Regional Psychotrauma Center, in Rijeka, Croatia has been providing psychological help to war victims, majority of which are war veterans. Our clinical experiences, as well as the results of our studies, indicate that treatment of the traumatized veterans needs to include the wives. A systemic approach in treating the traumatized persons can improve individual functioning and couple functioning. Furthermore, it can minimize potential psychological effects on the children.