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Shell shock is a term that originated during World War I to describe symptoms similar to those of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which many soldiers suffered during the war. Before PTSD was officially recognized, [ 3 ] the phrase was often used colloquially to refer to a combination of distressing symptoms some experience as a reaction ...
The thousand-yard stare is sometimes described as an effect of shell shock or combat stress reaction, along with other mental health conditions. However, it is not a formal medical term . [ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ]
Whether a person with shell-shock was considered "wounded" or "sick" depended on the circumstances. Soldiers were personally faulted for their mental breakdown rather than their war experience. The large proportion of World War I veterans in the European population meant that the symptoms were common to the culture.
Shell shock or war neurosis are forms of hysteria that manifested in soldiers during war time, especially World War I. Symptoms that were previously considered somatic were reconsidered in a new light; trembling, paralysis, nightmares, mutism and apathy were grouped together in a broad spectrum psychological disorder known as "war neurosis".
Nevertheless, neurasthenia was a common diagnosis during World War I for "shell shock", [18] but its use declined a decade later. [citation needed] Soldiers who deserted their post could be executed even if they had a medical excuse, but officers who had neurasthenia were not executed. [19]
During the world wars, the condition was known under various terms, including 'shell shock', 'war nerves', neurasthenia and 'combat neurosis'. [24] [25] The term "post-traumatic stress disorder" came into use in the 1970s, in large part due to the diagnoses of U.S. military veterans of the Vietnam War. [26]
During his time serving in the war, Farr was hospitalised multiple times for shell shock and related symptoms. On 9 May 1915, shortly after Farr's battalion fought in the Battle of Aubers Ridge, [5] he was removed from his position at Houplines [9] and spent five months in hospital in Boulogne to recover from shell shock.
To some extent, shell-shock still shapes our understanding of PTSD today. Skip to main content. 24/7 Help. For premium support please call: 800-290-4726 more ways to reach us ...