Post-deployment Syndrome

Post-deployment Syndrome (PDS)

Post-deployment syndrome is a collection of symptoms that are consistent in nature and impact day-to-day functioning for a minimum of three months (Cifu 2010). Persons typically have at least two of the following: mild traumatic brain injury or concussion, post-traumatic stress disorder, major depression, chronic pain, generalized anxiety disorder, cognitive complaints, sleep disturbance, fatigue, and sensory abnormalities (Cifu 2010; Cifu and Blake 2011). It is estimated that 16% of OIF/OEF veterans experience symptoms (Walker et al. 2010). Onset is primarily attributed to combat exposure and proximity to violent blasts. Elements of PDS were previously referred to as “shell shock” and “postconcussional syndrome” during World Wars I and II (Walker et al. 2010). Increased attention to the syndrome has resulted in part due to the prolonged nature of the current US military conflicts.