Acute Stress Reaction in Combat: Emerging Evidence and Peer-Based Interventions

• Published in: Current psychiatry reports Vol. 24; no. 4; pp. 277 - 284
• Main Authors: Adler, Amy B., Gutierrez, Ian A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer US 01.04.2022; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Anxiety; Armed forces; Combat Disorders - psychology; Humans; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Mental disorders; Mental health; Military Mental Health (VF Capaldi; Military Mental Health (VF Capaldi, II, Section Editor); Military personnel; Military Personnel - psychology; Peer Group; Post traumatic stress disorder; Prevalence; Psychiatry; Section Editor; Self Report; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic - psychology; Stress Disorders, Traumatic, Acute; Topical Collection on Military Mental Health; Peer support; Amygdala hijack; Combat experiences; iCOVER; YaHaLOM; High-risk occupations
• ISSN: 1523-3812; 1535-1645
• DOI: 10.1007/s11920-022-01335-2

Purpose of Review This paper highlights the topic of combat-related acute stress reactions (ASRs) in service members. Specifically, we contrast ASRs with related psychiatric conditions, report the estimated prevalence of ASRs for soldiers deployed to combat, and discuss how team members can effectively respond to these reactions. Recent Findings Although not regarded as a clinical disorder, ASRs can have a significant impact on high-risk occupations like the military in which impaired functioning can imperil team members and others. Based on self-report, 17.2% of soldiers who have deployed to combat report having experienced a possible ASR. To our knowledge, this is the first such prevalence estimate. Summary The prevalence of ASRs underscores the need for improved prevention, management, and recovery strategies. Peer-based intervention protocols such as iCOVER may provide a useful starting point to address ASRs in team members.