Normal Behavior vs Abnormal Behavior in Military Population - Research Paper Example

? Normal behavior vs. abnormal behavior in military population of the Psychology of the Concerned March 23, Normal behavior vs. abnormal behavior in military population Introduction In the present world, young males are exposed to endless opportunities to ‘make it large’. Then what motivates them to voluntarily join the army, leave their families and be exposed to violence, death and destruction? Is it patriotism, poverty and financial reasons or it has something to do with the behavior and personality of the person? Are these males likely to be aggressive, angry, rebellious, dealing with emotional stressors in their subconscious and desiring to escape? What would be considered as the standard or baseline for normal behavior in military population? Does military training has anything to do with shaping up the behavior and personality of its recruits? Once the limits or standards for normal behavior are established, only then can the criteria for abnormal behavior emerge. The definitions and criteria for normal and abnormal behavior in military population are still fuzzy and inadequately defined but certain psychiatric diagnoses such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can certainly help to define the line between normal and abnormal. Normal behavior in psychology can be defined as that followed by the maximum number of people inside a bell shaped curve while ‘abnormal’ is what falls outside the norm (Vasterling & Brewin, 2005). In military youth exposed to significant trauma, physical injuries as well as traumatic emotional and psychological experience, abnormal behavioral changes can occur and many of these can be attributed to PTSD. Abnormal behavior interferes with normal functioning of life and warrants some type of intervention. Post traumatic stress disorder Psychiatrists define PTSD as a constellation of mental symptoms that develop following exposure to significant traumatic events (Gill, 2007, p. 108). In the context of military population, terms like ‘shell shock’ and ‘battle fatigue’ have been appropriately used. Witnessing major trauma with multiple injuries and deaths as in combats and wars leads to an initial response of dread, horror and vulnerability which is intense enough for some recruits to develop PTSD (Gill, 2007, p. 108). What follows this exposure is a triad of ‘flashbacks’, ‘avoidance’ of situations associated with inciting traumatic event and ‘anxiety’ (Gill, 2007, p. 109). These symptoms should be present for at least one month and must be significant enough to hamper normal activities of life to be officially classified as PTSD (Gill, 2007, p. 108). Various studies have found varying rates of prevalence of PTSD among some of those recruits deployed in Afghanistan, Iraq and Vietnam who have sustained combat injuries (Vasterling & Brewin, 2005). Normal behavior of male in his mid twenties vs. behavior of male in his mid twenties with post traumatic stress disorder Every individual has a unique personality and behavioral characteristics which can be considered normal when they conform to or resemble those of the majority of members of that society and do not hamper the social functioning and adjustment of that individual or members of that society. An average male in his mid twenties who has joined military can be expected to have a zeal and enthusiasm for military practices, a sense of adventure in spirit and flesh and a feeling of brotherhood, belonging and tradition. Although, normal individuals may all have doubts and fears in their mind about combat and violence, killing and death, these usually take a backseat when it comes to actually performing acts of courage. Every recruit has his own method of dealing with their inherent aggression and mental ‘struggles’ and the recruits are aided by discussing and confessing these with their colleagues, mentors and seniors. Avoiding isolation, communication and seeking help is a part of normal behavior. In contrast, abnormal behavior in a young military recruit can be due to development of PTSD. In survivors of wartime causalities, exposure to significant injury, death or threat to the life of fellow personnel can lead to exhibition of PTSD symptoms. The time period between the exposure and the development of symptoms can be variable but is usually immediate. The recruit may return to his home and demonstrate feelings and actions of aloofness and indifference (Everly & Lating, 1995, p. 49). He may not show any interest in the life and activities he used to lead prior to joining the military and may show disentanglement from the routine affairs of life and his loved ones and family members (Everly & Lating, 1995, p. 49). This phase of detachment may be interrupted by periods of nightmares or flashbacks in which his mind is transported back to the scene of the disaster causing the patient intense panic, suffering and agony (Everly & Lating, 1995). He may, in his conversations, reveal his guilt sentiment or remorse for being alive when his counterparts have lost their life. He may resort to substance abuse or sexual aberrations to cope up with such situations (Gill, 2007, p. 109). In all, these symptoms cause him significant distress so that social aspects of life are made severely upset. Occupationally, in case the recruit stays back or is sent back to his military base, his actions may arouse enough suspicion for him to be referred to a centre specializing in the treatment of war related psychiatric disorders. These symptoms usually include, but are not limited to, panic and anxiety attacks at the mention of the circumstances related to the traumatic event and exposure to situations and stimuli resembling those of the inciting event (Garske, 2011)). Apart from psychological symptoms, the recruit may exhibit somatic symptoms such as decreased appetite, sleep disruption, loss of weight and stress induced ulcers, and decreased immunity (Garske, 2011)). How exactly the number of deployments and the duration of years spent in combat related activities affects the display of symptoms and the course of PTSD is not yet clear. One very important and relevant symptom in young military recruits that is being explored as a part of PTSD spectrum is aggression or tendency towards violence which is unprovoked (Associated Press, 2012). One important case study in this context is of Staff Sgt. Robert Bales, the suspect in the killings of 16 defenseless sleeping Afghan civilians including 9 children (Associated Press, 2012). Although, the age of the war veteran in question, 38 years, is higher than the age group under discussion, mid twenties, for abnormal behavior in military population, the point is that the attorney for Robert Bales are constructing a defense around the argument that he was posted 4 times in Iraq and Afghanistan and was suffering from PTSD (Associated Press, 2012). Although still under investigation, this point if proven, will significantly impact the way psychiatrists and military officials identify and approach abnormal behavior in military recruits in which PTSD is a suspect. It becomes imperative that the effect of various factors such as combat duration, preexisting psychological status, vulnerability and resilience, number of deployments and treatment obtained on the evolution of symptoms and prevalence of PTSD and its impact on the acts of war crimes be observed and studied in detail. Physical injuries such as traumatic brain injury should also be kept as differential diagnosis in case of abnormal behavior in young military population. Apart from psychological symptoms of amnesia, irritability, forgetfulness, inability to form new memories, personality changes and socially unacceptable behavior, neurological symptoms such as seizures, limb weakness or spasticity may provide a clue towards organic brain damage (Everly & Lating, 1995). Again, it can’t be stressed enough that any abnormal behavior warrants a comprehensive medical evaluation and referral. Compensation, Prevention and Treatment It’s obvious that only delineation between normal and abnormal behavior can allow further investigation in to the cause of abnormality and treatment. Once cause is established, it can result in either treatment or compensation or both. Treatment consists of behavior therapy or medications or both. Even more important would be an attitude of prevention. Surprisingly, the preventive strategy of ‘talking about it’ or ‘debriefing’ as it is called has been conversely shown to increase the rates of PTSD in vulnerable population (Gill, 2007, p. 110). Specialist centers for treatment and support such as National Centre for PTSD have been established by US Department of Veteran Affairs. To conclude, the symptoms of abnormal behavior in a young male in his mid twenties can be only subtly different from the normal behavior of his counterparts or may be glaringly obvious. The diagnosis of PTSD is suspect as the symptoms date back to witnessing a major disaster or traumatic event. However, organic brain damage as in traumatic brain injury (TBI) needs to be ruled out as well. References Associated Press. (March 23, 2012). Army Says Many Soldiers Treated for PTSD Capable of Returning to War. The Washington Post. Retrieved from http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/army-says-many-soldiers-treated-for-ptsd-capable-of-returning-to-war/2012/03/23. Everly, George & Lating, Jeffrey M. (1995). Psychotraumatology. New York: Plenum Press. Garske, Gregory G. (2011). Military Related PTSD: A Focus on Symptomatology and Treatment Approaches. The Journal of Rehabilitation, 77(4), 31-38. Gill, David. (2007). Hughe’s Outline of Modern Psychiatry. London: John Wiley & Sons. Vasterling, Jennifer J & Brewin, Chris R. (2005). Neuropsychology of PTSD. New York: Guilford Press. Read More