Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder among French Armed Forces Members in Afghanistan: A New Approach

Abstract

During the 20th century, the management of war-related psychological trauma shifted from neurology to psychiatry. After September 11, 2001, the French forces participated in a multinational force deployed in Afghanistan to fight against terrorism. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) became a priority. We report the daily work of the psychiatrists involved in this mission and the organization developed to psychologically support wounded military personnel. The doctrine of early intervention psychiatrization and the technique of collective debriefing are the key points of this procedure. The psychiatrist is also responsible for the healthcare community, particularly vulnerable when confronted with severe ballistic injuries. One aim of this organization is also to screen PTSD in soldiers returning from Afghanistan. The military general practitioner is a pivotal point of this procedure built to detect PTSD, anxiety, depressive reaction and behavioral problems. The French health service has developed a genuine care strategy aimed at identifying patients, accompanying them in the formalities for recognition and compensation, and offering them treatment locally by arranging clinical psychology consultations near their home.

Evaluation of follow-up and long-term outcomes of gunshot and stab wounds in a French civilian population

“…In 2016, in a clinician-administered PTSD scale-1 structured interviews among French soldiers returning from Afghanistan, more than one quarter of soldiers suffered at least 1 mental disorder. 19 After civilian war in Kosovo, prevalence of PTSD in survivors was evaluated at 26%. 20 In the civilian field, the prevalence of PTSD differs from one study to another.…”

“…Indeed, it is important to note that only half of patients develop symptoms within a month after traumatic event and the delay before the first symptoms can be longer than 12 months for some. 19 This psychologic disorder particularity justifies a long follow-up by GP. In view of the proportion of psychiatric consequences, it seems essential to train teams in screening for PTSD and to involve competent personnel in order to detect early, manage and ensure long-term follow-up in the same way as what has been set up within the French Military Health Service.…”

“…In view of the proportion of psychiatric consequences, it seems essential to train teams in screening for PTSD and to involve competent personnel in order to detect early, manage and ensure long-term follow-up in the same way as what has been set up within the French Military Health Service. 19 Indeed, an active health plan has been developed to place military doctors and nurses at the heart of the early detection system for patients with PTSD upon mission's return. 19 …”

“… 19 Indeed, an active health plan has been developed to place military doctors and nurses at the heart of the early detection system for patients with PTSD upon mission's return. 19 …”