War then and now: from surviving to thriving.

Call it Shell Shock, Battle Fatigue or PTSD. Throughout history, war has produced, to one degree or another an acute and chronic behavioral health condition amongst returning personnel. The lack and fluidity of a clearly identifiable zone of combat has placed more soldiers at risk. Changes in the nature of war have led to higher rates of both physical and mental injury, as well as improved treatment interventions. The fact that soldiers are surviving what in the past would have been deadly physical injuries has presented a greater need to address the emotional casualties that remain. Improved programs proactively emphasizing resiliency and stress inoculation as well as formal reintegration strategies, assessment, individualized treatment planning and follow-up, have resulted in improved outcomes. Future developments in the field of military psychology should only further improve the current situation.