Which Vietnam veterans develop posttraumatic stress disorders?

Fifty Vietnam combat veterans diagnosed PTSD were compared with 50 controls, who were also combat veterans. The two groups were evaluated with a structured interview, and assessments were made of childhood and family histories, immediate preservice experiences, combat experiences, and postdischarge experiences. The two groups differed significantly in the intensity of their combat experiences and their perceptions of their homecoming experiences. Neither early history nor immediate preservice factors differentiated the two groups.