[Psychotraumatic reactions in participants and non-participants in warfare--members of a special unit].

The investigation was performed on a sample of members of a special parachute unit, aged 25-30 years. During combat activities in the territory of former Yugoslavia, in the period of 1991-92, they were exposed to intensive stress and psychotraumatic events which could have detrimental influence on personality and psychological functions, most frequently causing posttraumatic stress disorder. The results of investigation showed that in spite of numerous traumatic experiences, psychological stability and professional efficiency could be maintained in specially selected individuals with appropriate personality structure, who were particularly motivated and included in so-called elite units, which show high degree of group cohesion and mutual support. This investigation used for the first time the methodology, most frequently recommended in literature as standard for follow up and early diagnosis of psychological disorders caused by traumatic stress in war or everyday life. Practical value of the used methodology, which included the list of stress-inducing events, the scale of influence of stress-events and the interview for posttraumatic stress disorder, was confirmed.