Vic: A third of Iraq veterans expected to suffer post-war stress
An expert says up to 30 per cent of Australian troops returning from Iraq may sufferfrom Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Psychiatrist MAL HOPWOOD says despite the perception that modern high-tech wars areless psychologically dangerous, Australia's 2,000 troops in the Persian Gulf are stillat risk.
Dr HOPGOOD says the 30 per cent figure is based on evidence from previous conflicts.
The syndrome is characterised by sleeplessness, flashbacks, high anxiety and irritabilitywhich often leads to profound isolation.
The syndrome was known during World War I as shell shock, while combat exhaustion wasthe preferred term during World War II.
More recently it was labelled Gulf War Syndrome after some 275,000 Gulf War veteransfell ill around the world.
AAP RTV svm/gfr/dl/sco
KEYWORD: IRAQ AUST STRESS (MELBOURNE)
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