Older patients with schizophrenia: does military veteran status matter?

Objective: : The objective of this study was to examine the influence of military veteran status within a data set of older patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.

Methods: : The data set was examined to determine whether veteran status influenced psychopathology, quality of life, cognitive performance, and everyday functioning among 746 male participants.

Results: : There were no significant differences between the groups on measures of premorbid functioning or psychopathology.

Prevention of posttraumatic stress disorder.

Traumatic events are common, but the psychological distress that may follow usually subsides naturally. For some individuals, distress develops into posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD lends itself to the application of prevention strategies for at-risk individuals.