THE NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL, PSYCHIATRIC, AND PHYSICAL EFFECTS OF PROLONGED AND SEVERE STRESS

Abstract

The long-term or residual effects resulting from severe and extended exposure to stress was studied. The samples were prisoners of war who were interned in Japan (high stress group) or Europe (low stress group) during World War II. They were examined in 3 areas: neuropsychological, psychiatric and physical/neurological. Significant differences were found in all 3 spheres between the 2 groups. The low stress group was divided into long-term and short-term internment duration groups, and then the 3 groups were compared. Significant differences were found among these 3 groups. These results were discussed in relation to a traditional model of explanation.