The prisoner of war

The prisoner of war (POW) experience is greatly influenced by the evironmental and sociocultural factors of the particular captivity setting. Among the most important coping mechanisms are communication, maintenace of military social structure, and personality flexibility. Following repatriation some former POWs develop psychiatric disorders, most commonly 1) medico-psychiatric disorders due to illness, physical trauma, or nutritional deficit, 2) post-traumatic stress disorder, 3) adjustment disorder, 4) depression, 5) anxiety disorders, 6) substance use disorders, and 7) family problems. The severity of captivity and the presence or absence of social supports during and after the POW experience play major roles in the recovery or illness that may occur after repatriation.