The Boston Globe

Nation

Boston.com

New label considered for post traumatic stress disorder

Calling it injury instead of disorder could nix stigma

By Greg Jaffe

 |  Washington Post  

  May 13, 2012

It has been called shell shock, battle fatigue, soldier’s heart and, most recently, post traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. Now, military officers and psychiatrists are embroiled in a heated debate over whether to change the name of a condition as old as combat. The potential new moniker: post traumatic stress injury. Military officers and some psychiatrists say dropping the word “disorder’’ in favor of “injury’’ will reduce the stigma that stops troops from seeking treatment.

Stay with the story. Get full access to BostonGlobe.com for just 99¢

Unlimited access to BostonGlobe.com for only 99¢ for the first 4 weeks. You can cancel at any time.

  • The FULL story all day: Enjoy all of the high-quality, in-depth journalism in the print edition of the Boston Globe — plus breaking news that's updated 24/7.
  • A truly reader-friendly format: It's online news that looks and reads just like the newspaper — uncluttered, uninterrupted.
  • Breakthrough technology: The responsive design automatically adapts content so it always reads perfectly on the digital device of your choice.
Get started today

Free access for home delivery subscribers.

Just need to link your home delivery account; one easy step.

Link my home delivery account

BostonGlobe.comSubscriber Log In

Contact us for help