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Memory: A Vietnam Case Study

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While screening measures are invaluable when assessing for trauma, as they investigate symptoms, symptom severity, traumatic experiences, etc., it is also necessary to be aware of common symptoms, especially when working with a specific population (i.e., Vietnam veterans). Although Holloway and Ursano (1984) conducted this study to better understand the role of memory, as well as the importance of metaphors and social contextual factors in memory, the case studies presented were discussed in the current literature review because they described and clarified common symptoms within this population. The first case study featured an individual who served as a sniper during the Vietnam war, and subsequently experienced disability, secondary to dissociation, which presented itself in the form of dreams and intrusive thoughts (Holloway & Ursano, 1984). Specifically, individual dissociated and found himself playing the role of this sniper, similarly to his role in Vietnam (Holloway & Ursano, 1984). He expressed feeling an enormous amount of guilt as the result of these experiences. …show more content…
When in his 40s, this individual began experiencing concerns about “loss of control and fear of publically displaying anxiety”, (Holloway & Ursano, 1984; p. 106). These symptoms began after he started chemotherapy for prostate cancer, and persisted in a reoccurring pattern. Specifically, he received his chemotherapy treatments once per month at the same time (i.e., Tuesday at 3 pm); however, on the Tuesdays he did not receive treatments he experienced anxiety attacks and feelings of nausea at 3 pm (Holloway & Ursano, 1984). This individual experienced intrusive symptoms (i.e., dreams and intrusive thoughts), as

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