Psychiatric Casualties

Mark Russell and Charles Figley unpack the complexities of psychiatric casualties, exploring the full scope of mental health crises and the systemic failures in addressing them. From cultural idioms of distress to the mislabeling of combat veterans, they shine a light on the urgent need for a holistic approach to military mental health care. They navigate the intricate web of neuropsychiatric diag...

In episode 5 Mark and Charles unravel the complex tapestry of war's psychological toll. They shed light on the broad spectrum of conditions that afflict service members beyond PTSD, including medically unexplained physical symptoms, neuropsychiatric diagnoses, and traumatic grief reactions. This discussion is not just a critique but a call to action, highlighting the dire need for comprehensive me...

Join Dr. Mark Russell and Dr. Charles Figley as they navigate the complex history of military mental health, uncovering the silent suffering behind the heroism. Their conversation takes a critical look at the evolution of military psychiatry, from the days of the Civil War to our contemporary conflicts, and the often-overlooked psychological traumas that accompany them. Mark and Charles will bring...

Join Mark and Charles on a journey through time as they trace the roots of military medicine back to Roman legions, navigating the delicate balance between maintaining an effective fighting force and providing essential mental health support. They trace the silhouette of war’s psychological toll that unravels the changing perceptions and legal battles that have shaped how we view and treat our war...

War wounds are not always visible, and the battle scars of the mind can be as debilitating as any physical injury. Mark and Charles open up a long-overdue discussion on the unseen struggles of military mental health, tracing the historical neglect and systemic shortcomings in armed forces' approaches. The conversation is both a history lesson and a current affairs class, as we uncover declassified...

The psychological toll of war is vast, and the social costs of war’s psychiatric casualties extend even further. Yet military mental health care suffers from extensive waiting lists, organizational scandals, spikes in veteran suicide, narcotic over prescription, shortages of mental health professionals, and inadequate treatment. The prevalence of conditions such as post–traumatic stress disorder i...