Use of the Hand Test in the Assessment of Combat-Related Stress

This study investigated the effectiveness of the Hand Test in discriminating the differential symptomatology of posttraumatic stress (PTS) in Vietnam combat veterans (VCVs). Participants were 108 VCV outpatients, 85 of whom met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed. [DSM-IV]; American Psychiatric Association, 1994) criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and 23 patients that were found to meet some, but not the minimum criteria, required for a diagnosis of PTSD by the DSM-IV. The latter group of patients was classified into a subclinical PTSD, posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) group. Results showed higher levels of overall psychopathology, a vulnerable capacity for coping, and a tendency for feelings of inadequacy and inferiority in the PTSD group. The PTSD group also exhibited more limited interaction with the world around them than the PTSS group, which may be indicative of withdrawal, apathy, or a lack of concern with environmental activities and goals. These findings are discussed in relation to the assessment, understanding, and treatment of PTS symptomatology and PTSD.