Final answer:
Shell shock, also known as combat stress reaction, was a psychological disorder that affected soldiers during World War I. Its symptoms included physical and psychological manifestations caused by the extreme stress and trauma of war.
Step-by-step explanation:
Shell shock, also known as combat stress reaction, was a psychological disorder that affected soldiers during World War I. The symptoms of shell shock varied but often included physical and psychological symptoms such as tremors, nightmares, panic attacks, memory loss, irritability, and difficulty sleeping. Some soldiers became mute or blind, while others exhibited aggressive or impulsive behavior.
The symptoms of shell shock were caused by the extreme stress and trauma of war, including the constant exposure to loud explosions, the fear of death, and witnessing the horrors of battle. The condition was not well understood at the time and many soldiers were accused of cowardice or malingering.
Shell shock was an important development in the understanding of mental health and it highlighted the need for better treatment and support for soldiers experiencing psychological trauma. It led to significant advancements in the field of psychiatry and the recognition of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in later conflicts.
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