Final answer:
Research on the etiology of PTSD among Vietnam War veterans using resources like the Vietnam Twin Registry has revealed genetic and environmental risk factors. Studies have shown that war experiences led to PTSD among many veterans, although diagnosis and treatment were often delayed. Innovative treatments have since been developed to aid in managing PTSD symptoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The etiology of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has been a significant focus of research, particularly among Vietnam War veterans. The Vietnam Twin Registry has been a valuable resource in understanding the risk factors for the course of PTSD. Studies, such as Koenen et al.'s 14-year follow-up of American Legionnaires, have identified a range of risk factors influencing the course of PTSD among Vietnam veterans, from genetic predispositions to environmental experiences. Moreover, the psychological impacts of war, including experiencing severe trauma and stress, have been shown to elicit symptoms of PTSD, which was commonly observed among American GIs during the Vietnam War. However, diagnosis and treatment by the Veterans Administration frequently lacked timeliness. Research from sources like Kessler et al. and Xie et al. has expanded knowledge about how genetic factors and stressful life events can interact to influence the likelihood of developing PTSD. Innovative treatments such as Virtual Iraq exposure therapy have been explored to provide relief to those suffering from PTSD symptoms.