Final answer:
Historically, PTSD, historically known as shell shock, was not effectively addressed by the government. It was often misunderstood, inadequately treated, and stigmatized. Over time awareness improved, but support and treatment for veterans remained insufficient for many.
Step-by-step explanation:
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), formerly known as shell shock, was a significant aftermath of wars such as World War I, World War II, and the Vietnam War. During the time of World War I, the medical community largely failed to recognize the severity of PTSD, attributing it to personal weakness. Treatment often included trying to force soldiers to return to normal behavior, utilizing methods such as the 'talking cure' derived from early psychoanalysis. However, the understanding was limited, and there was a societal stigma attached to psychological problems, leaving many veterans without the support or recognition they needed.
Following later conflicts like the Vietnam War, awareness of PTSD became more widespread, yet many veterans still did not receive adequate diagnosis or treatment promptly. The Veterans Administration lagged in addressing the issue effectively, with some veterans turning to self-medication or experiencing social stigma and isolation. The long-term effects of this neglect meant that many service members continued to struggle with the consequences of their traumatic experiences, largely unsupported by the government.