Veterans of the 1st Persian Gulf War: A Study of Medically Unexplained Symptom Models

<p>In 1990-1991, shortly after the Persian Gulf War, a number of veterans began complaining about a wide range of symptoms, the most common of which were; fatigue, headache, sleep disturbance, low mood, and memory loss. These symptoms were similar to those experienced by individuals with Medically Unexplained Illnesses such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, and Somatoform Disorders. Utilizing structural equation modeling and data gathered from the Gulf War Veterans Health Questionnaire, this study attempted to determine whether symptoms experienced by veterans were best explained as individual items, discrete illnesses, or as a conglomeration of symptoms (i.e. Gulf War Illness). Three models were proposed: a single factor, a five factor, or a second order model, and run in EQS. Results indicate a strong fit for the second order model indicating the presence Gulf War Illness as a separate, unifying concept that best accounts for symptoms experienced by veterans of the Persian Gulf War. Treatment recommendations and future considerations are discussed.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Psychology

Year

2010

Author dc:creator

• Collins, Alexis H.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Kendal Boyd
• Louis Jenkins
• Matt Riggs
• David Vermeersch

• Psychology
• Statistical Models
• Persian Gulf Syndrome -- etiology; Veterans -- psychology; Combat Disorders; Military Medicine; Models, Structural.

Statement dc:rights

• This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

https://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/1696

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarsrepository.llu.edu:etd-2363