The Use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (mri) in Identifying Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

Research has shown that stressful or traumatic experiences associated with law enforcement in the South African Police and Correctional services can lead to Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In 2001 Peltzer examined the extent to which current and continuous exposure to traumatic experiences contributed to traumatic stress responses among 66 South African police officers. A modified version of the Stressful Incidents in Police Work Scale (Carlier& Gersons 1992) was used, as well as the Post-Traumatic Symptom Scale (PTSS-10) (Weisaeth 1989). Results indicated that subjects had, on average, experienced 52.5 stressful incidents (SD = 9.4), ranging from 38 to 70 stressful incidents. Kopel and Friedman (1997) found that among Internal Stability Unit members of the South African Police 49 percent met the Impact of Event Scale criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD. In 1994 Burgers noted that 36 percent of the riot police and 41 percent of black police suffered from PTSD. Suicide statistics among members of the police force is alarming when comparing the incidence of suicide among police officials in 1991 (60 out of every 100 000) with that of the general population (5 out of every 100 000) (Nel & Burgers 1998). As a result of this kind of exposure to psychological threat, literally hundreds of officers in the South African Police and Correctional Services annually claim permanent occupational disability. Furthermore, they apply to be declared medically unfit and discharged as permanently unfit for further service on grounds of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and associated Major Depressive Disorder. It is very difficult to distinguish between a pre-existing personality or adjustment disorder and residual symptoms of exposure to prolonged or severe stress. Furthermore, symptoms of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder are easily simulated or self-induced by prolonged alcohol abuse and members’ preference for a risk-taking lifestyle. It is therefore suggested that Police and Correctional Services management consider alternative screening measures for dealing with these applications.