Title

Serum dioxin and psychological functioning in U.S. Air Force Veterans of the Vietnam War

Authors

Joel E. Michalek, University of Texas Health Science Center at San AntonioFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-2003

Abstract

Using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory and the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory, we assessed the psychological functioning of U.S. Air Force veterans exposed to Agent Orange and its contaminant, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlodibenzo-p-dioxin (dioxin), during the Vietnam War. Index subjects were veterans of Operation Ranch Hand (N = 1,109). Comparisons (N = 1,493) were U.S. Air Force veterans not involved with spraying herbicides. We found few consistent psychological abnormalities associated with serum dioxin levels. Ranch Hand veterans with higher dioxin levels showed some difficulties in anxiety, somatization, depression, and a denial of psychological factors. However, those with background levels also showed indications of emotional distress, primarily in emotional numbing and lability; a guarded, suspicious, and withdrawn style of relating to others; and unusual thoughts or behaviors.

Comments

Originally published in:

Michalek, J. E. (2003). Serum dioxin and psychological functioning in U.S. air force veterans of the vietnam war. Military Medicine,168(2), 153-9.

Posted with the permission of the publisher.

Recommended Citation

Michalek, J. E. (2003). Serum dioxin and psychological functioning in U.S. air force veterans of the vietnam war. Military Medicine,168(2), 153-9.