Am J Psychiatry 1978; 135:1040-1043
Copyright © 1978 by American Psychiatric Association
The military family syndrome
DM Lagrone
The author reviewed the case records of 792 children and adolescents seen
in a military clinic over a two-year period. His data suggest that the
incidence of behavioral disorders was higher in this clinic than in a
civilian mental health center. Seven problem areas common to records in
which a behavioral disorder was diagnosed were found. The author suggests
that the behavioral problems of the group studied represent a process of
acting out in the rigid, autocratic system of the military. He also
suggests that an approach using systems theory and modified goals may be
more helpful in dealing with problems of military families than the
traditional individual approach.
