Researchaholic

You have not mentioned the abominable effects wrought on humans from the ingestion of dioxin (an agent orange compound).

A knowledge base already exists on the low dose, long term, indirect biological effects of dioxins. This includes the developmental, neurological, hormonal and immunological disruptions and cancer promotions as a result of exposure to the bioaccumulative PCDDs.

Measurements of PCBs and dioxins are highly complicated and very expensive to conduct, however, I believe more should be done by our governments into the research of this chemical on our viet. veterans.

Humans are constantly exposed to dioxins in their food as a result of industry spewing this muck out. Certain natural phenomena contributes also, such as bushfires etc, therefore, those veterans exposed to an excesssive dose of agent orange in Vietnam could have limited possibilities in detoxing as a result of the bioaccumulative effects of POPs.

I trust you have seriously considered the impacts that this most insidious, devastating chemical has on the human body.

All my best wishes to your Dad.

Reasearchaholic,
I am surprised that you dont have human data. A quick search on cortisol correlated to subjective stress level gave a number of results. (search names 'cortisol' 'stress' 'studies') and if you are into to research then here is one;
cortisol level in job loss, cortisol in family separation particularly children, cortisol in exam period... (these days cortisol can easily be measured from a swab of saliva)...you will have no problem with subjects numbers and data as the subjects can obtain the samples for you, just your funding and time...
But yes, there is a line between stress within normal human experiences of life, and PTSD which is an extreme form, in the same group as 'nervous breakdown' where the emotional brain just shuts down as it is no longer able to cope with the situation etc...

Sam
I agree that if you are going to go into other neurotransmitters then you will be muddying the water so to say eg with dopamine and serotonin which predomimate in states of depression (which is more an effect of PTSD that primary symptom)...Hope this helps.

Researchaholic;

just re-read your first post. I am curious on your study. What are the markers for statistical comparison in your questionaire to your study that you are conducting, and what is the population numbers you are seeking to get a valid result to hypothesis...
Sam

Dear King Canute,

I am in complete agreement with your comments regarding the neglect of the Aboriginal experience with PTSD. My father tells me that he fought alongside many very capable Aboriginals in Vietnam where the colour of their skin was rapidly forgotten. Not only did they have to face the collective riticule from the marauding hordes upon their return, but they have the perpetual neglect and abuse of their culture as a whole. The transgenerational transmission of PTSD amongst this population must be very significant indeed. This may be reflected in the numbers of children and grandchildren of Aboriginal Vets that are incarcerated.

For this reason I am hoping to collect experiences from several Aboriginal vets and their families as well.

Thank you for your input and feedback.

Dear O Sung Woo,

I think my Father went through a very similar program in Toowong Private.

Sounds like you are in one of those cohorts who display resilience, rather than defeat. I congratulate you...

"That which does not destroy me only makes me stronger" (Frederick Nietzsche)

Dear Dickie,

I am very aware of the damaging and "abominable" effects of TDCC and other agents on the human genome. I have recently had direct dealings with the release of a report into the carcenogentic factors and transgenerational effects of these. Much of this was attributed to the distillation of esturine water onboard naval and army smallships that was supplied as pottable water to the infantrymen, RAN personnel and associated military contingencies that operated during specific times in the Vietnam conflict. The report stated that heating the dioxin increased the carcenogenic factor by 4 (=400%).

I also have a young son with spina bifida.

However, this is not the focus of THIS stage of my research. My study investigates mental (un)health and the psychological byproducts of living the experience of PTSD