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Chapter 06 #49

c) Soldier’s heart

A unique medical condition that became prevalent among Civil War soldiers was known as “soldier’s heart,” named after a popular military march. This condition, now recognized as a form of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or a Costa’s syndrome, manifested in symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and palpitations. It was observed in soldiers who had experienced the intense stresses and traumas of battle. The term “soldier’s heart” reflects the early understanding and recognition of the psychological impact of war, laying the groundwork for future studies and treatment of combat-related stress disorders.