“Shell Shock,” coined in WWI for soldiers’ psychological symptoms initially linked to physical trauma, later revealed a complex mix of psychological and physical factors, ultimately contributing to the concept of PTSD. Like history? Follow us @HistoryPhotographed 🌟 | History In Pictures

The term “shell shock” emerged during World War I to describe psychological trauma experienced by soldiers exposed to intense bombardment and combat. Symptoms included severe anxiety, tremors, and emotional distress. In a notable case, a soldier exhibited extreme fear and agitation when a doctor presented him with a military helmet, indicating a deep association between the object and his traumatic experiences. Over time, the understanding of such conditions evolved, leading to the modern diagno

In 1918, British soldiers suffering from "shell shock" — what we now call PTSD — were treated at the Devon Hospital in England. This rare footage shows their condition before and after therapy, capturing both the devastating effects of trench warfare and the first attempts at psychological treatment. | VibrantHistory