Absent credible scientific evidence, this grave disservice to Persian Gulf veterans and their families could cause unwarranted discrimination in the workplace, schools or community. When plausible hypotheses are put forward, federal investigators examine them and encourage careful private research as well. Symptoms include agitation, disturbed sleep and mood swings. PTSD has been diagnosed in a number of Gulf War veterans, but this disorder accounts for less than 5 percent of all illnesses diagnosed in Gulf War veterans participating in the VA registry. This is a very real possibility that is being actively investigated.
Stress can cause psychological as well as physical effects.
New research shows that stress can affect the nervous system, immune system, and hormones in the body. Clearly, chronic stress has been associated with a variety of common ailments, such as ulcers, high blood pressure and certain types of heart disease. However, research is needed to determine if stress caused physical illness in Persian Gulf veterans. Stress would not account for all illnesses reported by Persian Gulf veterans. DoD information suggests that a number of U.S. troops may have been exposed to low levels of a class of chemical warfare agents known as nerve agents.