The trouble with Martin O’Meara

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this article is to highlight the pitfalls of translating historical cases of wartime psychiatric trauma into modern post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Method: We examined all available primary sources relating to the case of Martin O’Meara VC (1885–1935). Results: We found that O’Meara’s symptoms are not consistent with a diagnosis of PTSD. Conclusions: It is more likely that O’Meara developed a form of schizoaffective disorder, or long-lasting trauma-induced psychosis, after World War I.