CSTS History

The Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress (CSTS) was established in 1987 to address United States Department of Defense concerns around the psychological impact and health consequences resulting from the traumatic impact of: 1) the possibility, or actual use, of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) during combat, acts of  terrorism or hostage events; 2) combat, peacemaking, peacekeeping, and operations other than war; 3) natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, or floods;  and, 4) more common stress producing events such as physical assaults and motor vehicle, shipboard, or airplane accidents in both the uniformed and civilian communities.