Camptocormia

Abstract

Camptocormia is a disabling psychiatric condition characterized by a fixed flexion of the spine usually occurring during the stress or anticipation of battle. We present an illustrative case study and a summary of six cases. In this clinical sample the camptocormia was associated with a high likelihood of a history of significant back trauma; this lends to difficulty in assigning a diagnosis from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III-R). Camptocormic patients retained in the military have a poor prognosis; rapid diagnosis and medical separation is recommended.