Case Study of a VA Hospital Patient

Subject, Frank A., is a 68-year-old male, who has been a resident patient in the Canandaigua Veterans Administration Hospital in Virginia for the past 11 years. He is a veteran of the Korean War who saw and experienced heavy fighting during his tour of duty. He experiences unpredictable periods of rage which caused him to be hospitalized intermittently over the years since his discharge; these outbursts became more frequent and were finally responsible for his full-time hospitalization at Canandaigua.

Frank is Catholic, the younger of two sons. His parents are both dead, and his brother lives in Oregon and rarely visits. Frank was married for several years after returning from Korea, but his wife, Louise, was unable to deal with his rages. They did not have children and were divorced after five years. Frank has not seen his ex-wife or had any contact with her since shortly after their divorce was finalized.

Frank knows me from my work at the hospital and has allowed me to give him Holy Communion each week. I am also Catholic. He found out from Dr. S., the psychiatric doctor who has done some work with him, that I am also a combat veteran; Frank knows that I served in Vietnam and survived two and a half years of heavy fighting on Hamburger Hill. Although we have talked several times, he has not asked me about my experience. Dr. S. has told me that Frank refuses to discuss his time in Korea, and efforts to induce him to open up are often the triggers for his rage

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sn't good at all. When you're feeling alone, or when people die. FRANK (rocking in his chair): God is always good. ME: I know that, Frank. I mean that it's hard to believe it sometimes. It was hard for me to be a good Catholic when men who were my friends were dying. FRANK (leaning over the table): God is always good. ME: But sometimes it's hard to remember. I know there were times like that for me in Vietnam. Can you remember times like that for you? FRANK (holding onto my tie); God is always good! ME: I know that, Frank. God is always good. But sometimes people aren't. DR. S: Frank, take it easy. No one's trying to hurt you. FRANK (pulling me toward him by my tie): God is always good, God is always good. He doesn't hurt people. He doesn't. ME: I know, Frank. That's what we've talked about, remember? He loves you, Frank. He cares about you. I care about you. That's why I'm here, Frank. FRANK (loosening his hold a little): You care about me. ME: That's right. That's why we're here. FRANK (indicating Dr. S.): He doesn't understand. ME: Yes, Frank, he does. He hasn't been in a war, have you, Dr. S.? DR. S: No, I haven't. But I know how difficult it can be. ME: And we were both very hap

Category: Medical - C