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These are some things I tend to think about in cases like this. Of course, it is just speculation.
A concerning scenario, IMO, when it comes to ex-military folks (and others with classified, specialized knowledge) is the possibility of them developing Delusional Disorder (DD). (Delusions can also be part of other mental health conditions).
Delusional Disorder is a psychotic disorder in which the person does not have hallucinations, but develops a fixed, persistent belief that is not based in reality. To the person who is experiencing DD, the belief is real and true, and using logic or rationality to get them to change their view will only cause them to distrust that person and entrench deeper into the belief.
With Delusional Disorder, the person can function quite normally - hold a job, have a family, friends, and engage in other regular activities. A person with DD is able to interact normally with others as long as the topic of the delusion doesn't come up. They can engage in conversations about other topics without raising any concerns.
The delusions tend to fall into categories, and one of the most common is persecutory - where a person believes they are being stalked, harassed, conspired against often by a group, system, organization or institution. (more types of delusions here: Delusional Disorder - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf)
For ex-military in particular, these folks may know lots of classified information as well as other information that only people in the military would be privy to. Their knowledge in that area may be completely grounded in truth and fact. They may know information that would be considered concerning to the average person. With a background like this, if one were to develop DD or another condition with delusions, it could be challenging for those around them to grasp what aspects of their fears are based in reality and which are not.
When someone is experiencing Delusional Disorder, their mind creates complex links and patterns that fall apart with objective scrutiny. One way to distinguish a delusional belief system from regular experience is that delusions tend to be connected to the person themselves. Consider the difference here: "I know a lot of classified information and I think the general public needs to know" (normal) vs. "the FBI and CIA are after me because I know all of this classified information". The latter would be how a person with DD thinks.
Delusional Disorder can be a difficult condition to treat. For some, anti-psychotic medications may reduce symptoms. But a person with DD will lack insight into the fact that they need help, and will likely be extremely mistrustful of anyone suggesting or offering help.
As the person continues living with the disorder, they can experience anxiety and disrupted sleep (imagine how you would feel if you were extremely scared - that is what a person with DD feels); they may quit jobs and act out toward loved ones because no one believes them and treats them like they are "crazy". As their life begins to spiral out of control, and they become consumed with the fear and paranoia, they can become quite irritable and this can eventually progress to violence against others as well as suicide.
Its a very tragic mental health disorder because by its nature, the person lacks awareness that their thinking has become deeply skewed. For them, these beliefs are as real as anything else in their lives. Given that a person with DD can function normally, often for years, it is not always easy to identify that they need help. Even if help is available (finding those with the proper skills to treat the condition can be difficult), they are highly prone to rejecting it.
ALL IMO
This case study features a woman who believed the CIA and Homeland Security were following her and provides a good overview of this condition and the challenges of helping people who are suffering from it.
A concerning scenario, IMO, when it comes to ex-military folks (and others with classified, specialized knowledge) is the possibility of them developing Delusional Disorder (DD). (Delusions can also be part of other mental health conditions).
Delusional Disorder is a psychotic disorder in which the person does not have hallucinations, but develops a fixed, persistent belief that is not based in reality. To the person who is experiencing DD, the belief is real and true, and using logic or rationality to get them to change their view will only cause them to distrust that person and entrench deeper into the belief.
With Delusional Disorder, the person can function quite normally - hold a job, have a family, friends, and engage in other regular activities. A person with DD is able to interact normally with others as long as the topic of the delusion doesn't come up. They can engage in conversations about other topics without raising any concerns.
The delusions tend to fall into categories, and one of the most common is persecutory - where a person believes they are being stalked, harassed, conspired against often by a group, system, organization or institution. (more types of delusions here: Delusional Disorder - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf)
For ex-military in particular, these folks may know lots of classified information as well as other information that only people in the military would be privy to. Their knowledge in that area may be completely grounded in truth and fact. They may know information that would be considered concerning to the average person. With a background like this, if one were to develop DD or another condition with delusions, it could be challenging for those around them to grasp what aspects of their fears are based in reality and which are not.
When someone is experiencing Delusional Disorder, their mind creates complex links and patterns that fall apart with objective scrutiny. One way to distinguish a delusional belief system from regular experience is that delusions tend to be connected to the person themselves. Consider the difference here: "I know a lot of classified information and I think the general public needs to know" (normal) vs. "the FBI and CIA are after me because I know all of this classified information". The latter would be how a person with DD thinks.
Delusional Disorder can be a difficult condition to treat. For some, anti-psychotic medications may reduce symptoms. But a person with DD will lack insight into the fact that they need help, and will likely be extremely mistrustful of anyone suggesting or offering help.
As the person continues living with the disorder, they can experience anxiety and disrupted sleep (imagine how you would feel if you were extremely scared - that is what a person with DD feels); they may quit jobs and act out toward loved ones because no one believes them and treats them like they are "crazy". As their life begins to spiral out of control, and they become consumed with the fear and paranoia, they can become quite irritable and this can eventually progress to violence against others as well as suicide.
Its a very tragic mental health disorder because by its nature, the person lacks awareness that their thinking has become deeply skewed. For them, these beliefs are as real as anything else in their lives. Given that a person with DD can function normally, often for years, it is not always easy to identify that they need help. Even if help is available (finding those with the proper skills to treat the condition can be difficult), they are highly prone to rejecting it.
ALL IMO
This case study features a woman who believed the CIA and Homeland Security were following her and provides a good overview of this condition and the challenges of helping people who are suffering from it.
