Attempts to elucidate the overall character of PTSD among a group of Vietnam veterans & to highlight alexithymia as one of its pervasive but less noticed symptoms. Alexithymia is a clinically derived concept that refers to a cognitive-affective disturbance that impairs an individual’s ability to experience, label & express emotions. A case illustration is given of a veteran with PTSD & alexithymia who committed suicide 1 year after an intensive treatment program. (67 refs.)