Mental health of regular and reserve military veterans

Abstract

SummaryThe psychiatric problems of combat returnees are a topical and important issue given the ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Despite the media prominence afforded to post-traumatic stress disorder, the most common disorders in the UK armed forces post-deployment are depression, alcohol misuse and anxiety disorders. Although the majority of service personnel do well after leaving military life, a minority who leave with psychiatric problems appear to be at risk of social exclusion and ongoing ill health. Reserve veterans are at greater risk as they do not have access to the usual support networks of the regular military. Steps to improve the knowledge and expertise of primary care services about veterans' mental health issues and increasing the availability of treatment options are important and are underway.

Mental health among a nationally representative sample of United States Military Reserve Component Personnel

“…The findings also carry implications for other nations' militaries, many of which maintain organizational structures and subcomponents similar to the US military (i.e., AC and RC; separate land, sea, and air forces) and whose members are experiencing similar issues [4,[32][33][34][35][36]. To further identify cultural, social, and organizational differences between militaries, branches, and subcomponents, future research should give focus to comparing mental health outcomes across militaries internationally.…”

The General Practitioner and the military veteran

“…In particular, the Covenant states: ‘ Veterans receive their healthcare from the NHS, and should receive priority treatment where it relates to a condition which results from their service in the Armed Forces, subject to clinical need ’. Iverson and Greenberg's summary2 details the continuing mental health problems of some regular and veteran personnel. These include adjustment disorders, drug and alcohol-related problems, mood disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder.…”

“…Around 18 000 Service people move back into civilian life every year, including around 2000 who leave the Services on medical grounds 1. Veterans may present to their GP with medical problems such as ‘tiredness’ complicated by multiple social problems including difficulties with employment, marital breakdown and debt 2. Because of their military service, their healthcare needs can be different from those of other patients.…”

Occupational psychiatry in the armed forces: should depressed soldiers carry guns?

“…Although the available evidence suggests that, on the whole, the majority of military veterans do well, from a psychological viewpoint, once they leave, both the Ministry of Defence and NHS have recognised that there may be some cultural difficulties which act as a barrier that prevents some veterans from seeking help (Iversen 2009). As mentioned earlier, the six mental health pilot schemes established around the UK to provide enhanced mental healthcare for veterans (Box 1) have now been evaluated for the Department of Health.…”