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

Abstract

SummaryThe Defence Mental Health Services (DMHS) provide an occupationally focused service for the UK armed forces when deployed and when at home. Although much of the work is similar to that carried out by National Health Service community mental health teams, there are many unique aspects to working with the military. Although carrying out operational duties is a key function of the armed forces, the majority of cases managed by the DMHS are not related to traumatic exposures; instead, adjustment, mood and substance use disorders form the bulk of the case work. However, DMHS personnel carry out a considerable amount of psychological education and command liaison functions to support the concept that the psychological welfare of troops is primarily a chain of command responsibility. This article outlines the structure and function of the DMHS and its approach to risk management.

What civilian psychiatrists should know about military psychiatry

“…Admission criteria differ markedly from those in the NHS; the military are understandably more risk averse than civilian colleagues given the nature of the military environment (replete with firearms, etc.) and, together with the lack of any alternatives to admission, thresholds to admit are much less than those in the NHS (McAllister 2011).…”

“…In an earlier article in Advances, McAllister et al (2011) described the structure and functions of the Defence Mental Health Services (DMHS), which are responsible for the care of approximately 200 000 service men and women (including reserves). Our article compliments and should be read in conjunction with McAllister et al, and sets out to describe what civilian clinicians should know about defence mental health when treating serving or ex-serving personnel.…”