Multiple Deployments To Iraq, Afghanistan Adversely Affect Mental Health Of U.S. Soldiers

Main Category: Veterans / Ex-Servicemen
Also Included In: Mental Health
Article Date: 30 Dec 2009 - 0:00 PDT

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A new study reports that repeated deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan may adversely affect the mental health of these deployed soldiers.

Researchers assessed the effects of prior military service in Iraq or Afghanistan on the health of New Jersey Army National Guard members preparing for deployment to Iraq. They analyzed anonymous, self-administered pre-deployment surveys from 2,543 National Guard members deployed to Iraq in 2008, measuring for effects on mental or physical health. They found that previously deployed soldiers were more than three times as likely as soldiers with no previous deployments to screen positive for posttraumatic stress disorder and major depression, more than twice as likely to report chronic pain, and more than 90 percent more likely to score below the general population norm on physical functioning.

Researchers said, "Our findings suggest that repeated deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan adversely affect the physical and mental functioning of New Jersey National Guard troops. … It is important, therefore, for military and veteran authorities to develop mechanisms for the truly confidential and accessible assessment and treatment of mental and behavioral health problems."

Source
American Journal of Public Health

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