Citation

Banwell E, Greenberg N, Smith P, Jones N, Fertout M. J. R. Army Med. Corps 2015; 162(2): 115-119.

Affiliation

Academic Centre for Defence Mental Health, King's College London, London, UK.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, UK Royal Army Medical Corps)

DOI

10.1136/jramc-2015-000425

PMID

26508773

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Fear et al identified a small but significant increase in probable post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in UK military personnel from around 3% in first year post deployment to around 6% by year 5. As yet it is not clear what factors are linked to the increase in probable PTSD, and therefore, serial measurement of poor mental health would be helpful.

METHOD: Rates of mental ill health among UK service personnel were compared upon deployment completion and at follow-up and identified factors associated with maladjustment.

RESULTS: Poor mental health symptomatology increased from baseline to follow-up, PTSD symptoms and related functional impairment increased significantly. Poor baseline mental health was predictive of transition and family relationship difficulties.

CONCLUSIONS: The results are discussed in relation to encouraging recognition and reporting of symptoms among personnel and their social networks.

Language: en