BACKGROUND: Little is known about the psychological health or treatment experiences of those who have left the British armed forces. AIMS: To describe the frequency and associations of common mental disorders and help-seeking behaviours in a representative sample of UK veterans at high risk of mental health problems. METHOD: A cross-sectional telephone survey of 496 'vulnerable' ex-service personnel selected from an existing epidemiological military cohort. RESULTS: The response rate was 64%; 44% of these had a psychiatric diagnosis, most commonly depression. Those with a diagnosis were more likely to be of lower rank and divorced or separated. Just over half of those with self-reported mental health problems were currently seeking help, most from their general practitioners. Most help-seekers received treatment, usually medication; 28% were in touch with a service charity and 4% were receiving cognitive-behavioural therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Depression is more common than post-traumatic stress disorder in UK ex-service personnel. Only about half of those who have a diagnosis are seeking help currently, and few see specialists.
BACKGROUND: Little is known about the psychological health or treatment experiences of those who have left the British armed forces. AIMS: To describe the frequency and associations of common mental disorders and help-seeking behaviours in a representative sample of UK veterans at high risk of mental health problems. METHOD: A cross-sectional telephone survey of 496 'vulnerable' ex-service personnel selected from an existing epidemiological military cohort. RESULTS: The response rate was 64%; 44% of these had a psychiatric diagnosis, most commonly depression. Those with a diagnosis were more likely to be of lower rank and divorced or separated. Just over half of those with self-reported mental health problems were currently seeking help, most from their general practitioners. Most help-seekers received treatment, usually medication; 28% were in touch with a service charity and 4% were receiving cognitive-behavioural therapy. CONCLUSIONS:Depression is more common than post-traumatic stress disorder in UK ex-service personnel. Only about half of those who have a diagnosis are seeking help currently, and few see specialists.
Authors: Matthew Gould; Amy Adler; Mark Zamorski; Carl Castro; Natalie Hanily; Nicole Steele; Steve Kearney; Neil Greenberg Journal: J R Soc Med Date: 2010-04 Impact factor: 5.344
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