Annabel McGuire1, Annette Dobson2, Louise Mewton3, Tracey Varker4, David Forbes4, Darryl Wade4. 1. Centre for Australian Military and Veterans' Health, School of Public Health, University of Queensland. 2. School of Public Health, University of Queensland. 3. Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression, St Vincent's Hospital, University of New South Wales. 4. Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Victoria.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To compare the lifetime prevalence of affective, anxiety and substance use disorders and the use of mental health services between people who had served in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) or received Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) benefits and the general population. METHOD: The 2007 National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing obtained data from a nationally representative household survey of 8,841 respondents. RESULTS: Fewer than 20% of men who had served in the ADF reported receiving benefits from DVA. ADF men were older and more likely to report poorer health than other men. They were 50% more likely to be diagnosed with any lifetime mental disorder, any affective disorder, depression, PTSD, any substance use and alcohol disorder. Almost 90% of women who received DVA benefits had not served in the ADF. DVA women were older, and more likely to report moderate/severe psychological distress and less life satisfaction than other women. There was no evidence of greater lifetime use of mental health services by ADF men or DVA women compared to the general population. CONCLUSIONS: Health care providers should ask their patients if they have connections with the military in order to better detect and treat potential mental health problems.
OBJECTIVES: To compare the lifetime prevalence of affective, anxiety and substance use disorders and the use of mental health services between people who had served in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) or received Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) benefits and the general population. METHOD: The 2007 National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing obtained data from a nationally representative household survey of 8,841 respondents. RESULTS: Fewer than 20% of men who had served in the ADF reported receiving benefits from DVA. ADF men were older and more likely to report poorer health than other men. They were 50% more likely to be diagnosed with any lifetime mental disorder, any affective disorder, depression, PTSD, any substance use and alcohol disorder. Almost 90% of women who received DVA benefits had not served in the ADF. DVAwomen were older, and more likely to report moderate/severe psychological distress and less life satisfaction than other women. There was no evidence of greater lifetime use of mental health services by ADF men or DVAwomen compared to the general population. CONCLUSIONS: Health care providers should ask their patients if they have connections with the military in order to better detect and treat potential mental health problems.