What Increases the Risk of PTSD in OEF/OIF Service members? ![]() Overall, it should be noted that most returning Service members screened negative for PTSD at both time points. On the other hand, many Service members who screened positive (had more PTSD symptoms) at their return showed fewer PTSD symptoms after six months. Service members were more likely to have a positive screen - that is, they showed more PTSD symptoms - at the later time. Using a brief PTSD screen, Service members were assessed at their return and then again six months later. PTSD symptoms are more likely to show up in returning OEF/OIF Service members after a delay of several months. Some research has looked at how the response to war stressors changes over time. Service members also report concerns over conflicts with others. Excessive drinking and use of tobacco among OEF/OIF Veterans may also be problematic. Although studies vary widely in terms of methods used, estimates of depression in returning troops range from 3% to 25%. In addition to PTSD, OEF/OIF Service members are at risk for other mental health problems. Research on OEF/OIF Veterans (1) suggests that 10% to 18% of OEF/OIF troops are likely to have PTSD after they return. How Does Serving in OEF/OIF Affect Mental Health? A body of research shows a strong link between level of combat stress and PTSD. Later research has confirmed that to date, troops who served in Iraq are more likely to report mental health problems than troops who served in Afghanistan. Those who served in Iraq had higher rates of PTSD than those who served in Afghanistan. Soldiers and Marines who had more combat stressors had more mental health problems. This table describes the kinds of stressors faced in each combat theater in 2003: Combat Stressors Soldiers and Marines in Iraq reported more combat stressors than Soldiers in Afghanistan. The study asked Soldiers and Marines about war-zone experiences and about their symptoms of distress. One early study looked at the mental health of these Service members. Many stressors face these Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) troops. ![]() The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq are the longest combat operations since Vietnam. Mental Health Effects of Serving in Afghanistan and Iraq MST can occur during peacetime, training, or war. This is sexual assault or repeated, threatening sexual harassment that occurs in the military. Almost half of those who served in Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) have been Guard and Reservists.Īnother cause of stress is military sexual trauma (MST). This may be even more so for National Guard and Reserve troops who had not expected to be away for so long. These and other factors can increase their chances of having PTSD or other mental health problems.įor many Service members, being away from home for long periods of time can cause problems at home or work. VA Software Documentation Library (VDL)Ĭombat Service members are at risk for death or injury.Clinical Trainees (Academic Affiliations).War Related Illness & Injury Study Center.
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