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  • Title: Mental health of UK military personnel while on deployment in Iraq.
    Author: Mulligan K, Jones N, Woodhead C, Davies M, Wessely S, Greenberg N.
    Journal: Br J Psychiatry; 2010 Nov; 197(5):405-10. PubMed ID: 21037218.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND: Most research on the mental health of UK armed forces personnel has been conducted either before or after deployment; there is scant evidence concerning personnel while they are on deployment. AIMS: To assess the mental health of UK armed forces personnel deployed in Iraq and identify gaps in the provision of support on operations. METHOD: Personnel completed a questionnaire about their deployment experiences and health status. Primary outcomes were psychological distress (General Health Questionnaire-12, GHQ-12), symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and self-rating of overall health. RESULTS: Of 611 participants, 20.5% scored above the cut-off on the GHQ-12 and 3.4% scored as having probable PTSD. Higher risk of psychological distress was associated with younger age, female gender, weaker unit cohesion, poorer perceived leadership and non-receipt of a pre-deployment stress brief. Perceived threat to life, poorer perceived leadership and non-receipt of a stress brief were risk factors for symptoms of PTSD. Better self-rated overall health was associated with being a commissioned officer, stronger unit cohesion and having taken a period of rest and recuperation. Personnel who reported sick for any reason during deployment were more likely to report psychological symptoms. Around 11% reported currently being interested in receiving help for a psychological problem. CONCLUSIONS: In an established operational theatre the prevalence of common psychopathology was similar to rates found in non-deployed military samples. However, there remains scope for further improving in-theatre support mechanisms, raising awareness of the link between reporting sick and mental health and ensuring implementation of current policy to deliver pre-deployment stress briefs.
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