Assessment of Changes in Mental Health Conditions Among Sailors and Marines During Postdeployment Phase

Abstract

Previous research regarding the mental health ramifications of military deployments focused on the U.S. Army population. As part of its deployment health surveillance mission, Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center conducted a study of the Department of Navy population to identify reported mental health effects associated with Operation Iraqi Freedom, describe mental health care utilization by returning service members previously deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and examine the relationships between self-identified risks and provider referral practices. Despite a considerable number of self-reported mental health concerns, referral for mental health consultations and health care utilization were rare. The psychological well-being of service members is essential to the military's optimum functionality and operational readiness; therefore, continued research in this area has significant bearing on future force health protection efforts. Additionally, this study highlights the need for further research on deployment-related mental health concerns.

Postdeployment symptom changes and traumatic brain injury and/or posttraumatic stress disorder in men

“…This study is also consistent with other studies concerning the late appearance of symptoms [3][4]. Military healthcare providers should not rely on either the PDHA or PDHRA alone because symptoms emerge over time [33]. Future studies are needed to describe the chronological development and resolution of symptoms in greater detail.…”

Health Dynamics of Military and Veteran Couples: A Biopsychorelational Overview

“…Mental health assessments should be implemented early and completed often to assist with diagnosing mental health symptoms that often go undiagnosed or undertreated (Milliken et al 2007). Military members receive physical health checks when they return from deployment (Sharkey and Rennix 2011) and this would be a great opportunity for a BPS assessment. Medical family therapists are an important resource for this type of assessment because they are skilled at completing brief, systemic mental health assessments in a medical setting (Fox et al 2012).…”

The Deployment Life Study: Longitudinal Analysis of Military Families Across the Deployment Cycle

“…A longitudinal study of a brigade combat team immediately upon returning from deployment and four months later found a marked increase in PTSD symptoms over time , resulting in the Department of Defense (DoD)-wide requirement that service members complete a postdeployment health reassessment six months after returning from deployment, screening data that went on to inform subsequent longitudinal studies of postdeployment symptoms (e.g., Milliken, Auchterlonie, and Hoge, 2007). Both longitudinal and cross-sectional studies (e.g., Sharkey and Rennix, 2011;Thomas et al, 2010) have continued to show stable or slightly increasing symptoms in the period from three to 12 months postdeployment. However, there are concerns that the measurement environment shifts during this period, which may make these assessments difficult to compare.…”