Military deployment to the Gulf War as a risk factor for psychiatric illness among US troops

Fiedler, Nancy; Ozakinci, Gözde; Hallman, William K.; Wartenberg, Daniel; Brewer, Noel T.; Barrett, Drue H.; Kipen, Howard M.

doi:10.1192/bjp.188.5.453

Cited by 63 publications

(45 citation statements)

References 34 publications

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“…The study found that Persian Gulf War veterans had a significantly higher prevalence of psychiatric diagnoses, including two times the prevalence of anxiety disorders and depression. Significant independent predictors of psychiatric disorders were lower rank, female gender, and divorced or single marital status (13).…”

Section: Vietnam Warmentioning

confidence: 99%

Health Effects of Combat: A Life-Course Perspective

Levy

Sidel

2009

Annu. Rev. Public Health

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Armed combat (also termed war or armed conflict) has profound direct and indirect impacts on the long-term physical and mental health of both military personnel and noncombatant civilians. Although most research has focused on immediate and short-term health consequences of war, an increasing number of studies have focused on the long-term health consequences for both veterans of military service and noncombatant civilians. However, these long-term studies focus almost entirely on posttraumatic stress disorder and other mental health problems; relatively few long-term studies have focused on physical injuries due to war and the impact of those injuries on relationships, work, and other aspects of life. This article reviews illustrative examples of the existing literature on these long-term health consequences of war, focusing not only on military veterans of several different armed conflicts but also on noncombatant civilian populations, including spouses and children of military veterans as well as refugees and internally displaced persons. Public health professionals can help address these problems. 123

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Section: Vietnam Warmentioning

confidence: 99%

Health Effects of Combat: A Life-Course Perspective

Levy

Sidel

2009

Annu. Rev. Public Health

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“…This finding suggests that depression may be more prevalent in certain subpopulations of men with a history of military service, such as men who receive their healthcare from the VHA. Additional studies suggest that men with a history of military service who were deployed to combat zones [21,[31][32][33], exposed to traumatic experiences [34], in the Reserves [21], utilized mental healthcare, or discharged early [33] may be other important subpopulations.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prevalence, correlates, and symptom profiles of depression among men with a history of military service

Britton

Bossarte

et al. 2010

Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol

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Purpose-The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence, correlates, and symptom profiles of depressive disorders in men with a history of military service. Methods-Data was obtained from the 2006Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey. Multivariable logistic regressions were used to identify correlates of lifetime and current depression. Regularly occurring symptom profiles were identified via cluster analysis.Results-Prevalence of lifetime and current depression was similar in men with and without a history of military service. Lifetime diagnosis was positively associated with younger age and negatively associated with black minority status, married or cohabitation, and self-reported good health. Current depression was positively associated with other minority status (non-Hispanic nonblack) and negatively associated with older age, some college, being in a relationship, and selfreported good health. A cluster of younger men who experience significant depressive symptoms but may not report depressed mood or anhedonia was identified.Conclusions-Depression is as prevalent in men with a history of military service as it is in men without a history. Research should examine subpopulations of men with a history of military service in which depression may be more prevalent or burdensome. Younger men with significant depressive symptoms may be missed by standard depression screens and still be at elevated risk for negative outcomes associated with depressive disorders.

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“…In many studies, life satisfaction is assessed with multiple items [1,5], whereas our measure was a single item. Important service-related variables that may explain the findings were not measured such as Veteran and active duty status, branch of service [16,17,36,37], combat exposure [37], trauma exposure [38], mental health care utilization and early discharge [17], and rank during service. The survey did not assess the presence of psychiatric disorders other than depression that may also explain the findings.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The effect of depression on the association between military service and life satisfaction

2012

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Purpose-The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of depression on the association between a history of military service and life satisfaction among a nationally representative sample of US males. Methods-Data from 57,905 men were obtained from the 2006 Behavioral Risk FactorSurveillance (BRFSS) survey that assessed depression, history of military service, and life satisfaction. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted, controlling for demographics and physical health characteristics.Results-In non-depressed men, a history of military service was associated with higher odds of life satisfaction, OR (95%CI) = 1.39 (1.07, 1.81). However, the interaction between depression and a history of military service was significant, OR (95%CI) = 0.56 (0.38-0.84), such that a history of military service was associated with equivalent odds of satisfaction in depressed men, OR (95%CI) = 0.78 (0.56-1.09).Conclusions-Intervention efforts targeting depression in men with a history of military service may have a significant impact on their well being. Future research should replicate these findings, examine potential mechanisms of the effects, and study the utility of life satisfaction measures in this population.Life satisfaction is an evaluative judgment of one's subjective well-being [1]. In a prospective data set spanning up to 20 years, lower baseline life satisfaction predicted later work disability [2], all-cause mortality [3], death by unintentional injury [4], and suicide [5]. Because of the association between life satisfaction and poor health-related outcomes, it is important to study its correlates.Corresponding Author Word Count: 2,144 Peter C. Britton, Ph.D., 400 Crittenden Blvd., Canandaigua, NY 14424, Phone: (585) 393-7926, Fax: (585) 393-7985, peter.britton@va.gov. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs VA Author ManuscriptVA Author Manuscript VA Author ManuscriptAlthough there is a paucity of research on the relationship between military service and life satisfaction, there is reason to believe that the relationship is neutral or positive. Men with a history of military service report equivalent or better health-related quality of life, a construct similar to life satisfaction, than men without a history of military service [6]. Preenlistment screening may prevent individuals who may be at risk for being dissatisfied with life, such as those with psychotic disorders, alcohol or drug dependence, serious legal problems (e.g., more than one felony conviction, felony with three or more non-traffic offenses, felony drug distribution or trafficking, three or more driving while intoxicated convictions), or debilitating medical conditions, from enlisting [7, 8]. The financial compensation and healthcare that is provided during and after military service and the pride many servicemen take in serving their country may also increase their satisfaction with life.The relationship between a history of military service and life satisfaction, however, may be different for men with psychiatric conditions. Ps...

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Military deployment to the Gulf War as a risk factor for psychiatric illness among US troops

Abstract: Deployment to the Gulf War is associated with a range of mental health outcomes more than 10 years after deployment.

Cited by 63 publications

References 34 publications

Health Effects of Combat: A Life-Course Perspective

Health Effects of Combat: A Life-Course Perspective

Prevalence, correlates, and symptom profiles of depression among men with a history of military service

The effect of depression on the association between military service and life satisfaction

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