Returning Soldiers Report Mental Health Problems

According to a new study conducted by researchers at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, one in ten Soldiers returning from Iraq report mental health problems. Between 2004 and 2007, researchers distributed anonymous surveys to four active duty brigade combat teams and two National Guard combat team three months and 12 months after deployment. The surveys screened Soldiers for PTSD, depression, alcohol misuse and aggressive behavior and asked them to report whether these problems impacted their ability to get along with others, take care of things at home or perform their job duties. “A high number of those that had symptoms of PTSD and depression also reported some aspect of impairment,” said Jeffrey L. Thomas, one of the study’s co-authors. The study also found that of the Soldiers who had PTSD or depression, about half of them reported problems with alcohol or aggressive behaviors. This increased between 3 months and 12 months after deployment among National Guard Soldiers, but stayed about the same among full-time, active duty veterans. To read this article in its entirety, please go to: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/MindMoodNews/10-soldiers-fought-iraq-mentally-ill/story?id=10850315&page=2