Examination of Mental Health Accession Screening: Predictive Value of Current Measures and Processes
Abstract
The Department of Defense (DoD) leadership and Congress have had a recurring interest in mental health screenings during the accession period when recruits are medically evaluated for military service. A significant number of Service members - approximately 9% - receive a mental health diagnosis within the first 180 days after accession. These conditions are usually not disclosed or are undetectable during the accession period and are associated with an increased rate of attrition (69%) and reduced odds of deploying (77%). The DoD could benefit from improving the screening for, and identification of, pre-existing mental health conditions in recruits and early career Service members. This could reduce the significant number who separate early and provide an opportunity to support Service members who could have successful military careers if offered early intervention. This also recognizes that disclosure-based screening of mental and behavioral health conditions, by itself, is an imperfect tool.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 07, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1114379
Entities
People
- Jeremy Lazarus
Organizations
- Defense Health Board