On-Site Psychological Screening in Bosnia
Abstract
In May 1998, the Department of Defense instituted a decentralized psychological screening program for redeployed soldiers stationed in Bosnia. The psychological portion of the Joint Medical Surveillance Screening Program has three components. (1) All personnel complete a primary screen consisting of three psychological scales measuring post-traumatic stress, depression, and alcohol abuse. (2) Personnel who exceed criteria on any of these scales complete a secondary screen interview conducted by mental health personnel. (3) If necessary, personnel are then referred to a mental health professional in-theater or at their home station. More than 4,000 Task Force Eagle troops were screened on site at nine base camps in Bosnia. The vast majority of these soldiers (95%) completed the screening process without a referral. A relationship between the length of time deployed and primary screen and referral rates emerged from the data. As soldiers deployed longer, a higher percentage tended to score positive on the psychological screen. Junior enlisted soldiers were positive on the psychological screen more frequently than senior enlisted and officers. Decentralized screening offers numerous benefits to soldiers. For example, soldiers benefit from mental health services who might otherwise might not seek or receive help.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 23, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA365395
Entities
People
- R. V. Bienvenu Ii