PTSD Prevalence, Associated Exposures, and Functional Health Outcomes in a Large, Population - Based Military Cohort
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) results from experiencing or witnessing traumatic life-threatening events and is often associated with combat-related experiences. Baseline data from the Millennium Cohort collected from 74,947 members were analyzed to describe the prevalence of PTSD symptoms and associated self-reported exposures and functional health in a large cross-section of the US military. PTSD diagnosis without current symptoms was reported by 951 (1.2% weighted) 1,487 (2.0% weighted) reported no PTSD diagnosis but reported PTSD symptoms and 284 (0.4% weighted) reported PTSD diagnosis and current symptoms. Self-reported past exposure to chemical or biological warfare agents protective countermeasures or hearing alarms were associated with PTSD symptoms independent of other combat-like exposures. Physical health was consistent among those with past and current PTSD symptoms. However weighted and adjusted mental health summary means for those reporting current PTSD symptoms was 27.2 (95% confidence interval [Cl]: 26.6 27.8) current symptoms and a diagnosis of PTSD was 26.0 (95% Cl: 24.5 27.4) and past PTSD diagnosis was 48.5 (95% Cl: 47.8,49.3). These results suggest a 2% prevalence of PTSD symptoms without diagnosis and that self-reported threatening exposures such as chemical or biological warfare exposures are significantly associated with PTSD symptoms independent of other combat-like exposures. Mental and physical health scores of those with current PTSD symptoms appear diminished but results suggest a return to Cohort levels with the resolution of PTSD symptoms.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 15, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA493505
Entities
People
- Deborah L. Wingard
- Donald J. Slymen
- Donna Kritz-silverstein
- James F. Sallis
- Margaret A.K. Ryan
- Tyler Clain Smith
Organizations
- Naval Health Research Center