Mental Health Impact of the Iraq and Afghanistan Conflicts: A Review of U.S. Research, Service Provision, and Programmatic Responses
Abstract
Although documentation that war inflicts psychological casualties dates back to the American Civil War, most research began after the Vietnam conflict, when studies focused primarily on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). With ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, there has been significant research to illuminate the epidemiology of war-related psychological casualties. Significant findings include an appreciation for the role combat plays in the development of mental disorders, including PTSD, depression, alcohol misuse, somatic symptoms, and others. Recent research has endeavored to understand and improve psychological resilience to temper the negative effects of combat on mental health. With over 2 million U.S. service members involved in the Iraq/Afghanistan conflicts, military mental health practitioners have observed a dramatic increase in the number of U.S. service members who have obtained care. Additionally, the Department of Defense has aggressively worked to improve mental health care. The Department of Veterans Affairs has seen increases in veterans seeking care for mental disorders, and it is adapting staffing levels to meet current and future needs. Scientists will continue efforts to better understand the determinants and prevention of combat-related mental disorders, and they will work with clinicians who strive to improve services and treatment modalities for veterans.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA565428
Entities
People
- Amy B Adler
- Charles C. Engel
- John A. Fairbank
- Shannon C. Miller
- Timothy Steven Wells
- Tyler Clain Smith
Organizations
- Naval Health Research Center