How many Soldiers have been referred for mental health evaluations and how does that compare to diagnosis?
Q4. About a third of all soldiers who return from OIF have received mental health care in the year after return. This includes screening, prevention, and treatment services. Most of these Soldiers do not receive a diagnosis of a mental health problem, and many of these soldiers were evaluated as response to PDHA screening. Our data suggest that 10-15% of post OIF soldiers are at risk for PTSD, meaning they met screening criteria for PTSD. The most common diagnoses include adjustment reactions, depression, anxiety disorders and alcohol and substance related problems. Reporting symptoms does not mean that the Soldier has a psychiatric disorder. More commonly, Soldiers experience short-lived and normal reactions that improve over time. However, soldiers may need help if symptoms persist or interfere with work or social functioning.
