Associations between repeated deployments to Iraq (OIF/OND) and Afghanistan (OEF) and post-deployment illnesses and injuries, active component, U.S. Armed Forces, 2003-2010. Part II. Mental disorders, by gender, age group, military occupation, and "dwell times" prior to repeat (second through fifth) deployments

Abstract

Since 2001, 1,347,731 active component U.S. military members deployed in support of operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. This report documents the percentages of deployers who were diagnosed with selected mental disorders in relation to the number (first through fifth) and lengths of "dwell times" prior to such deployments. In general, larger percentages of deployers were diagnosed with PTSD and anxiety-related disorders after second/third than first deployments. After first and repeat deployments, relatively more medical than other occupational group members were diagnosed with PTSD. In general, larger percentages of deployers were diagnosed with alcohol/drug disorders and psychosocial problems after first than repeat deployments; and among deployers younger than 25 years, in combat-specific occupations, and females, every disorder (except PTSD and anxiety-related) affected larger percentages after first than repeat deployments. For most disorders, the longer the "dwell times" prior to deployments, the larger the percentages diagnosed with the conditions after the deployments. The findings should be interpreted with consideration of limitations of the analysis.