Mental disorders and mental health problems, active component, U.S. Armed Forces, 2000-2011

Abstract

Mental disorders account for significant morbidity, health care utilization, disability, and attrition from military service; the health care burden associated with mental disorders has increased over the last several years. During the years 2000 through 2011, 936,283 active component service members were diagnosed with at least one mental disorder. Annual counts and rates of incident diagnoses of mental disorders have increased by approximately 65 percent over the last twelve years; this overall increase is largely attributable to diagnoses of adjustment disorders, depressive and anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Rates of incident mental disorder diagnoses were higher in females than males and in service members under 30 years of age. These findings reinforce previous reports that have documented a rise in demand for mental health services in the active component force and suggest that continued focus on detection and treatment for mental health issues is warranted.