Full Text Full Text (PDF) Data Supplement Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Email this article to a Colleague Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to My Articles & Searches Download to citation manager Citing Articles via Google Scholar Articles by Creamer, M. Articles by Sim, M. R. Search for Related Content PubMed Citation Articles by Creamer, M. Articles by Sim, M. R. Other Patient Groups/Issues Gender Other Addictive Disorders Anxiety Disorders (General) Depression Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Epidemiology

Psychiatric Disorder and Separation From Military Service: A 10-Year Retrospective Study

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the association between the onset of psychiatric morbidity and separation from military service over a 10-year period (1991–2001). METHOD: The prevalence of affective, anxiety, somatic, and substance use disorders was assessed in 2,215 male Australian Navy personnel with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. RESULTS: The onset of a psychiatric disorder during military service was related to a 19% greater risk of separation overall. The majority of those leaving military service did so in the first year after symptom onset. Personnel who remained in service past this period had no significantly elevated risk of separation in subsequent years. CONCLUSIONS: Psychiatric morbidity represents a significant potential cost to defense forces. Improved recognition and early management of mental health problems among military personnel may improve retention rates.

Get information about faster international access.

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2006 American Psychiatric Association. All rights reserved.

Home | Search | Current Issue | Past Issues | Subscribe | All APPI Journals | Help | Contact Us