Mental health and comorbidities in U.S. Military members

ABSTRACT Objectives: Using data from a prospective cohort study of U.S. service members who joined after September 11, 2001 to determine incidence rates and comorbidities of mental and behavioral disorders. Methods: Calculated age and sex adjusted incidence rates of mental and behavioral conditions determined by validated instruments and electronic medical records. Results: Of 10,671 service members, 3,379 (32%) deployed between baseline and follow-up, of whom 49% reported combat experience. Combat deployers had highest incidence rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (25 cases/1,000 person-years [PY]), panic/anxiety (21/1,000 PY), and any mental disorder (34/1,000 PY). Nondeployers had substantial rates of mental conditions (11, 13, and 18 cases/1,000 PY). Among combat deployers, 12% screened positive for mental disorder, 59% binge drinking, 16% alcohol problem, 19% cigarette smoking, and 20% smokeless tobacco at follow-up. Of those with recent PTSD, 73% concurrently developed >1 incident mental ...