PTSD Post-Deployment: Effects of Traumatic Brain Injury and Combat Exposure

The findings in two new studies clarify public health risks of combat and injury.

Neuropsychiatric symptoms in soldiers deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan constitute a looming public health threat, with researchers reporting increased rates of mental disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder, in returning troops. However, these retrospective and cross-sectional studies used control groups with various limitations. Now, two new studies shed light on combat exposure and traumatic brain injury as risk factors for developing PTSD.

Results have now been reported from the first large-scale prospective study with longitudinal data on rates of PTSD in deployed soldiers (either exposed or not exposed to combat) and in nondeployed soldiers. Soldiers answered questionnaires before deployment and an average of 2.7 years later…

Reviewing Author

Peter Roy-Byrne, MD

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Peter Roy-Byrne, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate