USAToday: Mental Disorders On Rise For Afghanistan, Iraq Vets

[Hissyspit]

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2005-03-30-veterans-disorders_x.htm

Mental disorders are on the rise among Afghanistan, Iraq veterans
As many as one out of four veterans of Afghanistan and Iraq treated at Veterans Affairs hospitals in the past 16 months were diagnosed with mental disorders, a number that has been steadily rising, according to a report in today's New England Journal of Medicine.

Records show that 20% of eligible ex-soldiers came to VA hospitals seeking medical treatment between October 2003 and February 2005. Overall, 26% of them were diagnosed with mental disorders, say Han Kang and Kenneth Hyams of the VA.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was most common, diagnosed in 10% of patients, followed by drug or alcohol abuse (9%). Seven percent were diagnosed with depression; 6% had anxiety disorders, such as phobias and panic. Many ex-soldiers had multiple disorders, Kang says.

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[mbperrin]

1. Here's the story.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2005-03-30-veterans-disorders_x.htm

[Hissyspit]

2. Yeah, I just added it. Thanks. n/t

[Mizmoon]

3. These are the homeless of the future

It's a shame.

[Athame]

4. These numbers are only those who sought treatment

at the VA. The problem is much bigger, I believe. One fourth of all those treated at the VA have mental disorders, only 10% of THOSE with PTSD? I think this is a limited hangout.

[chlamor]

5. Kick

[Hissyspit]

6. kicking my own...