PTSD, Study Finds High Rates of Severe Functional Impairment in Returning Soldiers

Full Article at: High Rates of Severe Functional Impairment Found in Returning Soldiers Due to PTSD, Depression

Caroline Cassels

"June 15, 2010 — Approximately 10% of US Army soldiers returning from Iraq have severe functional impairment attributed to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression, new research shows.

A population-based, cross-sectional study conducted by investigators at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland, found prevalence rates for serious functional impairment ranged from 8.5% to 14%. Furthermore, those with some impairment ranged from 23.2% to 31.1%.

Led by Jeffrey L. Thomas, PhD, the study is published in the June issue of Archives of General Psychiatry.

According to the study, a growing body of literature shows PTSD and depression are highly prevalent among military service members serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. However, investigators note, previous studies have shown "varying prevalence rates of these disorders based on different case definitions and have not assessed functional impairment, alcohol misuse, or aggressive behavior as comorbid factors occurring with PTSD and depression."