Prevalence of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among previously deployed U.S Army Soldiers

U.S. Army Soldiers have experienced a significant upsurge in mental health related disorders since 2003 when the global war on terrorism began. Since the return of troops from Afghanistan and Iraq, mental healthcare providers have had to grapple with large numbers of redeployed Soldiers and determine ways to properly screen and detect those at a higher risk of adjustment issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), alcohol abuse, and traumatic brain injury. Mental health disorders among Soldiers are associated with loss of manpower due to hospitalizations and attrition from Military service. Soldiers are routinely required to participate in a post-deployment health assessment immediately after redeployment (Post Deployment Health Assessment) and also 180 days after redeployment (Post Deployment Health Reassessment). Soldiers may screen positive for PTSD during these routine assessments, or during a medical encounter with a provider. This study utilized Army-wide data ascertained following redeployment and during routine screening and medical encounters, and comprises three components (Active duty, Reserve, and National Guard personnel). Between 2003 and 2009 the prevalence of Soldiers screening positive for PTSD range between 9.0% – 22.5% and the prevalence of Soldiers with a medical encounter for PTSD ranged between 1.0% – 4.0%.