Researchers "from the US Army Medical Research and Materiel Command examined 13,226 anonymous surveys completed by veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom." The investigators found that "roughly one in 10 survey-takers had PTSD that was severe enough to cause 'serious functional impairment.'"

"Between nine percent and 14 percent of the soldiers were diagnosed with PTSD or depression resulting in serious impairment, while 23 percent to 31 percent were deemed to have some impairment," CNN /Health.com (6/7 Gardner) reported. Notably, "the risk of mental health problems may be more persistent among National Guard soldiers, the study suggests. A greater proportion of men and women in the National Guard than in the Army were diagnosed with PTSD and depression one year after their return, although the two groups had similar rates at the three-month mark."

The NPR (6/7, Hensley) "Shots" blog reported, "The researchers conclude that it's clear even a year after deployment, 'many combat soldiers have not psychologically recovered.'" And, "because the time between deployments is often only a year to 18 months for active soldiers, a 'sizable proportion' are likely returning to with lingering mental health issues."

According to HealthDay (6/7, Edelson), approximately "50 percent of those with strictly defined depression or PTSD also admitted to alcohol misuse or physical aggression." The study's "findings suggest a need for improved post-deployment screening, the researchers said."

The Scientific American (6/7, Harmon) "Observations" blog, the Time (6/7, O'Callaghan) "Wellness" blog, and the Discovery Channel (6/7, Niiler) also covered the story.

Related Links:

- About 1 in 10 Iraq veterans develops a serious case of PTSD, researchers say," Karen Kaplan, The Los Angeles Times: Booster Shots Blog, June 7, 2010.

- Depression, PTSD plague many Iraq vets," Amanda Gardner, CNN Health, June 7, 2010.

- PTSD And Depression Common In Returning Combat Soldiers," Scott Hensley, NPR "Shots", June 7, 2010.