Mental health of UK military personnel while on deployment in Iraq

BackgroundMost research on the mental health of UK armed forces personnel has been conducted either before or after deployment; there is scant evidence concerning personnel while they are on deployment.AimsTo assess the mental health of UK armed forces personnel deployed in Iraq and identify gaps in the provision of support on operations.MethodPersonnel completed a questionnaire about their deployment experiences and health status. Primary outcomes were psychological distress (General Health Questionnaire–12, GHQ–12), symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and self-rating of overall health.ResultsOf 611 participants, 20.5% scored above the cut-off on the GHQ–12 and 3.4% scored as having probable PTSD. Higher risk of psychological distress was associated with younger age, female gender, weaker unit cohesion, poorer perceived leadership and non-receipt of a pre-deployment stress brief. Perceived threat to life, poorer perceived leadership and non-receipt of a stress brief were risk factors for symptoms of PTSD. Better self-rated overall health was associated with being a commissioned officer, stronger unit cohesion and having taken a period of rest and recuperation. Personnel who reported sick for any reason during deployment were more likely to report psychological symptoms. Around 11% reported currently being interested in receiving help for a psychological problem.ConclusionsIn an established operational theatre the prevalence of common psychopathology was similar to rates found in non-deployed military samples. However, there remains scope for further improving in-theatre support mechanisms, raising awareness of the link between reporting sick and mental health and ensuring implementation of current policy to deliver pre-deployment stress briefs.

Download Full-text

Psychological Symptoms in COVID-19 Patients: Insights into Pathophysiology and Risk Factors of Long COVID-19

Biology ◽

10.3390/biology11010061 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 61

Author(s):

Angel Yun-Kuan Thye ◽

Jodi Woan-Fei Law ◽

Loh Teng-Hern Tan ◽

Priyia Pusparajah ◽

Hooi-Leng Ser ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Psychological Symptoms ◽

Female Gender ◽

Health Consequences ◽

Post Traumatic Stress ◽

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 ◽

History Of ◽

The Central Nervous System ◽

Psychiatric Sequelae

There is growing evidence of studies associating COVID-19 survivors with increased mental health consequences. Mental health implications related to a COVID-19 infection include both acute and long-term consequences. Here we discuss COVID-19-associated psychiatric sequelae, particularly anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), drawing parallels to past coronavirus outbreaks. A literature search was completed across three databases, using keywords to search for relevant articles. The cause may directly correlate to the infection through both direct and indirect mechanisms, but the underlying etiology appears more complex and multifactorial, involving environmental, psychological, and biological factors. Although most risk factors and prevalence rates vary across various studies, being of the female gender and having a history of psychiatric disorders seem consistent. Several studies will be presented, demonstrating COVID-19 survivors presenting higher rates of mental health consequences than the general population. The possible mechanisms by which the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) enters the brain, affecting the central nervous system (CNS) and causing these psychiatric sequelae, will be discussed, particularly concerning the SARS-CoV-2 entry via the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) receptors and the implications of the immune inflammatory signaling on neuropsychiatric disorders. Some possible therapeutic options will also be considered.

Download Full-text

A Survey of Psychological Symptoms One Month Post Discharge in Patients Infected with COVID 19

Journal of Evolution of Medical and Dental Sciences ◽

10.14260/jemds/2021/588 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (34) ◽

pp. 2884-2887

Author(s):

Ajay Kumar Joopaka ◽

Molanguri Umashankar ◽

Pingali Srilakshmi ◽

Pradeep Sharma Telkapalli ◽

Chinni Krishna Banoth ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ◽

Traumatic Stress ◽

Stress Disorder ◽

Psychological Symptoms ◽

Post Traumatic Stress ◽

Event Scale ◽

Post Traumatic ◽

The Impact

BACKGROUND Corona virus disease or the (COVID 19) has caused mental health problems in the general population, in people infected and hospitalised for the disease and in patients who have recovered from the disease physically but continue to suffer from lingering mental health problems. Studies have shown stress, depression, and anxiety in one third of the survivors. Similarly post-traumatic stress disorder has been reported to be around 13 % in the survivors of COVID 19. In this study, we wanted to assess the psychological symptoms in the survivors of Covid 19 patients, one month post discharge and also assess various factors associated with the same. METHODS A cross sectional telephonic survey of the patients one month following discharge was done to understand the psychological problems. Sociodemographic data was recorded on a semi structured proforma, whereas psychological distress was recorded on patient health questionnaire - 4 (PHQ - 4) and the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was screened for by the impact of event scale revised (IES - R). RESULTS Of the 200 patients evaluated, 46.8 % scored above 20 on the impact of event scale which was considered to be a positive screen for post-traumatic stress disorder. Moderate psychological distress was reported by 10.5 % and severe by 7.5 % as measured by PHQ - 4. Being married, having other family members effected by the infection and deaths in the family were some of the factors that were significantly associated with psychological distress and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. CONCLUSIONS Continued mental health support needs to be extended to members who are considered to have recovered and discharged from the hospital following the COVID 19 infection. KEY WORDS COVID 19, Psychological Symptoms, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Download Full-text

Effects of home on the mental health of British forces serving in Iraq and Afghanistan

The British Journal of Psychiatry ◽

10.1192/bjp.bp.111.097527 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 201 (3) ◽

pp. 193-198 ◽

Cited By ~ 26

Author(s):

Kathleen Mulligan ◽

Norman Jones ◽

Mark Davies ◽

Peter McAllister ◽

Nicola T. Fear ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Disorders ◽

Common Mental Disorders ◽

General Health Questionnaire ◽

Armed Forces ◽

Home Front ◽

Post Traumatic Stress ◽

The Family ◽

Military Support ◽

Mental Health Effects

BackgroundMost studies of the mental health of UK armed forces focus on retrospective accounts of deployment and few sample personnel while they are deployed.AimsThis study reports the results of a survey of deployed personnel, examining the perceived impact of events at home and military support for the family on current mental health during the deployment.MethodSurveys were conducted with 2042 British forces personnel serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Prevalence of common mental disorders was assessed with the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was assessed with the PTSD Checklist – Civilian version (PCL-C).ResultsThe prevalence of common mental disorders was 17.8% and of probable PTSD was 2.8%. Perceived home difficulties significantly influenced the mental health of deployed personnel; the greater the perception of negative events in the home environment, the greater the reporting of adverse mental health effects. This finding was independent of combat exposure and was only partially mitigated by being well led and reporting subjectively good unit cohesion; however, the effect of the totality of home-front events was not improved by the latter. Poor perceived military support for the family had a detrimental impact on deployment mental health.ConclusionsThe armed forces offer many support services to the partners and families of deployed personnel and ensuring that the efforts being made on their behalf are well communicated might improve the mental health of deployed personnel.

Download Full-text

Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health in Peru: Psychological Distress

Healthcare ◽

10.3390/healthcare9060691 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (6) ◽

pp. 691

Author(s):

Carlos Ruiz-Frutos ◽

Juan Carlos Palomino-Baldeón ◽

Mónica Ortega-Moreno ◽

María del Carmen Villavicencio-Guardia ◽

Adriano Dias ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Latin American ◽

Preventive Measures ◽

General Health Questionnaire ◽

Quality Of Healthcare ◽

Bivariate Analysis ◽

Post Traumatic Stress ◽

Prompt Action ◽

Latin American Countries

This pandemic has been classified as a “psychological pandemic” that produces anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and sleep disorders. As the mental health effects of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, continue to unfold, there are still large knowledge gaps about the variables that predispose individuals to, or protect individuals against the disease. However, there are few publications on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of citizens in Latin American countries. In this study, the effects that COVID-19 had on citizens of Peru have been described. For this, 1699 questionnaires, collected between 2 April and 2 September 2020, were analyzed. Descriptive, bivariate analysis was performed with odds ratio (OR) calculations and a data mining methodology. Sociodemographic variables (from the General Health Questionnaire), health conditions and perception, symptoms, and variables related to contact and preventive measures regarding COVID-19 were analyzed. As compared to other countries, less affectation of mental health and increased use of preventive measures were observed. It has been suggested that the country’s precarious health system and poverty rates prior to the pandemic may justify higher mortality figures in Peru than in other Latin American countries, despite prompt action for its containment and compliance with the protective measures. Psychological distress had a greater incidence in women, young people, people without a partner, and people without university studies. The most significant conditioning variables were self-perceived health status, headache or muscle pain over the past 14 days, level of studies, and age. The extensive use of preventive measures against COVID-19 is in line with the strict legislative measures taken, and this is, in turn, in line with other countries when looking at the lower effect on mental health, but contrary when focusing on the high lethality identified. The need to include the economy or availability and quality of healthcare in future studies arises, as well as the suitability to analyze the cause for differences between countries.

Download Full-text

A Cross Sectional Study on the Mental Health Impacts of Covid-19 Pandemic in a Sample of Nigerian Urban Dwellers

International Neuropsychiatric Disease Journal ◽

10.9734/indj/2021/v15i430161 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 28-36

Author(s):

Friday E. Okwaraji ◽

Godwin C. Onyebueke

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Virus Disease ◽

General Health Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Health Impacts ◽

Post Traumatic Stress ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Corona Virus ◽

And Gender

Aim: Corona virus disease (COVID-19) is caused by a new type of corona virus first discovered in China in 2019; hence the name COVID-19. Some of its symptoms include cough, fever, and breathing difficulty. In severe cases the disease can lead to death. This study looked at the mental health impacts of COVID-19 pandemic in a sample of Nigerian urban dwellers. Study Design: This is a descriptive cross sectional design. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in Enugu metropolis between the months of January and February 2021. Methodology: Using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), The Short Screening Scale for Post traumatic stress disorder, The Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-2) this study investigated the mental health impacts of COVID-19 pandemic among 520 Nigerian urban dwellers. Results: Results shows that 29.2%; 13.1% and 1.9% had mild, moderate and sever depressive symptoms respectively. Equally 21.9%, 13.3% and 5.4% had mild, moderate and severe anxiety symptoms respectively. Furthermore 37.3% showed signs of psychological distress just as 24.8% manifested symptoms of PTSD. Results further revealed significant associations between psychological distress and gender; PTSD and gender as well as anxiety and gender respectively. Conclusion: Following the high level of mental health impacts of Covid-19 pandemic noticed among the subjects who took part in the study, it was therefore recommended that psychological testing and psychotherapy be included in the routine testing and management of COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria.

Download Full-text

Factors associated with carer psychological and physical health during end-of-life caregiving: an observational analysis of a population-based post-bereavement survey of carers of people with cancer

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-047275 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (10) ◽

pp. e047275

Author(s):

Gunn Grande ◽

Christine Rowland ◽

Sarah Cotterill ◽

Evridiki Batistatou ◽

Barbara Hanratty

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

End Of Life ◽

General Health ◽

Psychological Symptoms ◽

General Health Questionnaire ◽

Past Research ◽

Female Gender ◽

Population Based ◽

Least Square ◽

Cross Sectional

ObjectiveFamily caregivers play an essential role in end-of-life care but suffer considerable impact on their own health. A better understanding of main factors related to carers’ health is important to inform interventions. The purpose of the study was to test for the first time the potential impact of a comprehensive set of observable variables on carer health during end-of-life caregiving within a population-based carer sample.DesignNational retrospective, cross-sectional, 4-month post-bereavement postal census survey of family carers of people who died from cancer.Setting and participantsRelatives who registered a death from cancer during a 2-week period in England were identified from death certificates by the Office of National Statistics; response rate was 1504/5271 (28.5%).Outcome measuresCarers’ mental health was measured through General Health Questionnaire (GHQ)-12; general health was measured through EuroQoL EQ-Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-5D VAS).MethodsSurvey questions to measure potential variables associated with carer health were based on past research and covered patients’ symptoms and functioning; caregiving activities and hours; informal and formal help received; work hours, other caregiving, volunteering; changes to work, income and expenditure; sleep and relaxation; and demographic variables. Bivariate analyses and ordinary least square regression were performed to investigate these variables’ relationship with outcomes.ResultsPatients’ psychological symptoms and functioning, caregiving hours, female gender and self-sought formal help related to worse mental health. General practitioner and social care input and relaxation related to better mental health. Patients’ psychological symptoms, caregiving hours and female gender were associated with worse general health, and older age, employment and relaxation were associated with better general health.ConclusionsImprovements in carers’ health overall may be made by focusing on potential impacts of patients’ psychological symptoms on carers, facilitating respite and relaxation, and paying particular attention to factors affecting female carers.

Download Full-text

Exploring the quality of life and psychological symptoms of university students in Cyprus during the Covid-19 pandemic

JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH ◽

10.24297/jssr.v17i.9112 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 17 ◽

pp. 110-121

Author(s):

Hadjicharalambous Demetris ◽

Loucia Demetriou ◽

Koulla Erotocritou

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Mental Health ◽

Family Income ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Psychological Symptoms ◽

Negative Impact ◽

General Health Questionnaire ◽

Well Being ◽

Idioms Of Distress

The onset of the infectious disease Covid19 originating in Wuhan, China, took over the world in December 2019 and was declared a pandemic in January 2020. Empirical evidence resulting from relevant research illustrated that the effects of the pandemic itself but also of the strict measures to contain the spread of the virus on the mental health and well-being of affected populations were just as unanticipated as the pandemic itself. Data led to the identification of six idioms of distress: (1) Demoralization and pessimism towards the future, (2) anguish and stress, (3) self-depreciation, (4) social withdrawal and isolation, (5) somatization, (6) withdrawal into oneself. Our research explores the psychological impact of the Covid19 pandemic on college students and their quality of life. The study took place in Cyprus with 356 young participants, whereas 256 were female (72%) and 100 were male (28%). They all completed the General Health Questionnaire-28 and the Life Satisfaction Inventory (LSI). The present study's findings revealed that six factors, including residence without family, the deterioration of the financial situation of the family, the loss of employment, the deterioration of social relationships, young age, and gender, have significantly affected in a negative way the mental health and quality of life of young people. Research findings revealed that the strict lockdown and physical/social isolation measures had a significant adverse effect on our sample, whereas participants showed increased symptoms of anxiety and insomnia, social dysfunction, and somatization. Young adults who lost their jobs during the pandemic or had a significant decrease in their family income, and students who stayed away from their families, experienced a negative impact on their quality of life and had to cope with more mental health problems.

Download Full-text

Psychological distress among adult urban population of Puducherry

International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health ◽

10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20182984 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 5 (8) ◽

pp. 3265

Author(s):

Murugan N. ◽

Amit Kumar Mishra ◽

Ramesh Chand Chauhan ◽

Velavan A.

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Sampling Method ◽

Mental Distress ◽

Adult Population ◽

General Health Questionnaire ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

Systematic Random Sampling ◽

Study Population

Background: A large proportion of population in the community with psychological distress goes unnoticed. This study was done to assess the psychological distress among adult population of an urban area of Puducherry.Methods: The study was conducted among 569 individuals of age 18 years and above. Systematic random sampling method was used to select the households in the study area and from each household one adult was randomly selected. The General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12) was used to assess the psychological distress among the study participants.Results: Majority of the participants had low psychological distress (60.5%) followed by typical (19.3%), more than typical (10%), evidence of psychological distress (6.2%) & severe distress (4%). One-fifth (20.2%) of the participants had psychological distress which needs attention. The mental health status of the participants was significantly associated with the age, sex, marital status, religion and education (p<0.05).Conclusions: The psychological distress is a major public health problem in the study population. Focused interventions to improve the mental health of population are required to decrease the mental distress in the community.

Download Full-text

App-Based Delivery of Clinical Emotional Freedom Techniques: Cross-Sectional Study of App User Self-Ratings (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.18545 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Dawson Church ◽

Peta Stapleton ◽

Debbie Sabot

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Psychological Symptoms ◽

Mobile Apps ◽

Emotional Intensity ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Therapeutic Benefits ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Emotional Freedom Techniques ◽

Distress Scale

BACKGROUND The burgeoning area of mobile health (mHealth) has experienced rapid growth in mobile apps designed to address mental health issues. Although abundant apps offer strategies for managing symptoms of anxiety and stress, information regarding their efficacy is scarce. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the effect of an mHealth app on user self-ratings of psychological distress in a sample of 270,461 app users. The Tapping Solution App guides users through the therapeutic protocols of Clinical Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), an evidence-based psychophysiological intervention that combines acupressure with elements of cognitive and exposure therapies. METHODS App users provided self-ratings of emotional intensity before and after app sessions (termed “tapping meditations”) using an 11-point Subjective Units of Distress scale. App user data for 23 tapping meditations, which addressed psychological symptoms of anxiety and stress, were gathered between October 2018 and October 2019, totaling 380,034 completed app sessions. RESULTS Across 12 anxiety-tapping meditations, the difference in emotional intensity ratings from presession (mean 6.66, SD 0.25) to postsession (mean 3.75, SD 0.30) was statistically significant (<i>P</i><.001; 95% CI −2.92 to −2.91). Across 11 stress-tapping meditations, a statistically significant difference was also found from presession (mean 6.91, SD 0.48) to postsession (mean 3.83, SD 0.54; <i>P</i><.001; 95% CI −3.08 to −3.07). The results are consistent with the literature on the efficacy of Clinical EFT for anxiety and stress when offered in conventional therapeutic formats. CONCLUSIONS The findings provide preliminary support for the effectiveness of the mHealth app in the immediate reduction of self-rated psychological distress. As an adjunct to professional mental health care, the app promises accessible and convenient therapeutic benefits.

Download Full-text

Killing in Combat; the Diverging Mental Health Impact on Distinct Veteran Populations – A Two-Sample Study

10.31234/osf.io/4g9fb ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Andreas Espetvedt Nordstrand ◽

Christer Lunde Gjerstad ◽

Odin Hjemdal ◽

Are Holen ◽

Tore Tveitstul ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Mental Health ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Alcohol Use ◽

Posttraumatic Stress ◽

Armed Forces ◽

Mental States ◽

Two Samples ◽

The Impact

This study examined the warzone stressors: killing in combat, experiencing personal threats, or traumatic witnessing during deployment in relation to psychological distress, alcohol consumption and quality of life at long-term follow-up. The study was conducted in two samples of Norwegian veterans who had served in Afghanistan (Study 1, N = 4,053) or in Lebanon (Study 2, N = 10,605), respectively. Data were collected through two postdeployment mental health surveys conducted by the Norwegian Armed Forces Joint Medical Services. Using linear regressions, we investigated the impact of warzone stressors on posttraumatic stress symptoms, depression, anxiety, insomnia, alcohol use, and quality of life. In study 1 (Afghanistan veterans), killing was not a significant predictor of psychological distress, alcohol use, or quality of life, when controlling for Personal Threats and Witnessing exposure. In study 2 (Lebanon veterans) killing remained a significant predictor (p < .001) of symptoms of posttraumatic stress, depression, and anxiety, after controlling for other warzone stressors. However, killing was not a significant predictor of alcohol use or quality of life in Study 2. In summary, killing in combat may be associated with increased reports of psychological distress, but there were distinct results in the two studies. Differences in mission statements, rules of engagement, and mental states during combat could explain the diverging outcomes. The results indicate that it may be erroneous to ubiquitously regard killing in combat as a moral stressor, and highlight the importance of clear rules of engagements that accounts for the “on the ground” reality of soldiers.

Download Full-text