Psychiatric medications for deployment: an update.
OBJECTIVE
This article discusses issues regarding the usage of psychotropic medications during military deployments, with emphasis on Operation Iraqi Freedom.


METHODS
The role of psychotropic medications in the Army combat stress control doctrine is reviewed and compared with operational experiences of psychiatrists who have deployed to Iraq, Bosnia, and Egypt.


RESULTS
Many issues regarding psychotropic medications experienced by deployed psychiatrists are not discussed in the Army combat stress control doctrine.


CONCLUSIONS
The advent of new psychotropic medications, the changes in the types of conflicts fought, and the role of National Guard and Reserve forces in current conflicts have all had an impact on the role and usage of psychotropic medications during military deployments.
Benedek
David M
DM
Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA.
Schneider
Brett J
BJ
Bradley
John C
JC
D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008603:Mental Health; D008889:Military Personnel; D008890:Military Psychiatry; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs; D007319:Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000150:complications*; D014481:United States; D014857:Warfare
D011619:Psychotropic Drugs