The effects of deployment intensity on post-traumatic stress disorder: 2002-2006.
OBJECTIVE
This study examines whether deployment location and the duration of deployment affects the likelihood of being screened positive for PTSD.


METHODS
Retrospective study of all sailors returning from an overseas deployment between 2002 and 2006 who have completed the Post-Deployment Health Assessment survey. The primary outcome is whether the sailor is screened positive for PTSD. Multivariate analysis is conducted using probit models.


RESULTS
Deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan increases the probability of screening positive for PTSD by 6.3 and 1.6 percentage points compared to those who were deployed on ships. This probability is increased by 2.2 percentage points for those deployed longer than 180 days. The negative effect of longer deployments is exacerbated if the deployment is to Iraq or Afghanistan.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results highlight the importance of providing adequate mental health care resources for those returning from hostile deployments and raise concerns about combat effectiveness of long deployments.
Graduate School of Business and Public Policy, Naval Postgraduate School, 555 Dyer Road, Code GB, Monterey, CA 93943, USA.
Yu-Chu
YC
Shen
Jeremy
J
Arkes
John
J
Pilgrim
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D055826:Afghan Campaign 2001-; D000346:Afghanistan; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007493:Iraq; D054542:Iraq War, 2003-2011; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel; D008890:Military Psychiatry; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult