Patterns and predictors of treatment delay for mental disorders in a nationally representative, active Canadian military sample.
BACKGROUND
Although mental disorders constitute a significant public health problem in military populations, little is known about whether military members seek mental health treatment in a timely manner.


OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to examine delays in making the initial treatment contact for various mental disorders in a military population.


METHODS
A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from the Canadian Community Health Survey-Canadian Forces Supplement.


METHODS
Participants (N = 8441) were assessed for mood and anxiety disorders, using the World Health Organization's Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Those meeting criteria for at least 1 disorder in their lifetime were included in the analyses.


RESULTS
:The majority (82%-100%) of military members with a DSM-IV disorder eventually seek treatment. However, there are significant delays in seeking treatment. Median delays for major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, and social phobia are 3, 3, 7, 8, and 26 years, respectively. For deployment related posttraumatic stress disorder, longer delays are associated with being in an older age cohort, being male, not having comorbid panic disorder, and shorter military service duration. Across all disorders, longer delays are associated with being in an older age cohort, shorter military service duration, and earlier age of onset.


CONCLUSIONS
Failure to initiate treatment in a timely manner is a major mental health service access issue in the military context. Interventions that aim to shorten treatment delays are needed and should target military members most at risk for delaying treatment.
Fikretoglu
Deniz
D
Veterans Affairs Canada, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Toronto, ON M3M 3B9, Canada. dfikreto@yahoo.com
Liu
Aihua
A
Pedlar
Dave
D
Brunet
Alain
A
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D002170:Canada; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013997:Time Factors