title: Coping with the impact of working in a conflict zone: a comparative study of diplomatic staff.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Diplomats as a result of their work in conflict zones are "at risk" of exposure to intense psychological stressors. This study investigated the mental and physical health of diplomats working in a war zone.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study used a comparative retrospective cohort design. Mental and physical health outcomes were compared for two groups of United Kingdom diplomats: those who had completed postings in Iraq and/or Afghanistan, and those deployed overseas to nonhardship posts.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Diplomats posted to Iraq and Afghanistan and individuals who experienced trauma had significantly more symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder. There were no significant differences between the groups in levels of general psychiatric morbidity, fatigue, and alcohol misuse.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although personnel who went to war zones or suffered trauma were more psychologically symptomatic, the increased burden of symptoms was not associated with frank illness.
authors: Department of Clinical Psychology, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, Surrey, United Kingdom.
authors: Jessamy M
authors: JM
authors: Hibberd
authors: Neil
authors: N
authors: Greenberg
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D055826:Afghan Campaign 2001-; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D054542:Iraq War, 2003-2011; D008297:Male; D005222:Mental Fatigue / Q000523:psychology; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000523:psychology*; D006113:United Kingdom; D017132:Workplace