title: The case for treating depression in military spouses.
abstract: The increased operational tempo associated with current deployments to Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) is placing considerable strain on military families. Among other sequelae of OIF and OEF deployment, findings from recent studies suggest high rates of depression in spouses of service members. This review presents a rationale for targeting depression among military spouses. It examines how stressors relating to the deployment cycle may contribute to depression in spouses and outlines the effects of spousal depression on the mental health of service members and their children. Mental health services currently available to military spouses as well as barriers to their care are also described. Considerations for the adaptation of treatment to their unique circumstances and needs are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA. hv2009@columbia.edu
authors.forename: Helen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Verdeli
authors.forename: Charles
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Baily
authors.forename: Eleni
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Vousoura
authors.forename: Alexander
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Belser
authors.forename: Daisy
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Singla
authors.forename: Gail
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Manos
mesh_terms: D055826:Afghan Campaign 2001-; D003156:Community Mental Health Services; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D005192:Family Health; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D054542:Iraq War, 2003-2011; D008297:Male; D008887:Military Medicine; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D018454:Spouses / Q000523:psychology*; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000628:therapy; D014481:United States