Differential impact of combat on postdeployment symptoms in female and male veterans of iraq and afghanistan.
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to describe differences in combat experience for male and female veterans and characterize differential effects on postdeployment physical and mental health symptoms, including aggression.


METHODS
Retrospective cross-sectional health screening data from 554 Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans who enrolled for Veterans Affairs health care in San Diego were examined including measures of combat experience, pain intensity, traumatic brain injury symptoms, military sexual trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, alcohol use, and aggression.


RESULTS
Although male veterans (n = 458) experienced significantly higher rates of combat than female veterans (n = 96), both experienced similar levels of postdeployment post-traumatic stress disorder and depression symptoms as well self-reported aggressive behavior compared to male veterans. Female veterans had higher rates of military sexual trauma and lower alcohol consumption than male veterans.


CONCLUSIONS
All Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans returning from deployment may benefit from broad-based screening of physical and mental health symptoms, beyond those currently mandated by Veterans Affairs, including anger and aggression.
VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health and VA San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, MC116A, San Diego, CA 92161.
Niloofar
N
Afari
VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health and VA San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, MC116A, San Diego, CA 92161.
James
J
Pittman
VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health and VA San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, MC116A, San Diego, CA 92161.
Elizabeth
E
Floto
VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health and VA San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, MC116A, San Diego, CA 92161.
Laura
L
Owen
VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health and VA San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, MC116A, San Diego, CA 92161.
Melissa
M
Buttner
VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health and VA San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, MC116A, San Diego, CA 92161.
Nazia
N
Hossain
VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health and VA San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, MC116A, San Diego, CA 92161.
Dewleen G
DG
Baker
VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health and VA San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, MC116A, San Diego, CA 92161.
Laurie
L
Lindamer
VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health and VA San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, MC116A, San Diego, CA 92161.
James B
JB
Lohr
D000328:Adult; D055826:Afghan Campaign 2001-; D000374:Aggression; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000523:psychology; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000523:psychology; D003130:Combat Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D054542:Iraq War, 2003-2011; D008297:Male; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000523:psychology*; D010146:Pain / Q000523:psychology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012737:Sex Factors; D012742:Sex Offenses / Q000523:psychology; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000523:psychology*; D014481:United States; D014728:Veterans / Q000523:psychology*