May 21, 2012: By the Numbers
19%
The increase in the number of troops hospitalized for mental disorders, according to a report in the April 2012 issue of the Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center's Medical Surveillance Monthly Report (PDF). An Air Force Times article about the report notes that "for the second straight year, mental disorders have supplanted pregnancy as the number one reason active-duty personnel are hospitalized."
The study authors wrote:
The recent sharp increase likely reflect the effects of many factors, including: repeated deployments and prolonged exposure to combat stresses; increased awareness and concern regarding threats to mental health among unit commanders, service members and their families; increased screening for and detection of mental disorders after combat-related service and other traumatizing experiences; and decreasing stigmas.
19%
The increase in the number of troops hospitalized for mental disorders, according to a report in the April 2012 issue of the Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center's Medical Surveillance Monthly Report (PDF). An Air Force Times article about the report notes that "for the second straight year, mental disorders have supplanted pregnancy as the number one reason active-duty personnel are hospitalized."
The study authors wrote:
The recent sharp increase likely reflect the effects of many factors, including: repeated deployments and prolonged exposure to combat stresses; increased awareness and concern regarding threats to mental health among unit commanders, service members and their families; increased screening for and detection of mental disorders after combat-related service and other traumatizing experiences; and decreasing stigmas.