PTSD Trajectory, Comorbidity, and Utilization of Mental Health Services Among National Guard Soldiers.

摘要

This research will assess mental health and mental health service utilization over time among a representative sample of Reserve forces, within a multivariate causal framework taking into account life course experiences together with combat history, other military experience and civilian traumatic event experiences as determinants of mental health. We focus on the prevalence and correlates of PTSD and other mental illness and health service utilization, but also on the trajectories of PTSD and co-occurring psychopathology over time. The scope includes developing, piloting and implementing a structured survey or a random sample of Reserve members. Findings from analyses of all three waves of the survey will be disseminated to key stakeholders. To date, we have constructed a survey for initial data collection as well as subsequent waves that contains modules on (1) risk or protective factors for psychological morbidity over the life course (general traumas, psychological resources, life and family concerns), (2) mental health (depression, PTSD, emotional health history), (3) service utilization patterns (use of mental health resources). We have enrolled 1000 Reserves, and completed the baseline survey and two follow- up surveys. We have 1 manuscript published, 1 under review, 2 nearly finalized, and 3 in preparation. Results have been disseminated at national scientific conferences.