thedrifter
07-30-07, 07:53 AM
Mental problems 'double among Iraq troops'
By Laura Clout
Last Updated: 1:49am BST 30/07/2007
The number of troops suffering psychiatric disorders including post-traumatic stress, mood swings, and drink and drug problems appears to have doubled in the past year.
The scale of mental health problems suffered by troops in Iraq and Afghanistan is revealed in an official study by the Defence Analytical Services Agency.
It says that every month more than 150 members of the Armed Forces who have served in Iraq are being diagnosed with mental health problems.
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Army personnel were significantly more likely to suffer from such problems than those in the Royal Navy or Royal Marines, and women were more than twice as likely to be affected as men.
In the first three months of this year, 458 soldiers were diagnosed with mental health problems after serving in Iraq, against an average of 198 in each quarter last year.
The Ministry of Defence insists the rise is because of changes to methods of recording illnesses. Previous statistics referred to illness caused by service in Iraq, but the new statistics cover all those who have a mental illness, irrespective of cause. Separate figures reveal that 339 troops have suffered some form of brain injury in the past four years.
A Freedom of Information request revealed the extent of referrals to the neurological rehabilitation unit at Headley Court, Surrey. Sixty soldiers were referred there for treatment in 2003. This figure rose to 74 in 2004 and increased to 81 a year later. Seventy-two were referred last year.
An MoD spokesman said: "The injuries treated could be anything from concussion from the rugby field and damage from road accidents to injuries as a result of enemy action."
Ellie
By Laura Clout
Last Updated: 1:49am BST 30/07/2007
The number of troops suffering psychiatric disorders including post-traumatic stress, mood swings, and drink and drug problems appears to have doubled in the past year.
The scale of mental health problems suffered by troops in Iraq and Afghanistan is revealed in an official study by the Defence Analytical Services Agency.
It says that every month more than 150 members of the Armed Forces who have served in Iraq are being diagnosed with mental health problems.
advertisement
Army personnel were significantly more likely to suffer from such problems than those in the Royal Navy or Royal Marines, and women were more than twice as likely to be affected as men.
In the first three months of this year, 458 soldiers were diagnosed with mental health problems after serving in Iraq, against an average of 198 in each quarter last year.
The Ministry of Defence insists the rise is because of changes to methods of recording illnesses. Previous statistics referred to illness caused by service in Iraq, but the new statistics cover all those who have a mental illness, irrespective of cause. Separate figures reveal that 339 troops have suffered some form of brain injury in the past four years.
A Freedom of Information request revealed the extent of referrals to the neurological rehabilitation unit at Headley Court, Surrey. Sixty soldiers were referred there for treatment in 2003. This figure rose to 74 in 2004 and increased to 81 a year later. Seventy-two were referred last year.
An MoD spokesman said: "The injuries treated could be anything from concussion from the rugby field and damage from road accidents to injuries as a result of enemy action."
Ellie