Physical symptoms as indicators of depression and anxiety

Psychological problems are the single most common reason for attrition from U.S. Navy basic training. A contributing factor is that, although military entrance processing station physicians assess numerous aspects of physical health, there is little rigor behind attempts to identify psychological disorders. In the present study, we highlight previous research indicating that patterns of physical health symptoms can provide a gauge of psychological dysfunction. We also report significant relationships between physical symptoms, anxiety, and depression in a sample of more than 2,000 sailors. Therefore, given the links between physical symptoms and psychological problems, it may be feasible for physicians who screen military applicants to use routinely gathered physical health information as part of an improved system to detect psychological disorders.