The subjective utility of early psychosocial interventions following combat deployment

Third Location Decompression (TLD) is the process through which personnel, returning from combat operations, begin to psychologically 'unwind'. Decompression comprises welfare activities, such as contacting home, beach events, social events, psycho-educational briefings and controlled re-introduction to alcohol.

To assess the subjective utility of decompression by surveying all British troops transiting the TLD facility in Cyprus, during 2008.

Analysis of distributed surveys completed by personnel who had deployed either to Iraq or Afghanistan. The main outcome was the subjective utility of the decompression process, with operational exposures, stigma, early post-traumatic stress (PTS) symptoms and adjustment concerns also measured.

Response rate was 87% (11,304 returned surveys). Eighty per cent of respondents reported being ambivalent or not wanting to go through TLD before decompression; however, on completion, 91% reported finding it useful. The desire to participate was the strongest predictor of perceived helpfulness. Troops who found the TLD less helpful included those who had been through the process before, combat troops and non-commissioned officers. Twelve per cent reported substantial concerns about re-establishing relationships or settling down to 'normal life'; those reporting more adjustment concerns were more likely to perceive TLD as helpful. Six per cent reported significant PTS symptoms and 27% of troops reported substantial levels of stigma related to mental health and barriers to care.

TLD was well received by troops following combat deployment. However, TLD does not appear to be equally acceptable to all and alterations to the TLD programme for certain subgroups might be required.