Predictors of psychiatric disorders in combat veterans

Area of Science:

• Military mental health research
• Psychiatric epidemiology
• Combat-related psychological outcomes

Background:

• Previous research on OEF/OIF combatant mental health predominantly used self-report measures.
• Few studies have investigated predictors of actual psychiatric diagnoses in this population.
• This study focused on identifying predictors of new-onset psychiatric disorders in deployed Marines.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify demographic and psychosocial predictors of psychiatric disorders among Marines deployed to combat zones.
• To conduct a longitudinal investigation of mental health diagnoses in a military sample.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal study of 1113 Marines deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan.
• Utilized survey data for demographic and psychosocial predictors.
• Employed univariate and multivariate logistic regression to analyze subsequent psychiatric diagnoses.

Main Results:

• 18% of Marines with no prior diagnoses developed new-onset psychiatric disorders.
• Strongest predictors included female gender, mild traumatic brain injury symptoms, and satisfaction with leadership.
• Higher satisfaction with leadership was associated with a 50% lower likelihood of developing a mental disorder.

Conclusions:

• Low satisfaction with leadership and low organizational commitment predicted mental disorder diagnoses.
• These modifiable factors represent potential targets for intervention.
• Further research is needed to clarify the impact of leadership and commitment on combatant mental health.