Neuroses among Armed Forces Personnel

The phenomenon of "Military Family Syndrome" has been hotly debated. Mental disorders are however, important causes of morbidity in the armed forces.

A cross sectional study was carried out on 600 randomly selected troops and families in a large military station. General Health Questionnaire 12 (GHQ-12) was used as a screening test for neuroses. Neuroses was defined as score of three and above on the GHQ-12.

Overall prevalence of neuroses was 31.34% with 95% confidence interval between 27.41% and 35.55%. Gender did not have any effect on prevalence of neuroses nor did marital status. The soldiers in the age group of 25-36 years were most affected. Neuroses was more common in the lower ranks and among troops who belonged to arms. Among wives, age, rank and type of service (whether from arms or services) of husband were not associated with neuroses.

There is a need for preventive psychological services in the armed forces. Leadership and man-management sensitive to changing needs of the soldier should be promoted.