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Mood changes at very high altitudes in Pakistan.
1Dr. Sabih Ahmad, FCPS. Department of Psychiatry, Consultant Psychiatrist, Combined Military Hospital, Gilgit, Pakistan.
Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences
|April 4, 2017
Summary
Military volunteers at high altitudes frequently experience anxiety and depression symptoms. Demographic factors significantly influence the risk of developing these mental health conditions.
Area of Science:
- Military medicine
- High-altitude physiology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Military personnel often serve in extreme environments.
- High altitudes pose unique physiological and psychological challenges.
- Understanding mental health in deployed soldiers is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify psychiatric 'caseness' among military volunteers.
- To determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms.
- To explore risk factors in high-altitude environments.
Main Methods:
- Descriptive study conducted from January to June 2015.
- Utilized Urdu versions of the General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).
- Employed descriptive, inferential statistics, and Bonferroni test; demographic variables were analyzed.
Main Results:
- A high percentage screened positive for psychiatric 'caseness' and anxiety/depression symptoms.
- Symptoms were predominantly mild to moderate; severe symptoms were rare.
- Marital status, family psychiatric history, duration at altitude, and education were significant risk factors.
Conclusions:
- High-altitude duties are associated with anxiety and depression symptoms.
- Demographic factors are key to understanding the emotional well-being of these individuals.
- Targeted support may be needed for military personnel in extreme environments.