Mental health care needs of female veterans

Gender differences in diagnosis, demographic and family characteristics, and trauma histories among psychiatric outpatients at a Veterans Affairs clinic were examined. Among the 51 women and 46 men, significantly more women had affective disorders and schizoaffective disorder; significantly more men had anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders. Although women had sharply higher rates than men of every type of trauma except combat trauma, more male veterans received a diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder. Men were four times more likely to be married. Women were more likely than men to be the sole caretakers of minor children. These differences have important treatment and policy implications. The findings confirm that recently initiated VA programs recognize important treatment needs of female veterans.