What is it about?
Military veterans (those who have left service) experience a higher number of mental health difficulties compared with the general population. Research shows that veterans who experience mental health difficulties do not respond as well to treatment as the general population. Understanding the needs of veterans may help to improve veteran mental health services and treatment response. This study looked to explore the complexity of health and well-being needs among a national sample of veterans receiving support for their mental health difficulties in the U.K. In total, 989 veterans from a U.K. veterans mental health charity were asked to complete a questionnaire about their social and demographic characteristics (such as age group and gender), military experiences, physical and mental health, and well-being. Of those asked to take part, 428 veterans (43.3%) completed the questionnaire. Common mental disorders, such as anxiety and depression, were the most frequently reported mental health difficulty (80.7%), followed by loneliness (79.1%) and perceived low social support (72.2%). Rates of PTSD were also high (68.7% any PTSD), with most participants experiencing complex PTSD (CPTSD; 62.5%) compared with PTSD (6.2%). Experiencing multiple mental health difficulties at once appeared to be the norm rather than the exception within treatment-seeking veterans. As such, it seems important for veteran mental health services to take a holistic approach when supporting veterans.
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Why is it important?
Data from systematic reviews suggest that veterans with mental health difficulties (in particular, PTSD) do not respond as well to treatment as members of the general public. Additionally, there is a lack of research on the unique needs of treatment-seeking veterans. The current study aims to address this by exploring the health and well-being of a national sample of treatment-seeking veterans. The data presented shows the prevalence of health difficulties within this population and the comorbid relationship of these difficulties. This allows us to better understand how to support this at-risk population.
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This page is a summary of: Exploring the health and well-being of a national sample of U.K. treatment-seeking veterans., Psychological Trauma Theory Research Practice and Policy, October 2022, American Psychological Association (APA),
DOI: 10.1037/tra0001356.
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