Poor mental health more common in veterans

Analysis of a nationally representative sample indicated higher prevalence of serious mental illness among veterans, compared with nonveterans.

“Little is known about the prevalence of mental health problems of veterans based on nationally representative data, including whether the prevalence of these problems is higher or lower for veterans vs. nonveterans after controlling for demographics such as gender and age. In addition, little is known about whether trends over recent years in substance use and mental health problems are similar for veterans and nonveterans,” Michael R. Pemberton, PhD, of RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, and colleagues wrote.

To assess differences in substance use and mental illness rates between veterans and nonveterans, researchers analyzed data from the 2002 to 2012 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health for 29,000 veterans and 470,900 nonveterans.

After adjusting for age, gender, and race/ethnicity, past-year prevalences of illicit drug use (8.4% vs. 10.5%), marijuana use (6.3% vs. 7.8%), nonmedical use of psychotherapeutics (3.1% vs. 4%), nonmedical use of pain relivers (2.4% vs. 3%), and hallucinogen use (0.5% vs. 0.6%) were lower among veterans compared with nonveterans.

These associations for substance use were true only among males, according to researchers. Female veterans and nonveterans had similar substance use rates.

Nonmedical use of pain relievers, methamphetamine and alcohol abuse or dependence was more commonly reported among veterans aged 18 to 25 years vs. nonveterans in the same age range. These rates did not significantly differ among adult populations.

Veterans had higher rates of serious mental illness than nonveterans in adult populations and among males.

Kana Enomoto

Past-year prevalence of a major depressive episode was higher among female veterans, compared with nonveteran females (10.9% vs. 8.5%).

Compared with nonveterans, prevalence estimates for serious mental illness, any mental illness and major depressive disorder were higher among veterans aged 18 to 25 years and 26 to 54 years.

“Veterans have often made enormous sacrifices for our country and they sometimes face special challenges. Our nation has a deep obligation to make sure that we meet all of their behavioral health care needs,” Kana Enomoto, MA, principal deputy administrator of SAMHSA, said in a press release. “SAMHSA continues to do everything it can to provide effective, state-of-the-art behavioral health care these brave men and women who have served our nation.” – by Amanda Oldt

Reference :

Pemberton MR, et al. Prevalence of past year substance use and mental illness by veteran status in a nationally representative sample. CBHSQ Data Review. Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality.