What happens to the mental health of UK service personnel after they return home from Afghanistan?

Abstract: Objective: Fear et al identified a small but significant increase in probable post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in UK military personnel from around 3% in first year post deployment to around 6% by year 5. As yet it is not clear what factors are linked to the increase in probable PTSD, and therefore, serial measurement of poor mental health would be helpful. Method: Rates of mental ill health among UK service personnel were compared upon deployment completion and at follow-up and identified factors associated with maladjustment. Results: Poor mental health symptomatology increased from baseline to follow-up, PTSD symptoms and related functional impairment increased significantly. Poor baseline mental health was predictive of transition and family relationship difficulties. Conclusions: The results are discussed in relation to encouraging recognition and reporting of symptoms among personnel and their social networks.