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Invisible Wounds of War: Psychological and Cognitive Injuries, Their Consequences, and Services to Assist Recovery

Apr 28, 2008 | by
David M. Adamson M. Audrey Burnam Rachel M. Burns Leah B. Caldarone Robert A. Cox Elizabeth D'Amico Claudia Diaz Christine Eibner Gail Fisher Todd C. Helmus Lisa H. Jaycox Benjamin R. Karney Beau Kilmer Grant N. Marshall Laure T. Martin Lisa S. Meredith Karen N. Metscher Karen Chan Osilla Rosalie Liccardo Pacula Rajeev Ramchand Jeanne S. Ringel Terry L. Schell Jerry M. Sollinger Terri Tanielian Mary E. Vaiana Kayla M. Williams Michael R. Yochelson
  • Description

Since October 2001, approximately 1.64 million U.S. troops have been deployed for Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) in Afghanistan and Iraq. Early evidence suggests that the psychological toll of these deployments may be disproportionately high compared with the physical injuries of combat. Research has focused primarily on three conditions: post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Karney et al. review the empirical literature on these three conditions, focusing on research that supports projections about the likely outcomes for OEF/OIF veterans and their families. These include an increased risk of suicide, substance abuse, and cardiovascular disease. Mental health conditions among veterans are also associated with reduced work productivity and future job prospects and may be a precursor to homelessness. Post-combat mental health disorders also affect servicemembers' spouses and children: For example, each of the three disorders has been linked to intimate partner violence and divorce. The authors also emphasize that it is common for veterans with one of the three conditions -- PTSD, depression, or TBI -- to also develop another of the three, and such individuals tend to experience more severe symptoms, poorer treatment outcomes, and more disability in social and occupation function. Karney et al. conclude with two series of recommendations: one for future research, and one for policy and interventions to mitigate the consequences of post-combat mental health conditions.

  • Copyright
  • Copyright 2008 by RAND Corporation. All rights reserved.
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