U.S. Troops Battle Mental-Health Crisis
300,000 Face Depression, PTS, Report Says
POSTED: 12:23 pm EDT April 17, 2008 UPDATED: 4:12 pm EDT April 17, 2008


Some 300,000 U.S. troops are suffering from major depression or post traumatic stress from serving in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and 320,000 received brain injuries, a new study estimates.
Only about half have sought treatment, reports the study released Thursday by the RAND Corporation.
The 500-page study is the first large-scale, private assessment of its kind -- including a survey of 1,965 service members across the country, from all branches of the armed forces and including those still in the military as well as veterans who have left the services.
The study finds about 19 percent of forces serving in Iraq and Afghanistan reported brain injuries. In wars that involve blasts from roadside bombs, such injuries can range from mild concussions to severe head wounds.
Its results appear consistent with a number of mental health reports from within the government, though the Defense Department has not released the number of people it has diagnosed or who are being treated for mental problems.
The Department of Veterans Affairs said this month that its records show about 120,000 who served in the two wars and are no longer in the military have been diagnosed with mental health problems. Of the 120,000, approximately 60,000 are suffering from PTSD, the VA said.

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