Suchergebnisse

Introduction: This study examined the prevalence, clinical characteristics, help seeking patterns, and military experiences associated with past-year generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) using a representative sample of military personnel. Methods: Data were from the Canadian Community Health Survey–Canadian Forces Supplement ( n = 5,115 Regular Force, n = 3,286 Reserve Force), conducted by Statistics Canada on behalf of the Department of National Defence in 2002. GAD and other mental disorders were assessed using the World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Clinical features of GAD of interest included mean age of onset and episode length, symptoms, degree of impairment and co-occurring disorders, and perceived need for help and help seeking. Multivariate logistic regression models were conducted to examine the sociodemographic, military characteristics, and mental disorders correlated with past-year GAD. Results: Past-year and lifetime prevalence rates of GAD were 1.7% and 4.4%, respectively. The majority of military personnel with past-year GAD reported being severely impaired at work and in their relationships and social life. Those with past-year GAD, relative to those without it, had higher odds of having another mental disorder. Of military personnel with past-year GAD, 72.2% had sought help. Regular Force personnel, relative to reservists, had higher odds of having past-year GAD, as did individuals who witnessed atrocities. Discussion: GAD is modestly prevalent in the Canadian military and is associated with considerable functional impairment. Nevertheless, high rates of help seeking for GAD may speak to the availability, accessibility, and acceptability of mental health care in the Canadian Armed Forces.