Risk factors for mental ill health in UK Army personnel: an overview

Ross, D., Mackay, D.F. and Bergman, B.P. (2022) Risk factors for mental ill health in UK Army personnel: an overview. BMJ Military Health, 168(2), pp. 166-172. (doi: 10.1136/bmjmilitary-2020-001679) (PMID:33911013)

Abstract

Women in the UK military are more commonly diagnosed with a mental health disorder than men, but the reasons for this difference are not fully understood. This literature review identifies the risk factors for mental ill health in military personnel before serving, during service and as a veteran. The interaction of risk factors is complex and, in some cases, may be synergistic, such as experiencing adverse events in childhood and exposure to combat. Identification of risk factors allows further research to better understand differences between men and women, and the impact of these risk factors on army personnel. In turn this will inform better preventive strategies, which could be targeted at the primary, secondary or tertiary levels.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Bergman, Dr Beverly and Mackay, Professor Daniel and Ross, David
• Authors: Ross, D., Mackay, D.F., and Bergman, B.P.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Journal Name: BMJ Military Health
• Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group
• ISSN: 2633-3767
• ISSN (Online): 2633-3775
• Published Online: 28 April 2021
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2021 The Authors
• First Published: First published in BMJ Military Health 168(2): 166-172
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher