A recent Defense Health Agency report reveals a concerning rise in mental health disorders among US military personnel. Diagnoses have increased by 40% between 2019 and 2023, with anxiety and PTSD cases doubling in the same period. Mental health conditions now account for over half (54.8%) of all hospital bed stays for active-duty service members, surpassing all other medical reasons combined.
Over the five-year span covered by the report, more than half a million active-duty service members (541,672) received at least one mental health diagnosis. Nearly half of these individuals were diagnosed with multiple conditions. This data is particularly alarming considering the current active-duty force stands at approximately 1.3 million.
The report comes on the heels of several tragic incidents involving veterans and active-duty personnel, highlighting the urgency of addressing mental health within the military. While a Defense Department official attributed the increase in hospitalizations to reduced stigma surrounding mental health care, the underlying causes for the rise in diagnoses remain a concern. The Pentagon has yet to comment on whether US forces are adequately prepared for combat given the current mental health landscape.
The report emphasizes the need to prioritize mental and emotional well-being, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. It notes that younger service members, particularly those in the Army and female personnel, are more likely to receive a mental health diagnosis. The Navy has the highest rates of depressive, bipolar, and personality disorders among the branches.
The data, collected from the Defense Medical Surveillance System and Theater Medical Data Store, was based on various factors, including ambulance encounters, hospitalizations, outpatient psychiatric visits, and other relevant indicators. Female service members were diagnosed with PTSD at twice the rate of their male counterparts.
The rise in mental health diagnoses coincides with an increase in military suicides. The 2023 data shows 523 reported suicides, up from 493 in 2022. Suicides among active-duty personnel rose by 12%, reaching 363. Suicide remains the leading cause of death among service members, surpassing training accidents, illnesses, homicides, and combat deaths.
Disturbingly, a significant portion of suicide victims had sought help prior to their death. Many had recent contact with primary care, outpatient mental health services, or inpatient facilities. A substantial number were also taking psychotropic medications. Relationship problems and behavioral health diagnoses were commonly reported among those who died by suicide.
