Occupational functioning represents both an important outcome for military service members returning from Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom and a predictor for long-term mental health functioning. We investigated the role of mental health diagnoses, determined by structured clinical interviews, on occupational functioning in a group of 262 National Guard/Reserve service members within 1 year of returning from a 16-month OIF combat deployment. We assessed occupational functioning at the time of diagnostic interviews and 1 year later. We hypothesized that service members with diagnoses of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and/or alcohol abuse or dependence would exhibit lower rates of employment at both time points and lower rates of reported work and/or school role functioning. Service members with a diagnosis of PTSD (5%, n = 13), subthreshold PTSD (6%, n = 15), a major depressive disorder (11%, n = 29), or alcohol abuse or dependence (11%, n = 28) did not differ on employment status from service members without a diagnosis at either time point. However, those with a diagnosis of PTSD, depression, and/or alcohol abuse or dependence reported lower levels of work role functioning. In addition, service members with a diagnosis of PTSD reported greater rates of deterioration in work role functioning over time.
Mental Health Diagnosis and Occupational Functioning in National Guard/Reserve Veterans Returning From Iraq
Type
Summary
Citation
Erbes, C. R., Kaler, M. E., Schult, T., Polusny, M. A., Arbisi, P. A. (2011). Mental Health Diagnosis and Occupational Functioning in National Guard/Reserve Veterans Returning From Iraq. Journal of Rehabilitation Research & Development, 48, 1159-1170. doi:10.1682/JRRD.2010.11.0212