The Psychological Costs of War: Military Combat and Mental Health

Differences in the likelihood of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and suicidal ideation were compared in three different groups: Service members on Active Duty exclusively in the United States, Service members on Active Duty outside the United States in noncombat zones, and Service members on Active Duty outside the United States in combat zones. Findings indicate that Service members are most at risk for PTSD if they have been deployed in combat zones for over 12 months and if they have experience with enemy firefight or civilian casualties.