PTS found in third of the forces

A third of military personnel suffer symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, researchers have found.

The rate is much higher among Ma¯ori; three-quarters have symptoms of the stress disorder, for reasons that are not clear.

The survey of 1817 people currently serving and retired military personnel in New Zealand reveals one in 10 would likely be diagnosed with PTS.

The finding is similar to an earlier study which found evidence of PTS among 10 per cent of New Zealand Vietnam war veterans.

“These results suggest the prevalence of clinically significant PTS is higher among military personnel compared with the general population of New Zealand, where rates are estimated to be 3 per cent,” said lead researcher David McBride, Associate Professor in Occupational and Environmental Medicine at the University of Otago.

Many more, however, have symptoms of the condition.

“Our results are a timely reminder as we celebrate Anzac Day that support to deal with PTS is needed for a large number of New Zealanders.”

The researchers identified those suffering symptoms of PTS were more likely to be older, male, Ma¯ori and have experience of trauma.

Those with fewer signs of posttraumatic stress had a greater length of service, displayed psychological resilience and had better-quality sleep, suggesting those factors could be targeted to reduce PTS in military service people.

“We were trying to identify veterans with distress, particularly posttraumatic stress injury because when they go to their health providers, they may not identify as a veteran,” McBride said.

The findings suggest health providers could ask simple questions, about quality of sleep for example, which could assist in improving the health of many people who have or are serving in the military.

“There is preliminary evidence to indicate that early intervention among military personnel experiencing sleep disturbance may help to reduce PTS symptoms,” he said.

“Many veterans, because of the military culture, think that asking for help is a sign of weakness, which it is not.”