Mental problems among troops doubles in 10 years

♦the proportion of troops seeking mental health treatment has doubled since 2008.

Particularly high levels were seen among those who saw combat in Afghanistan or Iraq, a report by the House of Commons Defence Committee found.

It warned that it was taking too long for veterans to access treatment and that there was varied availability of care. Ministry of Defence figures showed that 3.1 per cent of serving personnel were diagnosed with mental health conditions, twice the proportion of 2008-2009.

The committee warned that the number of veterans with conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression could be three times higher, at about 10 per cent, amid concern that some may not seek help.

However, Julian Lewis, the committee chairman, said: “Most servicemen and women leave with no mental ill health and we need to dispel the myth that many suffer psychological harm.”