Advances in Psychiatric Treatment (2009) 15: 100-106. doi: 10.1192/apt.bp.107.004713
© 2009 The Royal College of Psychiatrists
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Mental health of regular and reserve military veterans

Amy C. Iversen and Neil Greenberg

Amy C. Iversen studied medicine at the University of Cambridge and University College Hospital, London. After training in general medicine and neurology, she undertook her psychiatry training at the Maudsley Hospital in London. She is currently Clinical Lecturer in the Department of Psychological Medicine at the Institute of Psychiatry, London with a special interest in veterans’ health. A focus of her research is health service utilisation, perceived needs and barriers to care in both still-serving and ex-service personnel. Neil Greenberg studied medicine at Southampton University and joined the Royal Navy as a student. Having completed his general duties medical officer time serving on ships, submarines and with the Royal Marines Commando, he trained in adult, liaison and forensic psychiatry. He is currently Senior Lecturer at King’s College London and has a keen interest in organisational mental health, traumatic stress and in psychological health in military personnel.

Correspondence: Correspondence Dr Amy C. Iversen, 1 King’s Centre for Military Health Research, Department of Psychological Medicine, Cutcombe Road, London SE5 9RJ, UK. Email: A.Iversen{at}iop.kcl.ac.uk

The psychiatric problems of combat returnees are a topical and important issue given the ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Despite the media prominence afforded to post-traumatic stress disorder, the most common disorders in the UK armed forces post-deployment are depression, alcohol misuse and anxiety disorders. Although the majority of service personnel do well after leaving military life, a minority who leave with psychiatric problems appear to be at risk of social exclusion and ongoing ill health. Reserve veterans are at greater risk as they do not have access to the usual support networks of the regular military. Steps to improve the knowledge and expertise of primary care services about veterans’ mental health issues and increasing the availability of treatment options are important and are underway.