PTSD Trajectory, Co-morbidity, and Utilization of Mental Health Services among National Guard Soldiers

: This research will assess mental health and mental health service utilization over time among a representative sample of Reserve forces, within a multivariate causal framework that takes into account life course experiences and circumstances together with combat history, other military experience (e.g. humanitarian activity and activation for state missions) and civilian traumatic event experiences as determinants of mental health in this group. We focus not only on documenting the prevalence and correlates of PTSD and other mental illness and health service utilization among these forces, but also on documenting the trajectories of PTSD and co-occurring psychopathology over time among these forces. The scope includes developing, piloting and implementing a structured survey for a random sample of Reserve members. Findings from analyses of all four waves of the survey will be disseminated to key stakeholders. To date, we have constructed a survey for initial data collection as well as three subsequent waves that contains modules on (1) risk or protective factors for psychological morbidity over the life course (general traumas, psychological resources, life and family concerns), (2) mental health (depression, PTSD, emotional health history), (3) service utilization patterns (use of mental health resources). We have enrolled 1000 Reserves, and completed the baseline survey and three follow-up surveys. We have 2 manuscripts published, 2 under review, and 7 in preparation. Results have been disseminated at four national scientific conferences.