• The number of Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans seeking treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder from the Department of Veterans Affairs jumped by nearly 20,000 — almost 70% — in the 12 months ending June 30, 2007, VA records show. [1]
• More than 100,000 combat veterans sought help for mental illness since the start of the war in Afghanistan in 2001, about one in seven of those who have left active duty since then, according to VA records collected through June. Almost half of those were PTSD cases.[1]
• The total of mental health cases among war veterans grew by 58% from 63,767 on June 30, 2006, to 100,580 on June 30, 2007, VA records show. The mental health issues include PTSD, drug and alcohol dependency, and depression. They involve troops who left the military and sought health care from the veterans department.[1]
• A study released on 3/12/07 stated that of 103,788 Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) veterans seen at VA health care facilities, 25,658 (25%) received mental health diagnoses; 56% of whom had 2 or more distinct mental health diagnoses.[2]
• Overall, 32,010 (31%) of veterans in the 3/12/07 study received mental health and/or psychosocial diagnoses. The youngest group of OEF/OIF veterans (age, 18-24 years) were at greatest risk for receiving mental health or posttraumatic stress disorder diagnoses compared with veterans 40 years or older.[2]
• In 2003, an estimated 56.6 percent of veterans used alcohol in the past month compared with 50.8 percent of comparable nonveterans. An estimated 13.2 percent of veterans reported driving while under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs in the past year compared with 12.2 percent of comparable nonveterans. Daily cigarette use was more common among veterans, with an estimated 18.8 percent smoking cigarettes daily in the past month compared with 14.3 percent of comparable nonveterans.[3]
• In 2002/2003, an estimated 1.2 million male veterans were identified as suffering from serious mental illnesses. Approximately 340,000 of these individuals had co-occurring substance abuse disorders.  Approximately 209,000 female veterans (13.1 percent) reported serious mental illness, and 25,000 (1.6 percent) reported co-occurring substance use disorder and SMI.[4]

Department of Defense (DoD) Develops Compensation and Benefits Handbook
The Compensation and Benefits Handbook is the one source of information that covers everything a seriously ill and injured service member will need during his or her recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration, including information on mental health treatment.

NAMI Information on Medications
NAMI information on medications, including general information and fact sheets for specific medications.

NAMI Information on Bipolar Disorder
NAMI information on bipolar disorder.

NAMI Information on Schizophrenia
NAMI information on schizophrenia.

NAMI Information on Depression
NAMI information on depression.

NAMI Information on Dual Diagnosis and Treatment
NAMI information on dual diagnosis and treatment.

NAMI Information on Mental Illness
NAMI information on mental illness.

NAMI Information on Schizoaffective Disorder
NAMI information on schizoaffective disorder.

Major Depressive Episode and Treatment for Depression among Veterans Aged 21 to 39
Recent research indicates that an estimated 25 to 30 percent of the veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have reported symptoms of a mental disorder or cognitive condition. Untreated mental health problems can result in long-term negative consequences for the affected individuals, their families, their communities, and our Nation as a whole. Read more from the National Survey of Drug Use and Health.

Clarence Jordan’s Remarks at Press Conference
NAMI Board member Clarence Jordan presents remarks at APA Press Conference on mental health and veterans, April 30, 2008.

Wounds of War
A new study shows almost 300,000 in the armed forces affected by mental illness

Military
NAMI protests U.S. Army treatment of soldier.

National Survey on Drug Use and Health Report
Substance abuse is a recognized mental health concern among veterans. A report by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health cites higher uses of alcohol and cigarettes among veterans, in addition to higher rates of driving under the influence.

Research studies of veterans with schizophrenia:

The Model Schizophrenia Program is a mental heath focused treatment team, conducting clinical research directly applicable to the veteran population that it serves.
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Families of People with Schizophrenia in the VA is an hour video presentation by Lisa Dixon, M.D., M.P.H., University of Maryland School of Medicine
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The TURNS program is a National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) supported network that will provide an infrastructure for clinical studies of pharmacological agents for enhancing neurocognition in patients with schizophrenia. This initiative includes clinical studies of pharmacological agents for enhancing neurocognition in patients with schizophrenia.
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Research studies of veterans with bipolar disorder:

The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) is one of only six sites in United States, and the only VA facility conducting a clinical research study to compare the effectiveness and side effects of two widely used medications for bipolar disorder. The study focuses on individuals, both veterans and non-veterans, over the age of 60 who are currently experiencing an elevated mood and who meet study eligibility criteria.
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