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PTSD Symptoms and Comorbid Mental Disorders in Israeli War Veterans

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Andrew E. Skodol ,
Sharon Schwartz ,
Bruce P. Dohrenwend ,
Itzhak Levav ,
Patrick E. Shrout  and
Marian Reiff
Andrew E. Skodol*
Affiliation:
Columbia University and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York
Sharon Schwartz
Affiliation:
School of Public Health, Columbia University
Bruce P. Dohrenwend
Affiliation:
Columbia University and New York State Psychiatric Institute
Itzhak Levav
Affiliation:
Brown University
Patrick E. Shrout
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, New York University
Marian Reiff
Affiliation:
School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York
*
Andrew Skodol, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Box 8, 722 W. 168th St., New York, NY 10032, USA
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Abstract

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate patterns of mental disorders comorbid with PTSD symptoms in young Israeli men exposed to combat.

Method

Six hundred and seventeen subjects were selected via a general population sample and evaluated in a two-phase case-identification procedure, culminating in a modified SADS–L interview, administered by psychiatrists.

Results

Major depressive disorder (OR=3.2), substance use disorders (OR=1.9) and personality disorders (OR=3.0) occurred more frequently in men reporting symptoms of PTSD than in men who had been under fire who did not report symptoms. With the possible exception of personality disorders, comorbid disorders did not constitute risk factors for PTSD. Comorbid PTSD and RDC disorders were associated with increased help-seeking.

Conclusions

The results suggest similar rates and types of PTSD comorbidity in Israeli war veterans as in veterans in the US assessed in general population studies, and are consistent with shared risk factors for PTSD and comorbid disorders.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 169 , Issue 6 , December 1996 , pp. 717 - 725
Copyright
Copyright © 1996 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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