Troops serving in Iraq or Afghanistan are more likely to suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder than those not deployed to the countries, according to new statistics.

Almost 4,000 personnel from the UK armed forces were diagnosed with a new mental disorder in 2007, according to statistics from the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD).

Official figures released this week show that incidents of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) were also significantly higher amongst those who had fought in Iraq or Afghanistan.

For the period October to December 2007, female soldiers were twice as likely to suffer than their male counterparts, with eight in 1,000 servicewomen treated for a mental disorder, compared with four in 1,000 men.

Those serving in the Army – regardless of sex – were most likely to be diagnosed, followed by the RAF, Royal Navy and Royal Marines respectively. Rates for ranks were higher than for other officers.

Cases of PTSD were highest amongst those deployed in Afghanistan – they were nine times more likely to suffer PTSD than those who hadn’t served in the country. Personnel sent to Iraq were six times more vulnerable to PTSD.

For the period October to December 2007, 38 servicemen and women were treated for PTSD – 31 had served in Iraq and 17 in Afghanistan.

Chris Williams, Director of the Medical Finance Secretariat in the Defence Medical Services department, told the Daily Telegraph the condition is rare, however added: “It does not surprise me that if you serve in Iraq or Afghanistan you are more likely than others to suffer from PTSD.”

To read the report in full, visit the Defence Analytical Services and Advice website: www.dasa.mod.uk

By Natasha Piscitelli