As soldiers return from Afghanistan and Iraq, several studies are uncovering patterns of mental and physical condition that are affecting these veterans.
For example, physical symptoms such as migraine headaches are prevalent in some returning vets, and these headaches may signal a higher risk of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans.
PTSD, a psychological condition common in people who've experienced extreme stress, is also taking its toll on returning soldiers. New research has found the youngest returning veterans -- ages 18 years to 24 years old -- are are showing the highest incidence of PTSD and other mental health problems.
And PTSD may carry physical risks as well -- a study of veterans since World War II has found a link between PTSD and increased risk of heart attack and arthritis.
But awareness of these combat-related health issues is having an effect. For example, the U.S. military, doctors, and other healthcare experts are making moves to better care for this new generation of veterans, including making new guidelines for managing the medications and treatment of Afghan and Iraq veterans, both those who return home and those still fighting in the Middle East. Hopefully moves such as this one will help returning soldiers transition more easily back into their everyday lives.
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