Prevalence and Risk Factors for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms Among National Guard/Reserve Component Service Members Deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan

Abstract

Over the past decade, the USA has relied on unprecedented deployments of National Guard and Reserve Component service members to support sustained military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. In this chapter, we review the empirical literature on the prevalence of PTSD among service members following deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan. Methodological issues to be considered when evaluating prevalence estimates across studies are reviewed, and the results of meta-analyses comparing PTSD prevalence rates for reserve and active components are critically examined. Finally, we summarize findings from the literature on risk and protective factors associated with PTSD that might account for the heightened risk of PTSD among Reservists during the post-deployment reintegration period.