Joint Chiefs Head Calls for Wider PTSD Screening

Post Traumatic Stress a 'bigger problem than we realize,' says chief
By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff
Posted Oct 13, 2008 4:03 AM CDT
Joint Chiefs Head Calls for Wider PTSD Screening
US Admiral Mike Mullen Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is calling for all returning combat vets, including generals, to be screened for mental health problems.   (AP Photo/Thierry Charlier.)

Every member of the US military should undergo screening for post-traumatic stress disorder upon returning from combat in Iraq, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff has recommended. As many as 1 of every 5 returning combat vets suffers from mental health problems, USA Today reports. "I think it's a bigger problem than we know," said Michael Mullen, an admiral whose post gives him authority over all four service branches.

"I'm at a point where I believe we have to give a mental health screening to everybody to help remove the stigma of raising your hand," Mullen said.
(More Iraq stories.)

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