NEARLY 1 IN 5 US TROOPS HAVE MENTAL PROBLEMS AFTER SERVING IN IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN

Roughly one in every five U.S. troops who have survived the bombs and other dangers of Iraq and Afghanistan now suffers from major depression or post-traumatic stress, an independent study said Thursday. It estimated the toll at 300,000 or more.

PAULINE JELINEKAP NewsApr 17, 2008 18:30 EST
http://wiredispatch.com/news/?id=132979

As many or more report possible brain injuries from explosions or other head wounds, said the study, the first major survey from outside the government.

Only about half of those with mental health problems have sought treatment. Even fewer of those with head injuries have seen doctors.

Army Surgeon General Eric Schoomaker said the report, from the Rand Corp., was welcome.
"They're helping us to raise the visibility and the attention that's needed by the American public at large," said Schoomaker, a lieutenant general. "They are making this a national debate."