Epidemiological Study of Psychological Disorders in Ground Units Personnel one of the Military Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran

The purpose of this research was to determine the epidemiology of mental disorders in Ground Units Personnel one of the Military Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Tehran. Unidentified personnel، who are suffering from mental disorders، not only make it difficult for the unit to function well and carry out missions successfully، but also impose high expenses on the Military Forces. Therefore identifying these cases is crucial. This study is an epidemiological and descriptive research and was conducted as a cross sectional one in 1387. 975 subjects participated in this study by the use of cluster sampling of 6 military centers located in Tehran. Subjects filled out a demographic questionnaire and SCL-90-R. Results showed that the prevalence of disease symptoms based on the general severity index (GSI) of SCL 90 questionnaire was 35. 5 percent. 346 of 975 subjects were diagnosed as suspected of mental disorders. Paranoid thoughts and somatization were the most prevalent mental disorders with 15. 5 and 15. 4 percent respectively. Also these results show that the prevalence of each mental disorders in the personnel age between 20-30، the personnel who have B. S degree and upper، down rank officers، the married personnel، the combat- operation ranks personnel is more than other groups. Base on the results of this study، the importance of psychological evaluations conducted annually، precise identification of military personnel at risk and provide timely mental health services to them over the past is significant. Therefore it is essential that senior military commanders and managers have practical and executive programs in facilitating the access of military forces to mental health services.