PTSD SYMPTOMS AND COMORBID MENTAL-DISORDERS IN ISRAELI WAR VETERANS

Background. The purpose of this study was to investigate patterns of m ental disorders comorbid with PTSD symptoms in young Israeli men expos ed to combat. Method. Six hundred and seventeen subjects were selected via a general population sample and evaluated in a two-phase case-ide ntification procedure, culminating in a modified SADS-L interview, adm inistered by psychiatrists. Results. Major depressive disorder (OR=3.2 ), substance use disorders (OR=1.9) and personality disorders (OR=3.0) occurred more frequently in men reporting symptoms of PTSD than in me n who had been under fire who did not report symptoms. With the possib le exception of personality disorders, comorbid disorders did not cons titute risk factors for PTSD. Comorbid PTSD and RDC disorders were ass ociated with increased help-seeking. Conclusions. The results suggest similar rates and types of PTSD comorbidity in Israeli war veterans as in Veterans in the US assessed in general population studies, and ate consistent with shared risk factors for PTSD and comorbid disorders.