Commentary: Women in combat and the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder and depression

Abstract

Studies among civilian populations have consistently shown that when compared with men, women have significantly higher prevalence rates of depression and anxiety disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).1,2 Studies of general military populations in garrison have paralleled findings from civilian studies.3–5 Research on the gender differences associated with military deployment, such as Vietnam, Persian Gulf War, or peacekeeping operations,6–12 has found inconsistent results. These studies are not representative of current extended combat deployments in Iraq or Afghanistan, war zones that lack traditional front lines and in which women are serving in roles that put them at greater risk than in the past. Although women are excluded from serving in direct combat specialties, such as infantry or armour, and are therefore not at the same risk as male soldiers, they do serve in a variety of support positions where they travel outside military bases, work alongside combat soldiers, come under direct fire and may become casualties. These positions include military police, transportation, intelligence, pilots, medics, mechanics, civil affairs and other roles. Among the 3004 US fatalities from Iraq reported through 31 December 2006, 66 (2.2%) were women; among 127 UK fatalities, 3 (2.4%) were women.13 About two-thirds of these deaths involved hostile fire. In contrast, only one woman was reported to have died by hostile fire in Vietnam and five in the Persian Gulf War.14

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