Authors: Hacker Hughes, Jamie G. H.¹; Earnshaw, N. Mark¹; Greenberg, Neil¹; Eldridge, Rod²; Fear, Nicola T.¹; French, Claire¹; Deahl, Martin P.³; Wessely, Simon¹

Source: Military Medicine, Volume 173, Number 6, June 2008 , pp. 534-538(5)

Publisher: AMSUS - Association of Military Surgeons of the U.S.

Abstract:

This article reviews the use of psychological decompression as applied to troops returning from active service in operational theaters. Definitions of the term are considered and a brief history is given. Current policies and practices are described and the question of mandatory decompression is considered. Finally, the evidence base for the efficacy of decompression is examined and some conclusions are drawn. This article highlights variations in the definition and practice of decompression and its use. Although there is, as yet, no evidence that decompression works, there is also no evidence to the contrary. Given the lack of knowledge as to the balance of risks and benefits of decompression and the absence of any definitive evidence that decompression is associated with improved mental health outcomes or that lack of decompression is associated with the reverse, it is argued that the use of decompression should remain a matter for discretion.

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: King's Centre for Military Health Research, King's College London, Weston Education Centre, Cutcombe Road, London, SE5 9RJ, U.K. 2: Department of Community Mental Health, Colchester Garrison, Flagstaff House, Napier Road, Colchester, Essex, CO2 7SW, U.K. 3: TA Group Colonel (South), HQ 2 Med Brigade, Queen Elizabeth Barracks, Strensall, York, YO10 4ZZ, U.K.

Publication date: 2008-06-01

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• Military Medicine is the Association's official monthly journal. The objective of the Journal is to promote awareness of Federal medicine by providing a forum for responsible discussion of common ideas and problems relevant to Federal healthcare. Its mission is: To increase healthcare education by providing scientific and other information to its readers; to facilitate communication; and to offer a prestige publication for members' writings.
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