The document discusses working with veterans suffering from mental health problems. It notes that mental health issues in veterans can arise from pre-service vulnerabilities, military life, and adjusting to civilian life. Common mental health problems in veterans include depression, anxiety, PTSD, alcohol and drug issues, and personality problems. Combat Stress is the largest mental health charity in the UK for veterans, providing clinical outreach services and bespoke inpatient programs to address veterans' complex biopsychosocial needs. Treatment involves assessment, stabilization, trauma-focused therapies, and rehabilitation. Major challenges include complex trauma, co-occurring substance use, forensic cases, and the needs of aging and in-service family populations.

1. Working with veterans suffering from mental health problems The role of the Charity Combat Stress Dr Walter Busuttil Medical Director & Consultant Psychiatrist Combat Stress [email_address]

8. The needs of Combat Stress Population: Clinical Audit Data Combat Stress 2007 % New Patients (n=162) % Review patients (n=169) Significant Physical illness 59 86 Physical injury during military service 45 62 Psychiatric illness as a measure of chronicity 75 95 Multiple exposure to psychological trauma 95 84 Present and past history of alcohol and drug dependence and abuse 69 74 Significant attachment difficulties in childhood / adolescence incl CSA and other abuse. 59 39