Far from a "bunch of pills" helping this situation, even short term, I wouldn't be at all surprised if it's exactly that that's created or at least exacerbated this nightmare. It used to be that soldiers couldn't be on the front lines if they were medicated with antidepressants (or worse, antipsychotics). That rule has gone flying out the window with the desperate need to keep the numbers up so unfortunately guys (and presumably gals) are getting upset, getting medicated, and sent right back out to the front. This ain't good. Furthermore they're coming home, being diagnosed with PTSD and put on cocktails of drugs that put them on a journey far darker and more insidious than anything they experienced in Iraq and this is saying something I realize but I believe it. I'm not denying that fighting in Iraq must lead to all sorts of horrible emotional difficulties but the solution isn't psychopharmacology -- it's getting out of there.

RE: the suicide problem: I don't know if this is military policy or just the fruity behavior of a few irresponsible psychiatrists, but sending troubled soldiers out into battle with nothing to help them but meds is a troubling development nonetheless. I explore the issue here.

I believe there is a tendency for psychiatrists to trust meds to solve problems instead of teaching coping skills. Obviously, the prescription approach is easier for them. It might even be more lucrative for them since they, on a whole, tend to be so keen to push the latest flavors (with their kickback bonuses). Still, there are a few aspects of the article that send up red flags for me (I discuss those as well). I think we need to be cautious that we don't let our emotions carry us away because of a well-written hit piece.

Thanks for pulling out the numbers to put the problem into perspective. It seems that focusing on numbers as the original report does is misleading. Not only did I find them specious, but as you've pointed out they are not too far from the norm. Sad, but not as shocking as the authors would have us believe. Instead, the most shocking bit is the harm being done to certain military personal who are not being treated with anything more than a prescription. Nevermind the allegations of suicide. There is serious harm being done if meds are being used to replace therapy.

Douglas Cootey

☆ The Splintered Mind

P.S. -- I thought my "terminal execution" thing was funny.

Have a grandiose day! :-)