Prevalence of depression among physically-disabled veterans in northwestern Iran

Abstract

Psychological trauma may result in depression. Veterans are particularly prone to development of depression. 100 male veterans (39 injured by chemical and 61 by non-chemical warfare) with 30% to 70% of physical disability were compared with 100 age- and sex-matched individuals selected from general population serving as comparison group. The diagnosis of depression was made according to the DSM-IV criteria utilizing the standard Zung depression questionnaire along with an interview. Participants were aged between 25 and 75 (mean: 38) years. The prevalence of depression in disabled veterans (71%) was significantly (p<0.0001; RR: 2.0 [CI95%: 1.5-2.6]) higher than that in the comparison group (36%). The prevalence of depression in chemical warfare victims (92%) was significantly (p<0.0001; RR: 1.6[CI95%: 1.3-2.0]) higher than those who suffered from non-chemical injury (57%). Chemical warfare victims also suffered from a more severe depression than non-chemically injured victims (p<0.05). This study showed disabled veterans are prone to profound depression and chemically injured veterans were found to be more vulnerable.