New KCMHR report shows increase in PTSD among UK veterans - What King's College mental health research means for Combat Stress

In the last three years, we’ve seen a 44% increase in new referrals to Combat Stress, including a 15% increase in the last financial year alone. If the number of new referrals increases by another 15%, we’ll need an additional £2.5million to meet the rising demand for our specialist treatment.

New research from the King’s Centre for Military Health Research, King’s College London, has revealed that the rate of probable post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among veterans increased to 1 in 10 since the last phase of research almost a decade ago.

This figure is even higher among veterans who were deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan and served in combat roles, increasing to almost one in five (18%), including 14% who meet the criteria for Complex PTSD. In contrast, the rate of PTSD among the general public stands at 4%.

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If you’re a veteran or a loved one struggling with your mental health, please know that you’re not alone. For free confidential advice and support, please call our free, 24-hour Helpline on 0800 138 1619 to speak with one of our team.