A Theoretical Model for Supporting Young Men With Depression
Alan FINNEGAN
Trinity College Dublin 7/8 Nov 12
Military Mental Health
What is Depression?
AimTo evaluate and provide a critical analysis of
the predisposing factors leading to depression in the British Army.
To develop a theoretical model outlining the factors leading to depression, and the appropriate patient’s clinical pathway.
Provide detail from a GP validation exercise looking at the transferability of the findings to civilian healthcare
Methodology & Method
Two surveys 0f MMH hospital admissions and DCMH referrals.
A grounded theory qualitative study.
GP validation exercise .
Series10
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
DepressionAlcoholAdjustmentPsychoticPTSDStressOther
Predisposing Factors
Multi factorial factors and symptoms.
Majority had relationship problems, family issues occupational stressors.
Wanting to leave the Army = 20% of all hospital admissions and 25% accessing a DCMH.
Gender, Age & Rank
PredisposingFactors Leading toDepression in the
British Army
PersonalityMedical Services Unhappy
Soldier
Relationships
Military Depression
ArmySocial Views & Media
Macho Image
Social Class
Stigma
Physical Problems
Isolation
Symptoms
Alcohol
Bullying & Harassment
Team Building
DCMHs
Rank
Operations
Control & Perceptions
Benefits of Army Life
Help Seeking Behaviour
Cultural Issues Family
Issues
Situational Stressors
AgeGender
Depressionin the
British Army
Precipitating / Maintaining Factors
Previous TraumaChildhood TraumaPhysical ProblemsPast Family History
Relationship Problems Family Issues
Occupational Stress Bullying
Unhappy Soldier
Financial or Disciplinary Problems
Secondary Coping Mechanisms
Alcohol AbuseSubstance Abuse
Isolation
Help Seeking Behaviour
PersonalityMacho Image
Age & GenderSocial Class
Cultural FactorsStigma
Societal & Media Views
Situational Stressors
Contextual – Peacetime or Operations
Environmental Support – The Army, AMS and DCMHs
Military DepressionUnique Definition.
Private Soldiers aged 18 to 22 years old.
Non Commissioned Officers & Senior NCOs aged late 20’s to early 30’s.
Soldiers nearing the end of their career and aged late 30s onwards.
Women.
Validation Exercise
Are the results a true reflection of the presentation of depression in the British Army?
Should the model be introduced into GP training?
Are findings transferable to civilian practice?
ImplicationsLessons learnt have been incorporated into a
theoretical model indicating the factors leading to depression, and the patient’s clinical pathway.
Has the potential to improve the operational capability of the Army.
Utility – Army, and potentially transferable to other Armed Forces and young men’s MH.