Approximately one-third of Viet Nam veterans were clinically depressed 28 months after return, which was associated with higher rates of drug abuse, unemployment, and legal problems.
Cross-Sectional (n=202)
What is the incidence of depression and associated psychosocial difficulties in Viet Nam veterans approximately two years after their return?
A high incidence of depression (approximately one-third) was found in Viet Nam veterans two years after their return, highlighting the need for targeted outreach and treatment.
The authors evaluated the incidence of depression in a sample of 202 Viet Nam veterans an average of 28 months after their return from Viet Nam. Approximately one-third of the sample fell within the clinically depressed range of the Beck Depression Inventory. Comparison of the depressed and nondepressed groups indicated that the former had higher frequencies of drug abuse (particularly while in Viet Nam), more marital difficulties, a higher unemployment rate, and more current legal problems. This high incidence of depression, coupled with the finding that few of these men were being treated for the illness, indicates the need for an outreach approach to this population.
Nace et al. (1977) conducted a cross-sectional in Depression (n=202). Depression vs. Nondepressed veterans was evaluated on Clinically depressed range of the Beck Depression Inventory. Approximately one-third of Viet Nam veterans were clinically depressed 28 months after return, which was associated with higher rates of drug abuse, unemployment, and legal problems.