Responding to the Psychological Needs of OEF-OIF Military: A Commentary on Progress in Treatment Development

Americaʹs involvement in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq (i.e., OEF-OIF) is entering its 9th year with casualties exceeding 5,000 American deaths and many times that number with serious physical injuries. Epidemiological surveys and mental health screening concurrent with service and at the point of discharge provide us with important information on the psychological status of those directly involved in the military action. Support to mental health professionals coming primarily from the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the National Institutes of Health provided an important catalyst in the development of psychological treatments aimed specifically at the presenting problems of service men and women and their families. This special series highlights the impressive growth in treatments developed for OEF-OIF military and demonstrates the wide-ranging nature of the treatments that are now available for testing and use in assisting those most affected by the war. The creativity of these research teams in addressing the needs of these service men and women inspires continuing work in this area that will undoubtedly enhance mental health services available to the general population in the near term.