---

Ministry of Defence

Answer

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what the standard procedure for (a) de- briefing and (b) recovery from trauma for British soldiers returning from Iraq is; [183180] (2) whether all British soldiers returning from Iraq are assessed for mental health problems; and how long after arrival back in the UK mental health assessments take place; [183181] (3) what provisions are in place to address the mental health needs of soldiers who have been to Iraq. [183193] Mr. Caplin: Service personnel, both Regular and Reservist, returning from current operations in the Gulf undergo a two-three day period of `normalisation'. During this period, they receive a post-deployment briefing package. This package includes two leaflets and a presentation, covering post traumatic stress reactions, and the problems that may be encountered on returning home to families and friends. Personnel also receive guidance on who to consult (including their commanders, padres, social workers or medical officers) if they experience post traumatic problems. Commanders also receive training on how to identify signs that an individual may be experiencing problems in order that they can encourage them to seek help. There is no mandatory mental health assessment for Service personnel returning from current operations in the Gulf, it is considered that the detection of mental health problems is not best served by a standardised `one size fits all' assessment process as such conditions can manifest over a period of time and affect individuals in different ways. Therefore, an enforced assessment could, in the longer term, be potentially counter productive. Mental health assessments and any treatment required is carried out according to individual needs.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

423 c1236-7W; 183180;183181;183193

Session

2003-04

Subjects

Armed forces Iraq Mental illness Medical treatments Mental health services Mental health Iraq conflict Post-traumatic stress disorder

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk