Abstract Background and purpose: This study aimed to establish the treated prevalence of Bipolar Disorder (BD) in serving members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) in light of a 2018 study of mental disorders in the ADF and Veteran population that found a surprisingly high 12-month prevalence rate. Method: A retrospective review of the Defence… Read more »
ABSTRACT Background: The 2009 Dunt Review of Mental Health in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) led to the establishment of the ADF Centre for Mental Health in Sydney. One of the programs developed at the Centre was a mental health Second Opinion Clinic. The aim of the Second Opinion Clinic is to provide specialist assessment… Read more »
BACKGROUND Blast-related Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) has been a frequent and prominent wound in recent conflicts. Helmet sensors or blast gauges have been proposed to monitor blast effects in troops exposed to Improvised Explosive Devices (IED). PURPOSE The findings of a trial of blast gauges in Australian troops deployed in Afghanistan are described. MATERIALS AND… Read more »
Abstract The case of a member of the Australian Defence Force exposed to a person-borne improvised explosive device is presented. Indications for post-exposure prophylaxis against blood-borne viruses in this context are discussed, with specific focus on the ‘non-response’ to prior hepatitis B vaccination of this individual. This case received post-exposure prophylaxis against hepatitis B only,… Read more »
Abstract Background: Limb amputation has been a common injury occurring in the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Compared to other injuries, less attention has been given to this serious, disabling wound. Purpose: The article describes the Allied military experience of traumatic limb amputation in Iraq and Afghanistan. It intends to inform health care personnel involved… Read more »
Abstract Background: The conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan and the prominence of traumatic brain injury (TBI), mostly from improvised explosive devices, have focused attention on the effectiveness of combat helmets. Purpose: This paper examines the importance of TBI, the role and history of the development of combat helmets, current helmet designs and effectiveness, helmet design… Read more »
