ABSTRACT
Screening for any disorder has an intuitive appeal and if these can be identified before they have become apparent the rewards are even greater. Psychiatric disorders, once established, are often difficult to treat and often have a major impact on the person and society. Hence, numerous attempts have been made to screen not just for established psychiatric disorders but for vulnerability to those disorders. Few organisations have been more concerned with these issues than the military. Recruits, who fail in training or leave the service early, are a major drain on resources. Servicemen who develop psychiatric disorders often function poorly, while soldiers who develop psychological disorders after combat are rendered ineffective for future service and are likely to qualify for financial assistance. The identification of those at risk of later psychiatric breakdown when exposed to stress (in this context largely combat) is the principal focus, although the related issue of screening for military suitability is also addressed.
