PI Brief Update

An Analysis of Serious Psychological Injury Following UK Military Service - Rushmi Sethi

12/02/15. An analysis of serious psychological injury following UK military service at work with reference to case law, published journal articles, and medical evidence. Exposure to intense combat is among the most commonly associated traumas with PTSD. Military personnel wounded in action e.g. military air accidents, or involved in direct combat, puts those in a high-risk group for developing PTSD. Depression may occur as a psychological response to severe physical injury and chronic disabling conditions after military combat. Vulnerability factors are thought to increase the likelihood of depression in the presence of provoking life-events. Pronounced negative thinking and flashbacks suggests that cognitive behavioural therapy may be helpful. A confiding relationship and a job could therefore be factors which protect against serious psychological injury. It is in the claimant’s best interests to be seen by an experienced consultant psychiatrist and/or psychologist with relevant knowledge.

Introduction

Serious psychological injury following military service is an esoteric concept. It can include injuries such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, Chronic Pain, Depression and Post Traumatic Amnesia. This article is a review of journal articles and medical evidence with regard to serious psychological injury from 1997-2014 and endeavours to link this material effectively to an account of the relevant military case law.

The author of this article is a lawyer, not a medical practitioner nor a member of the UK Armed Forces. The intent of this article is to provide a layperson’s guide to some important psychological consequences which may manifest after military service.

Review of Serious Psychological Injury

There are several conditions which may present following military service. They are discussed below...

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