Behavioral Health Outcomes in the 12 Months Following Major Limb Loss Among Active Duty Service Members Treated in the Military Health System, 2001–2017.

This article focuses on the incidence and characteristics of behavioral health conditions among active duty service members (ADSMs) within 12 months following major limb loss sustained between 2001 and 2017. The study found that 56% of ADSMs developed new behavioral health diagnoses post-amputation, with adjustment disorder, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) being the most common. Incident traumatic brain injury (TBI) was diagnosed in 41% of the cohort and was associated with a more than threefold increase in the odds of behavioral health conditions. Suicidal behavior was rare but more prevalent among younger, enlisted males with multiple behavioral health diagnoses. These findings underscore the importance of early behavioral health screening and integrated care for ADSMs following major limb loss.