Disproportionate Mental Health Burden Associated With Past‐Year Intimate Partner Violence Among Women Receiving Care in the Veterans Health Administration

Experience of intimate partner violence (IPV) can lead to mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and unhealthy substance use. Women seen in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) face high rates of both IPV and mental health morbidity. This study aimed to identify associations between recent IPV experience and mental health diagnoses among women VHA patients. We examined medical records data for 8,888 female veteran and nonveteran VHA patients across 13 VHA facilities who were screened for past‐year IPV between April, 2014 and April, 2016. Compared with women who screened negative for past‐year IPV (IPV−), those who screened positive (IPV+; 8.7%) were more than twice as likely to have a mental health diagnosis, adjusted odds ratio (AOR ) = 2.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.95, 2.64]; or more than two mental health diagnoses, AOR = 2.29, 95% CI [1.93, 2.72]). Screening IPV+ was also associated with significantly higher odds of each type of mental health morbidity (AOR range = 1.85–3.19) except psychoses. Over half (53.5%) of the women who screened IPV+ had a mental health diagnosis, compared with fewer than one‐third (32.6%) of those who screened IPV−. Each subtype of IPV (psychological, physical, and sexual violence) was significantly associated with having a mental health diagnosis (AOR range = 2.25–2.37) or comorbidity (AOR range = 2.17–2.78). Associations remained when adjusting for military sexual trauma and combat trauma among the veteran subsample. These findings highlight the mental health burden associated with past‐year IPV among female VHA patients and underscore the need to address psychological and sexual IPV, in addition to physical violence.     

Onset of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Major Depression Among Refugees and Voluntary Migrants to the United States

Although refugees are generally thought to be at increased risk for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive episode (MDE), few studies have compared onset of PTSD and MDE between refugees and voluntary migrants. Given differences in migration histories, onset should differ pre‐ and postmigration. The National Latino and Asian American Survey (NLAAS) is a national representative, complex dataset measuring psychiatric morbidity, mental health service use, and migration history among Latino and Asian immigrants to the United States. Of the 3,260 foreign‐born participants, 660 were refugees (a weighted proportion of 9.52%). Refugees were more likely to report a history of war‐related trauma, but reports of other traumatic events were similar. Premigration onset of PTSD was statistically higher for refugees than voluntary migrants, odds ratio (OR) = 4.86, 95% confidence interval (CI) [2.01, 11.76], where postmigration onset for PTSD was not, OR = 0.61, 95% CI [0.29, 1.28]; a similar pattern was found for MDE, OR = 1.98, 95% CI [1.11, 3.51]; and OR = 1.02, 95% CI [0.65, 1.62], respectively. Although refugees arrive in host countries with more pressing psychiatric needs, onset is comparable over time, suggesting that postmigration refugees and voluntary migrants may be best served by similar programs.     

Stress levels in nursing staff working in oncology

Care of cancer patients may be a source of considerable stress. As part of a large scale longitudinal study of the interaction of biological, psychological and environmental factors in determining patient outcome, the mental and physical health status of 37 members of the nursing staff of a cancer hospital was examined. The study identifies risk factors for stress, professional ‘burn‐out’ and psychiatric morbidity. An assessment questionnaire also examined work time, work organization, relationships with colleagues, identification of stressful situations, and treatment of pain. Each subject completed three scales designed to measure stress and psychiatric morbidity: the Nursing Stress Scale, the Maslasch Burnout Inventory and the General Health Questionnaire. Item analysis suggested that stress is primarily related to inadequate training, lack of time to deal with the psychological component of care giving especially terminal care, and relationship difficulties with other medical staff. Multiple analysis of correspondence indicated that in the face of stress, risk factors for professional burnout are high psychiatric symptomatology, lack of information at the time of diagnosis, poor perceived health, relationship difficulties with patients and their families, and work uncertainties. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Mental health problems and British workers: a survey of mental health problems in employees who receive counselling from Employee Assistance Programmes

This study assesses levels of psychological disturbance in employees who attend counselling schemes provided by their employer through Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs). Over two‐thirds (33) of the organizations covered by a major United Kingdom EAP provider allowed their employees to be surveyed. A standardized and well‐respected screening test aimed at detecting psychiatric disorders in the community (General Health Questionnaire) was given to employees when they visited counsellors. Steps were taken to ensure confidentiality and anonymity. One hundred and eleven of 466 (24 per cent) employees receiving counselling returned questionnaires and the results show 86.6 per cent of these experienced significantly high levels of psychiatric problems. Findings suggest that a significant proportion of employees who experience stress in the workplace and consequently attend their employer's EAP may have serious mental health symptoms, and that employers are providing a service for those in genuine psychological need. The study also raises the possibility that when some employees complain of ‘stress’ in the workplace, they may in fact be experiencing significant mental health problems, particularly anxiety and depression, requiring professional assistance. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Postcombat outcomes among Marines with preexisting mental diagnoses

Preexisting mental disorders are not always considered in mental health studies with military populations, even though prior diagnoses may be a risk factor for additional psychiatric harm stemming from combat exposure, as well as postdeployment behavioral problems. The objectives of this study were to investigate postcombat psychiatric and career outcomes among Marines with preexisting mental disorder diagnoses who deployed to combat in Iraq, Afghanistan, or Kuwait from 2002 to 2008. Marines with a preexisting diagnosis were 3.6 times (p < .001) more likely to have at least 1 postdeployment mental health disorder within 6 months postdeployment compared with Marines with no prior psychiatric diagnoses. Marines with a preexisting diagnosis were also 1.8 (p < .001) times more likely to receive a new-onset psychiatric diagnosis within 6 months postdeployment, indicating that postdeployment mental health concerns in this cohort extend beyond continuation of earlier disorders. Additionally, demotions and separation were significantly associated with having any preexisting mental health diagnoses (yielding odds ratios of 2.34 and 2.00, p < .001, respectively. Based on the current findings, it may be advisable to mandate a full medical and psychiatric record review during deployment health screening as part of new initiatives to address whether combat exposure has worsened preexisting conditions or compounded them with new-onset concerns.     

A community mental health survey and relief program in Taiwan after the great earthquake—implementation,clinical observation and evaluation

No evidence‐based consensus has been reached regarding effective interventions in the immediate and midterm post mass trauma phases. Through a community survey, the mental health of 14,013 evacuees was assessed to assist in the delivery of mental health programmes 2 months after a major earthquake. Three months later, 241 high‐risk patients recruited in the second survey were actively served at mobile clinics, having been either identified through the first community survey or referred by mental health aides. The estimated psychiatric morbidity rate at the second month was 13.8 per cent. The sensitivity of the screening survey and the aide‐referral method were 76.6 and 61.0 per cent, respectively. Post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive episode and dysthymia were the three most prevalent psychiatric diagnoses at the fifth month. Among those with diagnosis of PTSD, 57 per cent had psychiatric comorbidity, and approximately 50 per cent had other anxiety or depressive disorders before the earthquake. The psychiatrically morbid subjects rarely use health services. The rate of help seeking improved because of this programme. A high risk of mental disorder was found among middle‐aged and nervous trait. According to our experience, in addition to development of a sensitive community screening tool, the implementation of programmes to mobilize local resources is critical. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

PTSD in Asylum‐Seeking Male Adolescents From Afghanistan

This study concerned the mental health of Afghan unaccompanied asylum‐seeking children in the United Kingdom (UK). Afghans are the largest group of children seeking asylum in the UK, yet evidence concerning their mental health is limited. This study presents an estimate of probable posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) within this group and describes its associations with the cumulative effect of premigration traumatic events, immigration/asylum status, and social care living arrangements. Male adolescents (N = 222) aged 13–18 years completed validated self‐report screening measures for traumatic experiences and likely PTSD. One‐third (34.3%) scored above a selected cutoff, suggesting that they are likely to have PTSD. A higher incidence of premigration traumatic events was associated with greater PTSD symptomatology. Children living in semi‐independent care arrangements were more likely to report increased PTSD symptoms when compared to their peers in foster care. A substantial majority in this study did not score above the cutoff, raising the possibility of notable levels of resilience. Future research should consider approaching mental health issues from a resilience perspective to further the understanding of protective mechanisms for this at‐risk population.     

Mental health status of human rights workers,Kosovo, June 2000

Human rights workers in humanitarian relief settings may be exposed to traumatic events that put them at risk for psychiatric morbidity. We conducted a cross-sectional survey in June 2000 to study the prevalence of psychiatric morbidity among 70 expatriate and Kosovar Albanian staff collecting human rights data in Kosovo. Among those surveyed, elevated levels of anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms were found in 17.1, 8.6, and 7.1% respectively. Multiple regression analysis revealed that human rights workers at risk for elevated anxiety symptoms were those who had worked with their organization longer than 6 months, those who had experienced an armed attack, and those who experienced local hostility. Our study indicates that human rights organizations should consider mental health assessment, care, and prevention programs for their staff.     

Disclosure of sexual orientation to health professionals in China: results from an online cross‐sectional study

Background : Many men who have sex with men (MSM) in China are “in the closet.” The low rate of disclosure may impact sexual behaviours, testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and diseases transmission. This study examines factors associated with overall sexual orientation disclosure and disclosure to healthcare professionals. Methods : A nationwide cross‐sectional online survey was conducted from September 2014 to October 2014 in China. Participants completed questions covering socio‐demographic information, sexual behaviours, HIV/STI testing history, and self‐reported HIV status. We defined healthcare professional disclosure as disclosing to a doctor or other medical provider. Results : A total of 1819 men started the survey and 1424 (78.3%) completed it. Among the 1424 participants, 62.2% (886/1424) reported overall disclosure, and 16.3% (232/1424) disclosed to healthcare professionals. In multivariate analyses, the odds of sexual orientation disclosure were 56% higher among MSM who used smartphone‐based, sex‐seeking applications [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.25–2.95], but were lower among MSM reporting sex while drunk or recreational drug use. The odds of disclosure to a healthcare professional were greater among MSM who had ever tested for HIV or STIs (aOR = 3.36, 95% CI: 2.50–4.51 for HIV, and aOR = 4.92, 95% CI: 3.47–6.96 for STIs, respectively) or self‐reported as living with HIV (aOR = 1.59, 95% CI: 0.93–2.72). Conclusion : Over 80% of MSM had not disclosed their sexual orientation to health professionals. This low level of disclosure likely represents a major obstacle to serving the unique needs of MSM in clinical settings. Further research and interventions to facilitate MSM sexual orientation disclosure, especially to health professionals, are urgently needed.     

Stress‐related mental health and growth among first‐time grandparents: The moderating role of family support

Grandparents play a significant role in modern society, often while struggling to juggle the expectations, demands, and commitments of career and family. The current study examined the unique and combined contribution of stress‐related variables associated with multiple roles, such as work stress over commitment, economic stress, and grandchild care burden, to mental health and personal growth of first‐time grandparents. The study also examined the role of family support as a moderator of these associations. One hundred ninety‐seven first‐time Israeli grandparents were asked to complete a series of self‐report questionnaires. Higher levels of work‐related stress were associated with lower mental health, whereas grandchild care burden was associated with higher personal growth. Self‐mastery and family support contributed to the prediction of mental health. When family support was high, work commitment was positively related to mental health, and economic stress was positively related to personal growth. The findings point to the crucial role of family support in balancing and preserving resources that are important to the mental health of first‐time grandparents, while enabling grandparents to be challenged and thrive through their stressors. Therapists who meet with first‐time grandparents in the community should take these factors into account when assisting them in adjusting to their new role.     

Suicide: the unmet challenge of the trauma system

HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesized that a significant number of injuries and deaths due to suicide occurred in patients undergoing psychiatric treatment. DESIGN: We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients who committed suicide and patients with intentional self-inflicted injury. SETTING: San Francisco General Hospital in San Francisco, Calif, and the San Francisco Violent Injury Reporting System. PATIENTS: We retrospectively reviewed the San Francisco General Hospital records for all attempted and fatal suicides during calendar years 2001 and 2002. Data were merged with suicide data collected by the San Francisco Violent Injury Reporting System. RESULTS: Two hundred thirty-five suicides occurred between January 1, 2001, and December 31, 2002. One hundred thirty-two patients (56%) who committed suicide had a known mental health disorder at the time of their suicide. One hundred fifteen (87.1%) of those with a known mental health disorder had received psychiatric treatment at some point. Ninety-one patients (68.9%) with a known mental health disorder who committed suicide were receiving psychiatric treatment at the time of suicide. One hundred sixty-five (70%) of those who committed suicide had a traumatic mechanism of death. During the same 2-year period, 3106 trauma patients were admitted to San Francisco General Hospital. Fifty-five (2%) sustained intentional self-inflicted injuries. Ten (18%) of the 55 patients with intentional self-inflicted injury died after arrival at San Francisco General Hospital. CONCLUSION: Creation of a feedback mechanism between the trauma and mental health systems has the potential to improve psychiatric care and prevent injury and death.     

Associations Between Mental Health and Surgical Outcomes Among Women Undergoing Mastectomy for Cancer

Following diagnosis of breast cancer, many women experience serious psychological distress, which can adversely affect their cancer care and outcomes. We conducted this study to examine the association between mental health conditions and hospital outcomes and costs among women undergoing mastectomy for invasive breast cancer. Using nationally representative data from the 2005 to 2008 Nationwide Inpatient Sample, we identified women aged ≥18 years with invasive breast cancer who underwent inpatient mastectomy (N = 40,202). Individuals with a psychiatric diagnosis (major depressive, posttraumatic stress, panic, adjustment, or generalized anxiety disorder) or substance abuse were compared with those without a mental health condition. Outcomes included risk of complications, prolonged hospitalization (>3 days), and direct costs of care. Multivariable logistic and linear regression analyses were performed to control for sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Overall, 4.5% of patients had a mental health condition. Patients with substance abuse were more likely than those without to experience both complications (8.5% versus 4.8%; adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.61 [1.30–2.00]) and prolonged hospitalization (26.4% versus 13.6%; AOR = 2.25 [1.95–2.59]), and to have higher average costs ($9,855 versus $9,128, p = 0.009). Presence of psychiatric diagnoses was also significantly associated with increased complications (5.9% versus 4.8%; AOR = 1.21 [1.10–1.34]), prolonged hospitalization (8.5% versus 4.8%; AOR = 1.40 [1.32–1.49]), and higher average costs ($9,723 versus $9,108, p < 0.001). Mental health conditions are associated with poorer outcomes and higher costs in breast cancer patients undergoing inpatient mastectomy. Greater efforts are needed to identify and manage these patients with psychiatric and substance use disorders during the perioperative period.     

When stress is mental illness: A study of anxiety and depression in employees who use occupational stress counselling schemes

A previous study found that 86 per cent of employees (n = 111) who experience stress in the workplace and sought help from their workplace counselling schemes (Employee Assistance Programmes) had serious mental health problems, but the low participation rate (24 per cent) restricted generalizability and the measure used [General Health Questionnaire (GHQ‐12)] did not allow diagnosis. The present study (n = 58) improved the participation rate to 35 per cent and used a different version of the original measure (GHQ‐28) that allowed diagnostic differentiation as well as validation of the original findings. This new study found almost exactly the same high levels of mental health problems existed (86 per cent) in employees who remained at their work and that participants had higher rates of anxiety than depression. This finding is at variance with the usual co‐morbid presentation of anxiety and depression found in community based mental health services and suggests that depression may be an important differentiating factor between those who can remain at work and use counselling and those who cannot. There are implications for those who provide mental health services. The results of this study further reinforce the suggestion that workplace stress may be yet another name for common mental health problems that require professional help and treatment. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Psychopathology and coping in recently diagnosed HIV/AIDS patients--the role of gender.

BACKGROUND: Although there is growing literature on the psychological responses to and the psychopathology associated with HIV/AIDS, few investigations have focused on the role of gender. This study compared psychiatric morbidity, coping responses, and disability in male and female outpatients recently diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. METHOD: One hundred and forty-nine patients (44 male, 105 female) with HIV/AIDS (mean +/- standard deviation (SD) months since diagnosis 5.8 +/- 4.1) attending an infectious diseases clinic at Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, were evaluated. Subjects were assessed using the MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), the Carver Brief COPE, and the Sheehan Disability Scale. In addition, negative life events and risk behaviours were evaluated. RESULTS: Fifty-six per cent of patients were diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder, most commonly major depression (34.9%), dysthymic disorder (21.5%), post-traumatic stress disorder (14.8%), and alcohol dependence (10.1%). There were no significant gender differences in the prevalence of mood disorders in the sample. Men, however, were more likely than women to meet diagnostic criteria for alcohol abuse or dependence, and to engage in certain risky sexual behaviours. Women were more likely to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, and to use coping strategies of planning and religion to deal with the illness. There were no significant gender differences in disability. CONCLUSION: Psychiatric disorders are common in recently diagnosed HIV/AIDS patients in South Africa. Clinicians should be aware of the high prevalence of mood disorders in both men and women, and of gender-different responses such as increased alcohol and substance use and more risky sexual behaviour in men.     

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Depression Among U.S. Military Health Care Professionals Deployed in Support of Operations in Iraq and Afghanistan

Limited prospective studies exist that evaluate the mental health status of military health care professionals who have deployed. This study used prospective data from the Millennium Cohort Study with longitudinal analysis techniques to examine whether health care professionals deployed in support of the operations in Iraq and Afghanistan were more likely to screen positive for new‐onset posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression after deployment than individuals from other occupations. Of 65,108 subjects included, 9,371 (14.4%) reported working as health care professionals. The rates of new positive screens for PTSD or depression were similar for those in health care occupations (4.7% and 4.3%) compared with those in other occupations (4.6% and 3.9%) for the first and second follow‐up, respectively. Among military personnel deployed with combat experience, health care professionals did not have increased odds for new‐onset PTSD or depression over time. Among deployed health care professionals, combat experience significantly increased the odds: adjusted odds ratio = 2.01; 95% confidence interval [1.06, 3.83] for new‐onset PTSD or depression. These results suggest that combat experience, not features specific to being a health care professional, was the key exposure explaining the development of these outcomes.     

Increased psychiatric morbidity after abdominal aortic surgery: risk factors for stress-related disorders

OBJECTIVE: Research on surgical outcomes has focused on technical results and physical morbidity. However, postoperative psychiatric complications are common and can undermine functional results. High rates of posttraumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder have been documented after cardiac events or surgery. These complications are also expected after abdominal aortic surgery, but their incidence and relevant risk factors in this population have not been documented. METHODS: We examined the development of posttraumatic stress and depressive symptoms in patients with aortic aneurysms or occlusive disease, comparing surgical with nonsurgical patients and predicting that surgery and a prolonged intensive care stay would contribute to the development of psychiatric morbidity. A consecutive sample of vascular surgery patients (n = 109) was recruited 6 months to 2 years after surgery. Data were analyzed by using group comparisons, regression, and path analyses. RESULTS: Rates of objectively determined postoperative psychiatric morbidity were extremely high (32%). Surgical patients were more than four times more likely to develop psychiatric disorders (odds ratio, 4.8; P = .02). Being younger, having increased preoperative blood pressure, and being intubated at the end of surgery were linked to greater rates of psychiatric morbidity (P < .05), but a longer intensive care stay was not. CONCLUSIONS: New-onset psychiatric symptoms are common after abdominal aortic surgery, and preoperative and surgical factors were more predictive than postoperative complications and stress, as reflected in intensive care unit stays. Prospective examination of vulnerability in this model could identify risk factors for stress-related psychiatric morbidity and help improve surgical outcomes.     

Opioid use disorder in adult burn patients: Implications for future mental health,behavioral and substance use patterns

BackgroundBurn patients continue to have a high opioid requirement, despite current national trends to decrease opioid prescribing. While effective, long-term opioid use results in opioid dependence and possibly other mental health comorbidities. This retrospective cohort study seeks to evaluate implications of diagnosed opioid use disorder in the development of subsequent psychiatric, behavioral and substance abuse patterns.MethodsThe TriNetX database was queried for patients 18 years and older with a diagnosis of thermal or chemical burn who developed opioid use disorder after their burn injury. Two matched cohorts were studied, opioid use disorder versus non-opioid use disorder, to evaluate risk of developing subsequent mental health and behavioral conditions, use of psychiatric health services, and future substance abuse.ResultsA total of 2020 patients were identified in each cohort, matched for demographics, external trauma, and burn size. Patients in the opioid use disorder group had a significantly higher incidence of mental health diagnoses (79.7 % versus 57.7 %, OR 1.973, CI 1.741–2.236, p < 0.0001), including major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. This group was also more likely to utilize psychiatric services (16.0 % versus 10.3 %, OR 1.926, CI 1.595–2.326, p < 0.0001) and psychotherapy (12.6 % versus 7.2 %, OR 2.046, CI 1.650–2.536, p<0.0001). Furthermore, the opioid use disorder group had higher rates of polysubstance abuse (29.9 % versus 12.3 %, OR 3.048, CI 2.588–3.589, p<0.0001), suicidal / homicidal ideations (8.2 % versus 3.2 %, OR 3.057, CI 2.274–4.109, p<0.0001), and suicide attempts (2.0 % versus 0.7 %, OR 2.971, CI 1.611–5.478, p = 0.003).ConclusionsBurn patients who develop opioid use disorder have significantly higher rates of future psychiatric diagnoses, behavioral disturbances, and polysubstance abuse. A multidisciplinary team approach, including early involvement of pain and mental health services, could potentially reduce the development of opioid use disorder and its consequences.     

Psychological outcomes in critically ill patients receiving renal replacement therapy: a matched‐pairs analysis

We conducted a single‐centre observational study over five years to assess the impact of renal replacement therapy on the psychological health of survivors of critical illness. We hypothesised that the added burden of renal replacement would increase the prevalence and severity of anxiety, depression and stress reactions in these patients, compared with matched pairs (matched for age, sex and APACHE II score) who did not receive renal replacement. Participants completed postal questionnaires. A total of 342 patients with acute kidney injury received renal replacement. One hundred and seventy‐nine (52.3%) survived to hospital discharge, and 161 (47.1%) were alive at 90 days. Seventy‐seven (47.8% of survivors) completed questionnaires. We found 77 matches for the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale analysis and 72 for the Impact of Events Scale analysis. Clinically relevant symptoms of psychiatric morbidity were common, with anxiety and depression affecting 49 (63.6%) patients and stress reactions affecting 24 (33.3%) patients. Mean scores (95% CI) were 11.4 (9.6–13.2) and 20.1 (15.7–24.6), respectively. On multivariate analysis, we found no significant differences between renal replacement patients and controls, in either the frequency or severity of these symptoms.     

Mental health and chemical dependency services at US transplant centers

The purpose of this study was to assess the availability of mental health (MH) and chemical dependency (CD) services at US transplant centers, because appropriate psychosocial assessment and care is associated with better transplant outcomes. We used the 2017‐2018 American Hospital Association survey, Area Health Resource File, and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Hospital Compare databases to quantify availability of services and examined associations of hospital‐ and health services area‐level characteristics with odds of offering services with generalized linear mixed models. We found that 15% of transplant centers did not offer MH services and 62% did not offer CD services. Hospitals were more likely to offer MH services if they were larger (OR [95% CI]: 1.03 [1.01, 1.06]) and had a lower rate of uninsured patients in the health services area (OR [95% CI]: 0.89 [0.80, 0.99]) and were more likely to offer CD services if they were larger (OR [95% CI]: 1.02 [1.01, 1.03]) or were members of a system (OR [95% CI]: 2.31 [1.26, 4.24]). Additional research is needed to understand whether lack of MH or CD services at transplant centers affects patients’ ability to access comprehensive psychosocial care and whether this affects patient outcomes.     

The Impact of Infidelity on Combat‐Exposed Service Members

This study examined relationships between combat‐exposed Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans’ experiences related to infidelity during deployment (i.e., indicating that a partner was unfaithful or reporting concern about potential infidelity) and postdeployment mental health, as well as the role of subsequent stress exposure and social support in these associations. The sample consisted of 571 individuals (338 men). There were 128 participants (22.2%) who indicated that their partners were unfaithful during their most recent deployment. Of the remaining 443 participants, 168 (37.8%) indicated that they were concerned that their partners might have been unfaithful. Individuals who indicated that their partners were unfaithful exhibited higher levels of posttraumatic stress symptomatology (β = .08; f²= .18) and depression symptom severity (β = .09; f² = .14), compared to individuals who did not indicate that their partners were unfaithful. For both men and women, reported infidelity was associated with mental health indirectly via postdeployment life stressors, whereas infidelity concerns were indirectly associated with mental health via postdeployment life stressors for men only. Findings suggested that infidelity can have a significant impact on combat‐exposed veterans’ mental health and highlight the need for additional research on this understudied topic within the military population.