Lifetime and 12-month prevalence of psychiatric disorders in 8,169 male Vietnam War era veterans.

OBJECTIVE: This study reports the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among a nationally distributed sample of Vietnam Era veterans assessed using standardized psychiatric interviewing methods. METHODS: In 1992, the National Institute of Mental Health Diagnostic Interview Schedule was administered by telephone to 8,169 middle-aged males who served in the military during the Vietnam era (1965-1975). RESULTS: Approximately 72% of respondents reported a lifetime history and 36% reported a 12-month history of at least one psychiatric disorder. The most prevalent psychiatric disorders included alcohol abuse and/or dependence (54% lifetime, 17% 12 month), nicotine dependence (48% lifetime, 22% 12 month), and posttraumatic stress disorder (10% lifetime, 4.5% 12 month). CONCLUSIONS: Because of possible participation bias, these results likely represent conservative estimates of psychiatric disorder prevalences among the more than eight million Vietnam Era veterans and reinforces the major public health challenge of preventing, identifying, and treating psychiatric illness in American veterans.

The disclosure dilemma for gay men and lesbians: "coming out" at work.

This study examined disclosing sexual orientation at work for 220 gay men and 159 lesbians. Self-acceptance, the centrality of one's identity, how "out" one is to friends and family, employer policies, and perceived employer gay-supportiveness were associated with disclosure behaviors at work for gay/lesbian employees. Disclosing at work and working for an organization perceived to be more gay supportive was related to higher job satisfaction and lower job anxiety. Reactions of coworkers to gay or lesbian workers mediated the relationship between disclosure and gay/lesbian workers' job attitudes. Implications and solutions for management are discussed.