image: Prof. Yair Bar-Haim, Head of the National Center for Traumatic Stress and Resilience
Credit: Tel Aviv University
Revealed at the Tel Aviv Conference
Tel Aviv University Study Finds:
Increase in Post-Traumatic Symptoms in Deploying Reservists During the Iron Swords War
For several years, both before and during the Iron Swords War, a research team from Tel Aviv University monitored the prevalence of post-traumatic symptoms among combat soldiers during active service and after discharge.
- The researchers: "The war has intensified psychological distress, and the number of respondents reporting significant post-traumatic stress symptoms rose to approximately 12%."
Recent reports indicate burnout among IDF reservists, some of whom have served in multiple combat rounds, for extended periods of time. While reserve duty turnout exceeded 100% at the beginning of the war, current reports show a decline to 75%-85%. Several reasons have been suggested for this drop, such as: harm to reservists' employment and livelihood; negative impact on their families and social lives; anger over inequality in the burden of service – with a very small part of the population called-up repeatedly; and a general decline in motivation as the unusually long war goes on. Another significant factor is the deterioration in mental resilience of soldiers exposed to traumatic combat experiences, especially those who have developed considerable PTSD symptoms following reserve duty during the Iron Swords War.
The TAU study, which surveyed the prevalence of post-traumatic symptoms among combat soldiers for several years, was presented at TAU's Future of Israel Conference sponsored by the Kadar Foundation. The researchers used a Hebrew version of a questionnaire considered the gold standard for self-reporting PTSD symptoms, with respondents self-rating the severity of their symptoms. It is important to note that the results of this questionnaire provide only an estimation of the respondent's condition and cannot replace a formal diagnosis of PTSD, made through a structured clinical interview. At the same time, numerous studies, both in Israel and abroad, indicate a strong correlation of 0.70 to 0.85 between the results of self-report screening tools and clinical interview outcomes. This means that individuals reporting severe symptoms in the questionnaire tend to receive high scores in structured clinical interviews as well.
The study was led by Prof. Yair Bar-Haim, Head of the National Center for Traumatic Stress and Resilience at Tel Aviv University. The researchers tracked 579 soldiers drafted into one of the IDF’s infantry brigades in March 2019. Participants filled out the PTSD symptom questionnaire at five points in time: enlistment, after 15 months of service, after 27 months of service, six months after honorary discharge, and 18 months post-discharge (several months into the Iron Swords War). Findings indicate that as service progressed, the percentage of soldiers reporting multiple PTSD symptoms at clinically significant levels (according to the DSM-5) increased accordingly.
At the first data collection point, at the time of enlistment, less than 0.5% of recruits suffered from pre-existing PTSD. After approximately 18 months in the army - six months of combat training plus nine months of active deployment, the figure rose to 2.6%. Toward the end of the regular military service, after several additional combat deployments, it reached 4.4%. Six months post-discharge, contrary to the hope that the severity of symptoms would diminish after leaving the army, the rate rose again, with nearly 8% reporting clinical levels of PTSD symptoms. It should be noted that these data reflect a relatively quiet period, with no war or substantial military operation in Israel.
The fifth data collection point occurred several months into the Iron Swords War. About 85% of the study's participants had been called-up for reserve duty and took part in the war. As expected, the war exacerbated psychological difficulties, and the number of respondents reporting significant post-traumatic stress symptoms rose to about 12%.
Prof. Bar-Haim presented the study's findings at the Future of Israel Conference, sponsored by the Kadar Foundation: “These data reflect one draft round of one IDF infantry brigade — such as Paratroopers, Golani, or Givati — recruited in 2019 and discharged in 2022. During these soldiers' regular service, Israel was not involved in a war or special military operation, so these figures reflect PTSD symptoms severity among IDF combat soldiers during routine activity, mainly in the West Bank. While the increase in symptoms during regular service could be seen as moderate, the study points to a sharp rise in self-reported clinical PTSD symptoms after discharge. The cause of this rise is unknown, but it stands to reason that the social support and sense of belonging provided by the military environment diminished considerably once the soldiers are discharged and return to their individual lives.”
“The Iron Swords War generated an additional rise, with about 12% of the original sample reporting clinically significant PTSD symptoms. Far from surprising, these figures are consistent with what is known about post-traumatic symptoms following high-intensity warfare, in both the IDF and other armies. The data also contribute to the understanding that Israel's mental health system is in a state of emergency. Decision-makers must act urgently to devise long-term solutions for treating a large number of veterans with PTSD. These solutions must look beyond the horizon, at least two or three decades ahead. They should include accelerated and high-quality training of therapists, along with the establishment of strong regional clinics specializing in trauma therapy for veterans."
Prof. Bar-Haim concluded: “The study's findings are compatible with the large numbers of discharged combat soldiers seeking assistance and recognition from the Ministry of Defense’s Rehabilitation Department. The data may also partially explain the decline in reservist turnout rates. Reservists suffering from multiple symptoms are often unable to report for additional service. Even though the IDF is taking many steps to prevent and treat PTSD, the portrayed situation places an immense burden on the military, the Ministry of Defense, the Rehabilitation Department, and Israeli society as a whole. The greatest pressure of all falls on the veterans and their families.”