TIE A YELLOW RIBBON

Mental health is the leading cause of hospitalizations in the military.
Source: Defense Department


By Gregg Zoroya, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON — Mental health disorders caused more hospitalizations among U.S. troops in 2009 than any other reason, according to medical data released recently by the Pentagon. This historic high reflects the growing toll of nearly nine years of war.

Last year was the first in which hospitalizations for mental disorders outpaced those for injuries or pregnancies in the 15 years of tracking by the Pentagon's Medical Surveillance Monthly report.