The effect of the Persian Gulf Crisis on the psychiatric hospitalization of Navy children and adolescents

The effect of the Persian Gulf Crisis on Navy families was studied through admission rates of children to a private psychiatric hospital, marital status and diagnostic categories. During that time there was a statistical increase in admission of young boys under age twelve and all children from remarried families. Almost one-half of these patients were diagnosed with Dysthymia whereas this diagnosis was given only once during the time period before or after the crisis.