The Relationship between Allostasis and Mental Health Patterns in a Pre-Deployment French Military Cohort

Abstract

(1) Background: While a number of studies among military personnel focus on specific pathologies such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression, they do not address the cumulative impact on mental health of stressors related to the profession. The present study aims to determine the relationship between allostatic load and mental health status in a cohort of fit-for-duty soldiers prior to their deployment to Afghanistan. The aim is to better-define the consequences of stressor adjustment. (2) Methods: A cohort of 290 soldiers was evaluated in a cross-sectional study with respect to psychopathology (PTSD, anxiety, depression), psychological functioning (stress reactivity, psychological suffering), and allostatic profile (urinary cortisol and 8-iso-PGF2α, blood cortisol and BDNF). A hierarchical cluster analysis was used to identify allostatic patterns. (3) Results: Around 10% of the cohort reported high scores for psychopathology, and biological alterations were identified. For the remainder, four allostatic profiles could be identified by their psychological functioning. (4) Conclusions: Both biological and psychological assessments are needed to characterize subthreshold symptomatology among military personnel. The psychological significance of allostatic load should be considered as a way to improve health outcomes.