Mental-health conditions, barriers to care, and productivity loss among officers in an urban police department.

Background: Police officers are frequently exposed to situations that can negatively impact their mental health.

Methods: We conducted this study of an urban police department to determine 1) the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and alcohol abuse; 2) patterns of and barriers to mental-health services utilization; and 3) the impact these conditions have on productivity loss.

Results: Among 150 officers, PTSD (24%), depression (9%), and alcohol abuse (19%) were common.