Depressive and anxiety symptoms increase the risk of being released from military service
The study was published in the Nordic Journal of Psychiatry and was conducted in collaboration with the Universities of Oulu, Eastern Finland and Tampere, as well as the ODL Sports Clinic. The researchers examined the relationship between symptoms identified in depression and anxiety screening questionnaires, fitness for military service, and self-reported social interaction.
A total of 2,614 young men participated in the 2014 conscription in the regions of Northern Ostrobothnia, Kainuu, Lapland and Upper Lapland. The participants responded to a questionnaire specifically designed for the study, which explored aspects such as health, mental wellbeing, physical activity, and social skills. Social interaction was assessed, for example, by asking whether the young men experienced difficulties in understanding humour, participating in group discussions, or engaging in one-on-one conversations.
Men who were released permanently or temporarily showed more depressive and anxiety symptoms than those considered fit for service. Symptoms were also present among those considered fit for service: for instance, around 12 per cent reported at least mild anxiety symptoms.
“The results highlight the significance of mental health and social interaction in completing military service,” says Jan Silvala, a doctoral researcher at the University of Oulu. “This is believed to be one of the first studies to demonstrate a link between depressive and anxiety symptoms and social interaction among young men. In our earlier research, we also found that weak language and interaction skills are associated with permanent or temporary release from military service.”
Mental health problems and substance use are the most common reasons why young people do not complete military service or discontinue it. According to the national conscription register, more than half of those exempted in last year’s conscription had issues related to mental health, substance use, or behaviour. These problems have become more prevalent in recent years.
Silvala proposes that depressive and anxiety symptoms should be screened using questionnaires as part of the medical examination in the call-up process. According to him, screening should be carried out more frequently in order to identify symptoms early and refer young people to public mental health services in good time.
Further research is needed to understand how young men experiencing mood symptoms or difficulties with interaction skills manage during military service.
The study is part of the Young People in the North project, which focuses on the physical and mental health and wellbeing of young men. The aim of the project is to identify factors that can be addressed to support young men in successfully completing military service.
Study reference: Silvala, J., Korpelainen, R., Koivumaa-Honkanen, H., Sirkiä, C., Parkkola, K., Yliherva, A., Taanila, A., & Hurtig, T. (2025). Self-reported depressive and anxiety symptoms associated with fitness for military service and social-communicative skills in young Finnish men. Nordic Journal of Psychiatry, 1–9.