Almost 4,000 serving armed forces personnel reported a mental health disorder in 2010, according to official figures.
A report compiled by Defence Analytical Services and Advice (DASA) showed that there were 3,942 cases of 'mental disorder' identified in the armed forces, around 2 per cent of all serving personnel.
The report showed 2,553 cases in the army, 965 in the RAF, 366 in the Royal Navy and 58 in the Royal Marines.
The total was up on 2009's figure of 3,103.
The army and Royal Air Force had the highest referral rates, and women and those aged between 20 and 24 were the most affected overall.
Women were more than twice as likely to suffer mental health problems as men, while officers were half as likely to report mental health problems as other ranks, the statistics showed.
Overall there were 249 cases of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), with service in Afghanistan increasing the risk of PTSD by 660 per cent. Service in Iraq increased the risk of PTSD by 320%
The figures also showed that 30 armed forces personnel were aeromedically evacuated from Afghanistan suffering mental health disorders.
A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: "We recognise that the stigma associated with mental health disorders can be a huge barrier to personnel coming forward for treatment and addressing it is every commander's responsibility.
"The data we have does suggest that more armed forces personnel are coming forward, which is vital so that diagnosis and treatment can be performed by fully trained and accredited mental health personnel."
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