Depression, panic disorders and suicidal tendencies are plaguing hundreds of Canadian soldiers returning from Afghanistan, according to new data.  

The conditions are linked to their deployment in Afghanistan.

New data show that about 28 per cent of the 2,700 Canadian soldiers screened right after their Afghan tours of duty had symptoms of one or more mental-health problems.

Of those, 17 per cent exhibited signs of high-risk drinking, about five per cent had post-traumatic stress disorder and five per cent suffered from major depression.

Dr. Mark Zamorski, head of the Canadian military's deployment health section, compiled the data in August. He says his figures may only be the tip of the iceberg.

Though the military doesn't track soldiers' health over long periods of time, it increased its mental-health services following harsh public criticism. The comments surrounding its failure to address soldiers' health problems came after tours in Rwanda, the Balkans and Somalia.