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Babakhanyan I, Brickell TA, Bailie JM, Hungerford L, Lippa SM, French LM, Lange RT. Gender Disparities in Neurobehavioral Symptoms and the Role of Post-Traumatic Symptoms in US Service Members Following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. J Neurotrauma 2024. [PMID: 38581428 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2022.0462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Women are more directly involved in combat operations today than ever before, currently making up 18.6% of officers and 16.8% of enlisted personnel in the United States military. However, women continue to be under-represented in military research. Studies that do consider gender differences in traumatic brain injury (TBI) outcomes have shown that women report significantly more post-concussive symptoms than men. Conclusions for true gender differences related to TBI are hard to make without controlling for non-TBI factors. The effects previously identified in the literature may be an artifact of how men and women differ in their response to injury, unrelated to the neurological recovery process associated with TBI. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of gender specifics on mild TBI (mTBI) sequelae on injured and uninjured control groups, and to investigate the role of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on symptom reporting. It should be noted that the terms "gender" and "men/women" are used in this article in place of "sex" or "males/females" given that we are not discussing biological attributes. A total of 966 United States military service members and veterans were included in the study. Of the total sample, 455 men and 46 women were in the mTBI group, 285 men and 31 women were in the injured controls group (IC), and 111 men and 38 women in the non-injured controls group (NIC). Post-concussive and quality of life symptoms were compared for men and women while controlling for combat exposure. MTBI and IC groups were also stratified by PTSD presentation. Measures used included the Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory (NSI), PTSD Checklist (PCL-C), Traumatic Brain Injury Quality of Life (TBI-QOL), and Combat Exposure Scale. In the mTBI group, women had worse scores on NSI total, NSI Somatosensory and Affective clusters, and the TBI-QOL Anxiety, Fatigue, and Headache scales (n2 = 0.018-0.032, small to small-medium effect sizes). When PTSD was present, women had worse scores on the NSI Somatosensory cluster only (n2 = 0.029, small-medium effect size). In contrast, when PTSD was absent, women had worse scores than men on the NSI Somatosensory and Affective clusters, and the TBI-QOL Anxiety and Headache scales (n2 = 0.032-0.063, small to medium effect sizes). In the IC group, women had worse scores on the NSI Cognitive cluster and the TBI-QOL Fatigue and Pain Interference scales (n2 = 0.024-0.042, small to small-medium effect sizes). However, group differences were no longer found when stratified by PTSD sub-groups. In the NIC group, there were no significant group differences for any analyses. We were able to identify symptoms unique to women recovering from mTBI that were not present following other forms of physical injury or in healthy controls. However, the impact of PTSD exacerbates the symptom profile and its comorbidity with mTBI equates to most of the noted gender differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Babakhanyan
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
- Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, California, USA
- General Dynamics Information Technology, Falls Church, Virginia, USA
| | - Tracey A Brickell
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
- General Dynamics Information Technology, Falls Church, Virginia, USA
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jason M Bailie
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
- Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, California, USA
- General Dynamics Information Technology, Falls Church, Virginia, USA
| | - Lars Hungerford
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
- General Dynamics Information Technology, Falls Church, Virginia, USA
- Naval Medical Center San Diego, California, USA
| | - Sara M Lippa
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Louis M French
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Rael T Lange
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
- General Dynamics Information Technology, Falls Church, Virginia, USA
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Fitzke RE, Bouskill KE, Sedano A, Tran DD, Saba SK, Buch K, Hummer JF, Davis JP, Pedersen ER. Barriers and Facilitators to Behavioral Healthcare for Women Veterans: a Mixed-Methods Analysis of the Current Landscape. J Behav Health Serv Res 2024; 51:164-184. [PMID: 37798569 PMCID: PMC10940443 DOI: 10.1007/s11414-023-09862-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Women veterans have historically faced barriers to behavioral health treatment, particularly through the VA. In conjunction, there have been changes in behavioral healthcare delivery resulting from efforts to improve care for women veterans and the COVID-19 pandemic (e.g., widespread telehealth implementation). The current study draws on a quantitative and qualitative study centering current perspectives of women veterans in their choices to seek or not seek behavioral healthcare in VA and non-VA settings through interviewing 18 women recruited from a larger survey study on veteran behavioral health (n = 83 women, n = 882 men) on their experiences with behavioral health care access and satisfaction, including barriers and facilitators to seeking care. Quantitative findings are descriptively reported from the larger study, which outlined screening for behavioral health problems, behavioral health utilization, treatment modality preferences, and barriers/facilitators to care. While women in the survey sample screened for various behavioral health disorders, rates of treatment seeking remained relatively low. Women reported positive and negative experiences with telehealth and endorsed many barriers to treatment seeking in interviews not captured by survey findings, including lack of women-specific care (e.g., care for military sexual trauma, women-only groups), reports of stranger harassment at the VA, and lack of female providers. Women veterans continue to face barriers to behavioral healthcare; however, ongoing efforts to improve care access and quality, including the implementation of telehealth, show promise in reducing these obstacles. Continued efforts are needed to ensure diverse treatment modalities continue to reach women veterans as this population grows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reagan E Fitzke
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, 2250 Alcazar St., Suite 2200, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA.
| | | | - Angeles Sedano
- University of Southern California, Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, 669 W. 34th St, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Denise D Tran
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, 2250 Alcazar St., Suite 2200, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Shaddy K Saba
- University of Southern California, Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, 669 W. 34th St, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Keegan Buch
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, 2250 Alcazar St., Suite 2200, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Justin F Hummer
- RAND Corporation, 1776 Main St, Santa Monica, CA, 90401, USA
| | - Jordan P Davis
- University of Southern California, Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, 669 W. 34th St, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Eric R Pedersen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, 2250 Alcazar St., Suite 2200, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
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MacGregor AJ, Crouch DJ, Zouris JM, Dougherty AL, Dye JL, Fraser JJ. Sex Differences in Postinjury Health Profiles Among U.S. Military Personnel Following Deployment-Related Concussion. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2024; 33:515-521. [PMID: 38497537 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2023.0068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Women in the U.S. military are now authorized to serve in direct combat occupations. This may increase their risk of combat injuries, such as concussion, in future conflicts. Knowledge of sex differences in health profiles after concussion is paramount for military medical planning efforts. The purpose of this study was to assess sex-related differences in health profiles among U.S. military personnel following deployment-related concussion. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of service members who sustained a concussion during combat deployment between 2004 and 2013. Postinjury diagnoses were abstracted from outpatient encounters in electronic health records for 24 months after concussion. We used hierarchical clustering to identify clusters, termed "health profiles," and logistic regression to determine whether sex predicted membership in the health profiles. Results: The study sample included 346 women and 4536 men with deployment-related concussion. Five postinjury health profiles were identified and classified as no morbidity, back pain, tinnitus/memory loss, posttraumatic stress disorder/postconcussion syndrome, and multimorbidity. Women relative to men had higher odds of membership in the back pain (odds ratio [OR] = 1.32; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.05-1.67) and multimorbidity profiles (OR = 1.44; 95% CI = 1.03-2.00) and lower odds than men in the tinnitus/memory loss profile (OR = 0.62; 95% CI = 0.42-0.91). Conclusions: Postinjury health profiles among U.S. service members differ by sex following deployment-related concussion, particularly with a higher burden of multimorbidity among women than men, which may require interdisciplinary care. Women also had higher odds of membership in the back pain profile and lower odds in the tinnitus/memory loss profile than men. To prepare for future military operations where women may have greater exposure to combat, continued research elucidating health-related sex differences after deployment-related concussion is imperative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J MacGregor
- Medical Modeling, Simulation, and Mission Support Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Daniel J Crouch
- Medical Modeling, Simulation, and Mission Support Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California, USA
| | - James M Zouris
- Medical Modeling, Simulation, and Mission Support Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Amber L Dougherty
- Medical Modeling, Simulation, and Mission Support Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California, USA
- Leidos, Inc., San Diego, California, USA
| | - Judy L Dye
- Medical Modeling, Simulation, and Mission Support Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California, USA
- Leidos, Inc., San Diego, California, USA
| | - John J Fraser
- Operational Readiness and Health Directorate, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California, USA
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Zhang Q, Sun H, Xin Y, Li X, Shao X. Studies on Pain Associated with Anxiety or Depression in the Last 10 Years: A Bibliometric Analysis. J Pain Res 2024; 17:133-149. [PMID: 38196966 PMCID: PMC10775703 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s436500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The prevalence of pain comorbid and anxiety/depression in clinical observations has been high, and the number of related publications has increased in recent years. Nevertheless, few studies have used bibliometric methods to analyze the scientific research on comorbid pain and depression/anxiety. The aim of this study was to systematically examine the trends in global scientific research on comorbid pain and depression/anxiety from 2012 to 2022. Methods Papers published between 2012 and 2022 were identified in the Web of Science database. Publications that examined comorbid pain and depression/anxiety were included. The language was limited to English. CiteSpace, Excel and VOSviewer were used to analyze the volume of publications, countries, institutions, authors, cocited authors, and keywords. Results A total of 30,290 papers met the inclusion criteria of the study. Using CiteSpace, VOSviewer and Excel, the results showed that the United States (10,614 publications), Harvard University (1195 publications), and Jensen, Mark P. (77 publications) were the most productive country, institution, and author, respectively. The hotspots and frontiers were "relationship between depression and pain", "gender differences in pain and depression/anxiety domains", "study of specific pain types with depression/anxiety", "treatment of pain combined with anxiety/depression", and "effects of COVID-19 on patients with pain combined with depression/anxiety". Conclusion These findings indicate a growing interest in the field of comorbid pain and depression/anxiety. The research has been broad and deep, but there is still much room for growth. Furthermore, there is a need for more mature global collaborative networks as well as more high-quality research results in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianyuan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haiju Sun
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yinuo Xin
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaomei Shao
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory for Research of Acupuncture Treatment and Transformation of Emotional Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310009, People’s Republic of China
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Akhanemhe R, Stevelink SAM, Corbett A, Ballard C, Brooker H, Creese B, Aarsland D, Hampshire A, Greenberg N. Is lifetime traumatic brain injury a risk factor for mild cognitive impairment in veterans compared to non-veterans? Eur J Psychotraumatol 2024; 15:2291965. [PMID: 38174433 PMCID: PMC10769549 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2023.2291965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is prevalent in veterans and may occur at any stages of their life (before, during, or after military service). This is of particular concern, as previous evidence in the general population has identified TBI as a strong risk factor for mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a known precursor of dementia.Objectives: This study aimed to investigate whether exposure to at least one TBI across the lifetime was a risk factor for MCI in ageing UK veterans compared to non-veterans.Method: This cross-sectional study comprised of data from PROTECT, a cohort study comprising UK veterans and non-veterans aged ≥ 50 years at baseline. Veteran and TBI status were self-reported using the Military Service History Questionnaire (MSHQ) and the Brain Injury Screening Questionnaire (BISQ), respectively. MCI was the outcome of interest, and was defined as subjective cognitive impairment and objective cognitive impairment.Results: The sample population comprised of veterans (n = 701) and non-veterans (n = 12,389). TBI was a significant risk factor for MCI in the overall sample (OR = 1.21, 95% CI 1.11-1.31) compared to individuals without TBI. The prevalence of TBI was significantly higher in veterans compared to non-veterans (69.9% vs 59.5%, p < .001). There was no significant difference in the risk of MCI between veterans with TBI and non-veterans with TBI (OR = 1.19, 95% CI 0.98-1.45).Conclusion: TBI remains an important risk factor for MCI, irrespective of veteran status. The clinical implications indicate the need for early intervention for MCI prevention after TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Akhanemhe
- King’s Centre for Military Health Research, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute for Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Sharon A. M. Stevelink
- King’s Centre for Military Health Research, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute for Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute for Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | | | | | | | - Bryon Creese
- Division of Psychology, Department of Life Sciences, Brunel University London, London, UK
| | - Dag Aarsland
- Department of Old Age Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Adam Hampshire
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Neil Greenberg
- King’s Centre for Military Health Research, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute for Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
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Ozturk ED, Zhang Y, Lai MHC, Sakamoto MS, Chanfreau-Coffinier C, Merritt VC. Measurement Invariance of the Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory in Male and Female Million Veteran Program Enrollees Completing the Comprehensive Traumatic Brain Injury Evaluation. Assessment 2023:10731911231198214. [PMID: 37710416 DOI: 10.1177/10731911231198214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluated measurement invariance across males and females on the Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory (NSI) in U.S. military veterans enrolled in the VA Million Veteran Program. Participants (N = 17,059; males: n = 15,450; females: n = 1,609) included Veterans who took part in the VA Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Screening and Evaluation Program and completed the NSI. Multiple-group confirmatory factor analyses investigated measurement invariance of the NSI 4-factor model. The configural (comparative fit index [CFI] = 0.948, root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.060) and metric (CFI = 0.948, RMSEA = 0.058) invariance models showed acceptable fit. There was a minor violation of scalar invariance (Δχ2 = 232.50, p < .001); however, the degree of noninvariance was mild (ΔCFI = -0.002, Δ RMSEA = 0 . 000 ). Our results demonstrate measurement invariance across sex, suggesting that the NSI 4-factor model can be used to accurately assess symptoms in males and females following TBI. Findings highlight the importance of considering validity of measurement across study groups to increase confidence that a measure is interpreted similarly by respondents from different subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin D Ozturk
- VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), San Diego, CA, USA
- San Diego State University and University of California San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Yichi Zhang
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mark H C Lai
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - McKenna S Sakamoto
- VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), San Diego, CA, USA
- Penn State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | | | - Victoria C Merritt
- VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), San Diego, CA, USA
- University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Alpert E, Baier AL, Galovski TE. Psychiatric Issues in Women Veterans. Psychiatr Clin North Am 2023; 46:621-633. [PMID: 37500255 DOI: 10.1016/j.psc.2023.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Women veterans have unique life experiences and mental health needs, perhaps in part related to their high rates of exposure to traumatic events including military sexual trauma, combat trauma, and intimate partner violence. We review mental health difficulties among women veterans and describe related functional impairment. Evidence-based treatments are available, but barriers to care remain, including providers' lack of awareness of the unique needs of women veterans. Efforts are needed to increase access to evidence-based interventions, remove barriers to care, and improve provider competency working with this population to maximize clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Alpert
- National Center for PTSD Women's Health Sciences Division at VA Boston Healthcare System, 150 South Huntington Avenue (116B-3), Boston, MA 02130, USA; Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Allison L Baier
- National Center for PTSD Women's Health Sciences Division at VA Boston Healthcare System, 150 South Huntington Avenue (116B-3), Boston, MA 02130, USA; Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tara E Galovski
- National Center for PTSD Women's Health Sciences Division at VA Boston Healthcare System, 150 South Huntington Avenue (116B-3), Boston, MA 02130, USA; Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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Sakamoto MS, Hanson KL, Chanfreau-Coffinier C, Lai MHC, Román CAF, Clark AL, Marquine MJ, Delano-Wood L, Merritt VC. An Examination of Racial/Ethnic Differences on the Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory Among Veterans Completing the Comprehensive Traumatic Brain Injury Evaluation: A Veterans Affairs Million Veteran Program Study. Arch Clin Neuropsychol 2023; 38:929-943. [PMID: 36702773 PMCID: PMC10656879 DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acad005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to explore racial/ethnic differences in neurobehavioral symptom reporting and symptom validity testing among military veterans with a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI). METHOD Participants of this observational cross-sectional study (N = 9,646) were post-deployed Iraq-/Afghanistan-era veterans enrolled in the VA's Million Veteran Program with a clinician-confirmed history of TBI on the Comprehensive TBI Evaluation (CTBIE). Racial/ethnic groups included White, Black, Hispanic, Asian, Multiracial, Another Race, American Indian or Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander. Dependent variables included neurobehavioral symptom domains and symptom validity assessed via the Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory (NSI) and Validity-10, respectively. RESULTS Chi-square analyses showed significant racial/ethnic group differences for vestibular, somatic/sensory, and affective symptoms as well as for all Validity-10 cutoff scores examined (≥33, ≥27, ≥26, >22, ≥22, ≥13, and ≥7). Follow-up analyses compared all racial/ethnic groups to one another, adjusting for sociodemographic- and injury-related characteristics. These analyses revealed that the affective symptom domain and the Validity-10 cutoff of ≥13 revealed the greatest number of racial/ethnic differences. CONCLUSIONS Results showed significant racial/ethnic group differences on neurobehavioral symptom domains and symptom validity testing among veterans who completed the CTBIE. An enhanced understanding of how symptoms vary by race/ethnicity is vital so that clinical care can be appropriately tailored to the unique needs of all veterans. Results highlight the importance of establishing measurement invariance of the NSI across race/ethnicity and underscore the need for ongoing research to determine the most appropriate Validity-10 cutoff score(s) to use across racially/ethnically diverse veterans.
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Affiliation(s)
- McKenna S Sakamoto
- Research & Psychology Services, VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Karen L Hanson
- Research & Psychology Services, VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Mark H C Lai
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Alexandra L Clark
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - María J Marquine
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Lisa Delano-Wood
- Research & Psychology Services, VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VASDHS, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Victoria C Merritt
- Research & Psychology Services, VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VASDHS, San Diego, CA, USA
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9
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Phillips AK, Keller MF, McClung JP, Steele N, Witkop CT, Wu TJ. Physical Health and Well-being: Updates and the Way Ahead. Mil Med 2023; 188:9-18. [PMID: 37490559 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usac370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Women in Combat Summit 2021 "Forging the Future: How Women Enhance the Fighting Force" took place during February 9-11, 2021, via a virtual conference platform. The third and final day of the Summit regarded the physical health and well-being of military women and included the topics of urogenital health, nutrition and iron-deficiency anemia, unintended pregnancy and contraception, and traumatic brain injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS After presentations on the topics earlier, interested conference attendees were invited to participate in focus groups to discuss and review policy recommendations for physical health and well-being in military women. Discussions centered around the topics discussed during the presentations, and suggestions for future Women in Combat Summits were noted. Specifics of the methods of the Summit are presented elsewhere in this supplement. RESULTS We formulated research and policy recommendations for urogenital health, nutrition and iron-deficiency anemia, contraception and unintended pregnancy, and traumatic brain injury. CONCLUSIONS In order to continue to develop the future health of military women, health care providers, researchers, and policymakers should consider the recommendations made in this supplement as they continue to build on the state of the science and forge the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela K Phillips
- Malcolm Grow Medical Clinics and Surgery Center, Joint Base Andrews, MD 20762, USA
| | - Margaux F Keller
- Henry Jackson Foundation at the Daniel K. Inouye Graduate School of Nursing, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - James P McClung
- Military Nutrition Division, US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, MA 01760, USA
| | - Nancy Steele
- School of Nursing, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Catherine T Witkop
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
- Department of Gynecologic Surgery and Obstetrics, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - T John Wu
- Department of Gynecologic Surgery and Obstetrics, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
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Li W, Cheng P, Liu Z, Ma C, Liu B, Zheng W, Scarisbrick D, Lu J, Li L, Huang Y, Wang L, Yan Y, Xiao S, Zhang Y, Zhang T, Yan J, Yu Y, Xu X, Wang Z, Xu Y, Li T, Xu G, Xu X, Xue M, Li G, Jia F, Shi J, Zhang N, Du X, Sang H, Zhang C, Liu B. Post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic events in China: a nationally representative cross-sectional epidemiological study. Psychiatry Res 2023; 326:115282. [PMID: 37290364 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the most severe sequelae of trauma. But a nationally representative epidemiological data for PTSD and trauma events (TEs) was unavailable in China. This article firstly demonstrated detailed epidemiological information on PTSD, TEs, and related comorbidities in the national-wide community-based mental health survey in China. A total of 9,378 participants completed the PTSD-related interview of the CIDI 3.0. Lifetime prevalence and 12-month prevalence of PTSD in total respondents were 0.3% and 0.2%. while the conditional lifetime and 12-month prevalence of PTSD after trauma exposure were 1.8% and 1.1%. The prevalence of exposure to any type of TE was 17.2%. Among individuals with the exposed to TEs, younger, without regular work (being a homemaker or retried), and intimate relationship breakdown (separated/Widowed/Divorced), living rurally were associated with either the lifetime PTSD or the 12-month PTSD, while the count of a specific TE, the unexpected death of loved one, was related to both. Alcohol dependence was the most common comorbidity among male participants with PTSD but major depressive disorder (MDD) for female counterparts. Our study can provide a reliable reference for future identification and intervention for people with PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weihui Li
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, and National Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Peng Cheng
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, and National Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Zhaorui Liu
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing 100191, China
| | - Chao Ma
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing 100191, China
| | - Bangshan Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, and National Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Wanhong Zheng
- West Virginia University Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry, 930 Chestnut Ridge Road, Morgantown, WV 26505
| | - Dave Scarisbrick
- West Virginia University Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry, West Virginia University Department of Neuroscience 930 Chestnut Ridge Road, Morgantown, WV 26505
| | - Jin Lu
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
| | - Lingjiang Li
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, and National Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China.
| | - Yueqin Huang
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing 100191, China.
| | - Limin Wang
- National Center for Chronic and Non-communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yongping Yan
- Department of Epidemiology, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Shuiyuan Xiao
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, and National Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Tingting Zhang
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jie Yan
- Institute of Social Science Survey, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yaqin Yu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin, China
| | - Xiufeng Xu
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
| | - Zhizhong Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health and Management, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia, China
| | - Yifeng Xu
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Tao Li
- Mental Health Centre of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Guangming Xu
- Tianjin Anding Hospital, Mental Health Center of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300222, China
| | - Xiangdong Xu
- The Fourth People's Hospital in Urumqi, Urumqi 830002, China
| | - Meihua Xue
- The Affiliated Wuxi Mental Health Center with Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi 214151, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guohua Li
- Chifeng Anding Hospital, Chifeng 024000, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Fujun Jia
- Guangdong Mental Health Center, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianfei Shi
- Department of Psychiatry, Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Hangzhou 310013, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ning Zhang
- Nanjing Brain Hospital, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xinbai Du
- The Third People's Hospital of Qinghai, Xining 810007, Qinghai, China
| | - Hong Sang
- Changchun Sixth Hospital, Changchun 130052, Jilin, China
| | - Congpei Zhang
- Harbin First Specialized Hospital, Harbin 150000, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Bo Liu
- Jingzhou Mental Health Center, Jingzhou 434000, Hubei China
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11
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Baskin BM, Logsdon AF, Janet Lee S, Foresi BD, Peskind E, Banks WA, Cook DG, Schindler AG. Timing matters: Sex differences in inflammatory and behavioral outcomes following repetitive blast mild traumatic brain injury. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 110:222-236. [PMID: 36907289 PMCID: PMC10106404 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Repetitive blast-related mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) caused by exposure to high explosives is increasingly common among warfighters as well as civilians. While women have been serving in military positions with increased risk of blast exposure since 2016, there are few published reports examining sex as a biological variable in models of blast mTBI, greatly limiting diagnosis and treatment capabilities. As such, here we examined outcomes of repetitive blast trauma in female and male mice in relation to potential behavioral, inflammatory, microbiome, and vascular dysfunction at multiple timepoints. METHODS In this study we utilized a well-established blast overpressure model to induce repetitive (3x) blast-mTBI in both female and male mice. Acutely following repetitive exposure, we measured serum and brain cytokine levels, blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption, fecal microbial abundance, and locomotion and anxiety-like behavior in the open field assay. At the one-month timepoint, in female and male mice we assessed behavioral correlates of mTBI and PTSD-related symptoms commonly reported by Veterans with a history of blast-mTBI using the elevated zero maze, acoustic startle, and conditioned odorant aversion paradigms. RESULTS Repetitive blast exposure resulted in both similar (e.g., increased IL-6), and disparate (e.g., IL-10 increase only in females) patterns of acute serum and brain cytokine as well as gut microbiome changes in female and male mice. Acute BBB disruption following repetitive blast exposure was apparent in both sexes. While female and male blast mice both exhibited acute locomotor and anxiety-like deficits in the open field assay, only male mice exhibited adverse behavioral outcomes that lasted at least one-month. DISCUSSION Representing a novel survey of potential sex differences following repetitive blast trauma, our results demonstrate unique similar yet divergent patterns of blast-induced dysfunction in female vs. male mice and highlight novel targets for future diagnosis and therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britahny M Baskin
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA
| | - Aric F Logsdon
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA; Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Suhjung Janet Lee
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA
| | - Brian D Foresi
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH 44272, USA
| | - Elaine Peskind
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; VA Northwest Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA
| | - William A Banks
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA; Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - David G Cook
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA; Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; VA Northwest Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Abigail G Schindler
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA; Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; VA Northwest Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA.
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12
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MacGregor AJ, Casachahua JD, Walton SR, Harbertson J, Jurick SM, Dougherty AL, McCabe CT, Watrous JR, Fraser JJ. Deployment-related concussion and long-term health-related quality of life among US military personnel. Qual Life Res 2023:10.1007/s11136-023-03367-4. [PMID: 36897531 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-023-03367-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine the relationship between deployment-related concussion and long-term health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among injured US military personnel. METHODS The study sample included 810 service members with deployment-related injuries between 2008 and 2012 who responded to a web-based longitudinal health survey. Participants were categorized into three injury groups: concussion with loss of consciousness (LOC; n = 247), concussion without LOC (n = 317), or no concussion (n = 246). HRQoL was measured using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey physical and mental component summary (PCS and MCS) scores. Current post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression symptoms were examined. Multivariable linear regression models assessed the effects of concussion on PCS and MCS scores, while controlling for covariates. RESULTS A lower PCS score was observed in participants with concussion with LOC (B = - 2.65, p = 0.003) compared with those with no history of concussion. Symptoms of PTSD (PCS: B = - 4.84, p < 0.001; MCS: B = - 10.53, p < 0.001) and depression (PCS: B = - 2.85, p < 0.001; MCS: B = - 10.24, p < 0.001) were the strongest statistically significant predictors of lower HRQoL. CONCLUSION Concussion with LOC was significantly associated with lower HRQoL in the physical domain. These findings affirm that concussion management should integrate physical and psychological care to improve long-term HRQoL and warrant a more detailed examination of causal and mediating mechanisms. Future research should continue to incorporate patient-reported outcomes and long-term follow-up of military service members to further define the lifelong impact of deployment-related concussion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J MacGregor
- Medical Modeling, Simulation, and Mission Support Department, Naval Health Research Center, 140 Sylvester Road, San Diego, CA, 92106, USA.
| | - John D Casachahua
- Warfighter Performance Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Samuel R Walton
- Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Judith Harbertson
- Medical Modeling, Simulation, and Mission Support Department, Naval Health Research Center, 140 Sylvester Road, San Diego, CA, 92106, USA.,Leidos, Inc, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Sarah M Jurick
- Medical Modeling, Simulation, and Mission Support Department, Naval Health Research Center, 140 Sylvester Road, San Diego, CA, 92106, USA.,Leidos, Inc, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Amber L Dougherty
- Medical Modeling, Simulation, and Mission Support Department, Naval Health Research Center, 140 Sylvester Road, San Diego, CA, 92106, USA.,Leidos, Inc, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Cameron T McCabe
- Medical Modeling, Simulation, and Mission Support Department, Naval Health Research Center, 140 Sylvester Road, San Diego, CA, 92106, USA.,Leidos, Inc, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Jessica R Watrous
- Medical Modeling, Simulation, and Mission Support Department, Naval Health Research Center, 140 Sylvester Road, San Diego, CA, 92106, USA.,Leidos, Inc, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - John J Fraser
- Operational Readiness and Health Directorate, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA, USA
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13
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Bodart A, Invernizzi S, Lefebvre L, Rossignol M. Physiological reactivity at rest and in response to social or emotional stimuli after a traumatic brain injury: A systematic review. Front Psychol 2023; 14:930177. [PMID: 36844281 PMCID: PMC9950643 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.930177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies have shown that alterations in physiological reactivity (PR) after traumatic brain injury (TBI) are possibly associated with emotional deficits. We conducted a systematic review of these studies that evaluated PR in adults with moderate-to-severe TBI, either at rest or in response to emotional, stressful, or social stimuli. We focused on the most common measures of physiological response, including heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV), respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), electrodermal activity (EDA), salivary cortisol, facial electromyography (EMG), and blink reflex. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted across six databases (PsycINFO, Psycarticles, SciencDirect, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Scopus). The search returned 286 articles and 18 studies met the inclusion criteria. Results Discrepancies were observed according to the type of physiological measure. Reduced physiological responses in patients with TBI have been reported in most EDA studies, which were also overrepresented in the review. In terms of facial EMG, patients with TBI appear to exhibit reduced activity of the corrugator muscle and diminished blink reflex, while in most studies, zygomaticus contraction did not show significant differences between TBI and controls. Interestingly, most studies measuring cardiac activity did not find significant differences between TBI and controls. Finally, one study measured salivary cortisol levels and reported no difference between patients with TBI and controls. Conclusion Although disturbed EDA responses were frequently reported in patients with TBI, other measures did not consistently indicate an impairment in PR. These discrepancies could be due to the lesion pattern resulting from TBI, which could affect the PR to aversive stimuli. In addition, methodological differences concerning the measurements and their standardization as well as the characteristics of the patients may also be involved in these discrepancies. We propose methodological recommendations for the use of multiple and simultaneous PR measurements and standardization. Future research should converge toward a common methodology in terms of physiological data analysis to improve inter-study comparisons.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sandra Invernizzi
- Cognitive Psychology and Neuropsychology Laboratory, Department of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Laurent Lefebvre
- Cognitive Psychology and Neuropsychology Laboratory, Department of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Mandy Rossignol
- Cognitive Psychology and Neuropsychology Laboratory, Department of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
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14
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Clark AL, McGill MB, Ozturk ED, Schnyer DM, Chanfreau-Coffinier C, Merritt VC. Self-reported physical functioning, cardiometabolic health conditions, and health care utilization patterns in Million Veteran Program enrollees with Traumatic Brain Injury Screening and Evaluation Program data. Mil Med Res 2023; 10:2. [PMID: 36597157 PMCID: PMC9810242 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-022-00435-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Examining the health outcomes of veterans who have completed the United States Veterans Health Administration's (VHA's) Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Screening and Evaluation Program may aid in the refinement and improvement of clinical care initiatives within the VHA. This study compared self-reported physical functioning, cardiometabolic health conditions, and health care utilization patterns in Million Veteran Program enrollees with TBI Screening and Evaluation Program data (collected between 2007 and 2019), with the goal of enhancing understanding of potentially modifiable health conditions in this population. METHODS In this observational cohort study, veterans (n = 16,452) were grouped based on the diagnostic outcome of the TBI Screening and Evaluation Program: 1) negative TBI screen (Screen-); 2) positive TBI screen but no confirmed TBI diagnosis [Screen+/ Comprehensive TBI Evaluation (CTBIE)-]; or 3) positive TBI screen and confirmed TBI diagnosis (Screen+/CTBIE+). Chi-square tests and analysis of covariance were used to explore group differences in physical functioning, cardiometabolic health conditions, and health care utilization patterns, and logistic regressions were used to examine predictors of Screen+/- and CTBIE+/- group status. RESULTS The results showed that veterans in the Screen+/CTBIE- and Screen+/CTBIE+ groups generally reported poorer levels of physical functioning (P's < 0.001, np2 = 0.02 to 0.03), higher rates of cardiometabolic health conditions (P's < 0.001, φ = 0.14 to 0.52), and increased health care utilization (P's < 0.001, φ = 0.14 to > 0.5) compared with the Screen- group; however, health outcomes were generally comparable between the Screen+/CTBIE- and Screen+/CTBIE+ groups. Follow-up analyses confirmed that while physical functioning, hypertension, stroke, healthcare utilization, and prescription medication use reliably distinguished between the Screen- and Screen+ groups (P's < 0.02, OR's 0.78 to 3.38), only physical functioning distinguished between the Screen+/CTBIE- and Screen+/CTBIE+ groups (P < 0.001, OR 0.99). CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that veterans who screen positive for TBI, regardless of whether they are ultimately diagnosed with TBI, are at greater risk for negative health outcomes, signifying that these veterans represent a vulnerable group that may benefit from increased clinical care and prevention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra L Clark
- Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), San Diego, CA, 92161, USA.,Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Makenna B McGill
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Erin D Ozturk
- Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), San Diego, CA, 92161, USA.,San Diego State University/University of California San Diego Joint Doctoral Program, San Diego, CA, 92120, USA
| | - David M Schnyer
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Catherine Chanfreau-Coffinier
- VA Informatics and Computing Infrastructure (VINCI), VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT, 84148, USA
| | - Victoria C Merritt
- Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), San Diego, CA, 92161, USA. .,Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 29093, USA. .,Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VASDHS, San Diego, 92161, USA.
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15
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Merritt VC, Chanfreau-Coffinier C, Sakamoto MS, Jak AJ, Delano-Wood L. Characterizing Sex Differences in Clinical and Functional Outcomes Among Military Veterans with a Comprehensive Traumatic Brain Injury Evaluation (CTBIE): A Million Veteran Program (MVP) Study. Clin Psychol Sci 2022; 2022:10.1177/21677026221100230. [PMID: 36714216 PMCID: PMC9881235 DOI: 10.1177/21677026221100230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Using a diverse sample of military Veterans enrolled in the VA's Million Veteran Program (N=14,378; n=1,361 females [9.5%]; all previously deployed), we examined sex differences on the Comprehensive Traumatic Brain Injury Evaluation (CTBIE), a structured traumatic brain injury (TBI) interview routinely administered within the VA. Confirmed TBI diagnoses were more frequent among males than females (65% vs. 58%). Additionally, when compared to females, a greater proportion of males with CTBIE-confirmed TBI histories experienced blast-related injuries and were employed. In contrast, a greater proportion of females reported experiencing falls, sustaining a TBI since deployment, and having more severe neurobehavioral symptoms (particularly affective-related symptoms). Results indicate that males and females experience differential clinical and functional outcomes in the aftermath of military TBI. Findings underscore the need to increase female representation in TBI research to increase understanding of sex-specific experiences with TBI and to improve the clinical care targeted to this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria C. Merritt
- Research & Psychology Services, VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), San Diego, CA, United States,Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States,Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VASDHS, San Diego, CA, United States,Address correspondence to: Victoria C. Merritt, Ph.D., VA San Diego Healthcare System (151B), 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA 92161, Phone: (858) 552-8585 (x2670),
| | - Catherine Chanfreau-Coffinier
- VA Informatics and Computing Infrastructure (VINCI), VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - McKenna S. Sakamoto
- Research & Psychology Services, VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Amy J. Jak
- Research & Psychology Services, VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), San Diego, CA, United States,Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States,Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VASDHS, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Lisa Delano-Wood
- Research & Psychology Services, VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), San Diego, CA, United States,Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States,Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VASDHS, San Diego, CA, United States
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16
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Abstract
The high incidence of concussions/mild traumatic brain injury and the significant number of people with persisting concussion symptoms as well as the concern for delayed, neurodegenerative effects of concussions makes them a major public health concern. There is much to learn on concussions with respect to pathophysiology as well as vulnerability and resiliency factors. The heterogeneity in outcome after a concussion warrants a more personalized approach to better understand the biological and psychosocial factors that may affect outcome. In this chapter we address biological sex and gender as they impact different aspects of concussion including incidence, risk factors and outcome. As well, this chapter will provide a more fulsome overview of intimate partner violence, an often-overlooked cause of concussion in women. Applying the sex and gender lens to concussion/mild traumatic brain injury is imperative for discovery of its pathophysiology and moving closer to treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samaneh Chaychi
- Memory Clinic, Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Canadian Concussion Centre, Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Eve Valera
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, United States
| | - Maria Carmela Tartaglia
- Memory Clinic, Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Canadian Concussion Centre, Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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17
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Dolan G, McCauley M, Murphy D. Factors Influencing the Salience of Military/Veteran Identity Post Discharge: A Scoping Review. JVS 2022. [DOI: 10.21061/jvs.v8i1.333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
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18
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Walter KH, Levine JA, Madra NJ, Beltran JL, Glassman LH, Thomsen CJ. Gender differences in disorders comorbid with posttraumatic stress disorder among U.S. Sailors and Marines. J Trauma Stress 2022; 35:988-998. [PMID: 35218250 PMCID: PMC9306964 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Psychological comorbidity, the co-occurrence of mental health disorders, is more often the rule than the exception among individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Research shows that prevalence estimates for specific psychological disorders differ by gender; however, little is known about whether these patterns persist in the presence of a comorbid PTSD diagnosis. This study examined gender differences in prevalence estimates for conditions comorbid with PTSD using medical records for 523,626 active duty U.S. Sailors and Marines who entered the military over an 8-year period. Using chi-square tests of independence, we detected statistically significant gender differences for specific comorbid conditions in the subsample of 9,447 service members with a PTSD diagnosis. Women were more likely than men to have PTSD with comorbid adjustment, OR = 1.35; depressive, OR = 1.71; and generalized anxiety or other anxiety disorders, OR = 1.16, with the largest effects for eating, OR = 12.60, and personality disorders, OR = 2.97. In contrast, women were less likely than men to have a diagnosis of PTSD with comorbid alcohol use, OR = 0.69, and drug use disorders, OR = 0.72, with the largest effects for insomnia, OR = 0.42, and traumatic brain injury, OR = 0.17. No significant gender differences emerged for comorbid bipolar, obsessive-compulsive, panic/phobic, psychotic, or somatoform/dissociative disorders, ps = .029-.314. The results show gender differences in conditions comorbid with PTSD generally align with internalizing and externalizing dimensions. Differences in comorbidities with PTSD between women and men could have implications for treatment development and delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen H. Walter
- Health and Behavioral SciencesNaval Health Research CenterSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Jordan A. Levine
- Health and Behavioral SciencesNaval Health Research CenterSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA,LeidosRestonVirginiaUSA
| | - Naju J. Madra
- Health and Behavioral SciencesNaval Health Research CenterSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA,LeidosRestonVirginiaUSA
| | - Jessica L. Beltran
- Health and Behavioral SciencesNaval Health Research CenterSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA,LeidosRestonVirginiaUSA
| | - Lisa H. Glassman
- Health and Behavioral SciencesNaval Health Research CenterSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA,LeidosRestonVirginiaUSA
| | - Cynthia J. Thomsen
- Health and Behavioral SciencesNaval Health Research CenterSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
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Amgalan A, Maher AS, Imms P, Ha MY, Fanelle TA, Irimia A. Functional Connectome Dynamics After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury According to Age and Sex. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:852990. [PMID: 35663576 PMCID: PMC9158471 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.852990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural and cognitive deficits after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) are paralleled by changes in resting state functional correlation (FC) networks that mirror post-traumatic pathophysiology effects on functional outcomes. Using functional magnetic resonance images acquired both acutely and chronically after injury (∼1 week and ∼6 months post-injury, respectively), we map post-traumatic FC changes across 136 participants aged 19-79 (52 females), both within and between the brain's seven canonical FC networks: default mode, dorsal attention, frontoparietal, limbic, somatomotor, ventral attention, and visual. Significant sex-dependent FC changes are identified between (A) visual and limbic, and between (B) default mode and somatomotor networks. These changes are significantly associated with specific functional recovery patterns across all cognitive domains (p < 0.05, corrected). Changes in FC between default mode, somatomotor, and ventral attention networks, on the one hand, and both temporal and occipital regions, on the other hand, differ significantly by age group (p < 0.05, corrected), and are paralleled by significant sex differences in cognitive recovery independently of age at injury (p < 0.05, corrected). Whereas females' networks typically feature both significant (p < 0.036, corrected) and insignificant FC changes, males more often exhibit significant FC decreases between networks (e.g., between dorsal attention and limbic, visual and limbic, default-mode and somatomotor networks, p < 0.0001, corrected), all such changes being accompanied by significantly weaker recovery of cognitive function in males, particularly older ones (p < 0.05, corrected). No significant FC changes were found across 35 healthy controls aged 66-92 (20 females). Thus, male sex and older age at injury are risk factors for significant FC alterations whose patterns underlie post-traumatic cognitive deficits. This is the first study to map, systematically, how mTBI impacts FC between major human functional networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anar Amgalan
- Ethel Percy Andrus Gerontology Center, Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Alexander S. Maher
- Ethel Percy Andrus Gerontology Center, Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Phoebe Imms
- Ethel Percy Andrus Gerontology Center, Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Michelle Y. Ha
- Ethel Percy Andrus Gerontology Center, Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Timothy A. Fanelle
- Corwin D. Denney Research Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Andrei Irimia
- Ethel Percy Andrus Gerontology Center, Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Corwin D. Denney Research Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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20
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Bruschetta R, Maggio MG, Naro A, Ciancarelli I, Morone G, Arcuri F, Tonin P, Tartarisco G, Pioggia G, Cerasa A, Calabrò RS. Gender Influences Virtual Reality-Based Recovery of Cognitive Functions in Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12040491. [PMID: 35448022 PMCID: PMC9024763 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12040491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The rehabilitation of cognitive deficits in individuals with traumatic brain injury is essential for promoting patients’ recovery and autonomy. Virtual reality (VR) training is a powerful tool for reaching this target, although the effectiveness of this intervention could be interfered with by several factors. In this study, we evaluated if demographical and clinical variables could be related to the recovery of cognitive function in TBI patients after a well-validated VR training. One hundred patients with TBI were enrolled in this study and equally randomized into the Traditional Cognitive Rehabilitation Group (TCRG: n = 50) or Virtual Reality Training Group (VRTG: n = 50). The VRTG underwent a VRT with BTs-N, whereas the TCRG received standard cognitive treatment. All the patients were evaluated by a complete neuropsychological battery before (T0) and after the end of the training (T1). We found that the VR-related improvement in mood, as well as cognitive flexibility, and selective attention were influenced by gender. Indeed, females who underwent VR training were those showing better cognitive recovery. This study highlights the importance of evaluating gender effects in planning cognitive rehabilitation programs. The inclusion of different repetitions and modalities of VR training should be considered for TBI male patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Bruschetta
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy, 98164 Messina, Italy; (R.B.); (G.T.); (G.P.)
- Department of Engineering, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Maggio
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy;
| | - Antonino Naro
- Stroke Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Gaetano Martino, 98123 Messina, Italy;
| | - Irene Ciancarelli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (I.C.); (G.M.)
| | - Giovanni Morone
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (I.C.); (G.M.)
| | | | - Paolo Tonin
- S’Anna Institute, 88900 Crotone, Italy; (F.A.); (P.T.)
| | - Gennaro Tartarisco
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy, 98164 Messina, Italy; (R.B.); (G.T.); (G.P.)
| | - Giovanni Pioggia
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy, 98164 Messina, Italy; (R.B.); (G.T.); (G.P.)
| | - Antonio Cerasa
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy, 98164 Messina, Italy; (R.B.); (G.T.); (G.P.)
- S’Anna Institute, 88900 Crotone, Italy; (F.A.); (P.T.)
- Pharmacotechnology Documentation and Transfer Unit, Preclinical and Translational Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, Health Science and Nutrition, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
- Correspondence:
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21
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Zhu L, Li L, Li XZ, Wang L. Mind–Body Exercises for PTSD Symptoms, Depression, and Anxiety in Patients With PTSD: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Psychol 2022; 12:738211. [PMID: 35153889 PMCID: PMC8833099 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.738211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study aims to systematically analyze the effects of mind–body exercises on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, depression, and anxiety in patients with PTSD. Furthermore, it intends to provide scientific evidence-based exercise prescriptions. Methods Chinese (i.e., China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals, and Wanfang) and English (i.e., Web of Science, PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and EMBASE) databases were used as data sources to search for studies on the effects of mind–body exercises on symptoms associated with patients with PTSD from January 1980 to November 2020. After a rigorous screening, 16 eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in the meta-analysis. Results Mind–body exercises exerted a significant effect on PTSD symptoms [standard mean difference (SMD) = −0.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.64 to −0.19, p < 0.001], depression (SMD = −0.35, 95% CI: −0.55 to −0.15, p < 0.001), and anxiety (SMD = −0.31, 95% CI: −0.74 to −0.12, p < 0.001) among patients with PTSD. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that 60–150 min per session for 8–16 weeks of mindfulness was more effective in improving symptoms in patients with PTSD under 45 years of age compared with other subgroups. For depression, 150–180 min of yoga exercises once per week was effective. For anxiety, the frequency, timing, duration, and type of mind–body exercises that are most effective in relieving anxiety in patients with PTSD cannot be determined at this time due to the limited number of eligible RCTs. Conclusions Mind–body exercises were found to be significantly effective in improving PTSD symptoms, depression, and anxiety in patients with PTSD. Therefore, they can be used as an adjunct to intervention for symptoms of patients with PTSD. However, this conclusion requires further confirmation through additional scientific and objective RCTs. Systematic Review Registration: Unique Identifier: INPLASY2020120072.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhu
- School of Wushu and Art, Nanjing Sport Institute, Nanjing, China
| | - Long Li
- School of Wushu and Art, Nanjing Sport Institute, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Long Li
| | - Xiao-zhi Li
- Department of Physical Education, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Physical Education, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, China
- Lin Wang
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22
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Baskin B, Lee SJ, Skillen E, Wong K, Rau H, Hendrickson RC, Pagulayan K, Raskind MA, Peskind ER, Phillips PEM, Cook DG, Schindler AG. Repetitive Blast Exposure Increases Appetitive Motivation and Behavioral Inflexibility in Male Mice. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 15:792648. [PMID: 35002648 PMCID: PMC8727531 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.792648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Blast exposure (via detonation of high explosives) represents a major potential trauma source for Servicemembers and Veterans, often resulting in mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Executive dysfunction (e.g., alterations in memory, deficits in mental flexibility, difficulty with adaptability) is commonly reported by Veterans with a history of blast-related mTBI, leading to impaired daily functioning and decreased quality of life, but underlying mechanisms are not fully understood and have not been well studied in animal models of blast. To investigate potential underlying behavioral mechanisms contributing to deficits in executive functioning post-blast mTBI, here we examined how a history of repetitive blast exposure in male mice affects anxiety/compulsivity-like outcomes and appetitive goal-directed behavior using an established mouse model of blast mTBI. We hypothesized that repetitive blast exposure in male mice would result in anxiety/compulsivity-like outcomes and corresponding performance deficits in operant-based reward learning and behavioral flexibility paradigms. Instead, results demonstrate an increase in reward-seeking and goal-directed behavior and a congruent decrease in behavioral flexibility. We also report chronic adverse behavioral changes related to anxiety, compulsivity, and hyperarousal. In combination, these data suggest that potential deficits in executive function following blast mTBI are at least in part related to enhanced compulsivity/hyperreactivity and behavioral inflexibility and not simply due to a lack of motivation or inability to acquire task parameters, with important implications for subsequent diagnosis and treatment management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britahny Baskin
- VA Northwest Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Suhjung Janet Lee
- VA Northwest Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Emma Skillen
- VA Northwest Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Katrina Wong
- VA Northwest Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Holly Rau
- VA Northwest Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Rebecca C Hendrickson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,VA Northwest Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Kathleen Pagulayan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,VA Northwest Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Murray A Raskind
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,VA Northwest Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Elaine R Peskind
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,VA Northwest Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Paul E M Phillips
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - David G Cook
- VA Northwest Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Abigail G Schindler
- VA Northwest Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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23
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Ozturk ED, Chanfreau-Coffinier C, Sakamoto MS, Delano-Wood L, Merritt VC. Characterization of Million Veteran Program (MVP) enrollees with Comprehensive Traumatic Brain Injury Evaluation (CTBIE) data: An analysis of neurobehavioral symptoms. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 145:230-242. [PMID: 34942434 PMCID: PMC9401093 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.12.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine neurobehavioral symptom reporting in a large sample of military veterans (N = 12,144) who completed the Comprehensive Traumatic Brain Injury Evaluation (CTBIE) and enrolled in the VA's Million Veteran Program (MVP). The CTBIE is a clinician-administered interview that assesses for historical, deployment-related traumatic brain injury (TBI) and evaluates symptoms using the Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory (NSI). Clinicians completing the CTBIE made clinical determinations about participants' (1) TBI diagnostic status (i.e., CTBIE+ or CTBIE-) and (2) current symptom etiology (i.e., Symptom Resolution, TBI, Behavioral Health, Comorbid TBI + Behavioral Health [Comorbid], or Other). We evaluated the association of TBI diagnostic status and symptom etiology group with neurobehavioral symptoms. Results showed a significant association between TBI diagnostic status and all NSI variables, with CTBIE+ veterans endorsing greater symptoms than CTBIE- veterans. There was also a significant association between symptom etiology group and all NSI variables; specifically, the Comorbid and Behavioral Health groups generally endorsed significantly greater symptoms compared to the other groups. Follow-up analyses showed that relative to the Symptom Resolution group, the Comorbid and Behavioral Health groups had increased odds of severe/very severe cognitive and affective symptoms, whereas the TBI and Other groups did not. Finally, presence of psychiatric symptoms, pain, post-traumatic amnesia, loss of consciousness, and blast exposure significantly predicted Comorbid symptom etiology group membership. Findings from this large epidemiologic MVP study have relevant clinical implications and further highlight the importance of prioritizing integrated behavioral health interventions for this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin D Ozturk
- San Diego State University/University of California, San Diego Joint Doctoral Program, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Catherine Chanfreau-Coffinier
- VA Informatics and Computing Infrastructure (VINCI), VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - McKenna S Sakamoto
- Research & Psychology Services, VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Lisa Delano-Wood
- Research & Psychology Services, VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), San Diego, CA, United States; Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States; Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VASDHS, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Victoria C Merritt
- Research & Psychology Services, VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), San Diego, CA, United States; Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States; Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VASDHS, San Diego, CA, United States.
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24
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Abstract
Although many patients diagnosed with traumatic brain injury (TBI), particularly mild TBI, recover from their symptoms within a few weeks, a small but meaningful subset experience symptoms that persist for months or years after injury and significantly impact quality of life for the person and their family. Factors associated with an increased likelihood of negative TBI outcomes include not only characteristics of the injury and injury mechanism, but also the person’s age, pre-injury status, comorbid conditions, environment, and propensity for resilience. In this article, as part of the Brain Trauma Blueprint: TBI State of the Science framework, we examine the epidemiology of long-term outcomes of TBI, including incidence, prevalence, and risk factors. We identify the need for increased longitudinal, global, standardized, and validated assessments on incidence, recovery, and treatments, as well as standardized assessments of the influence of genetics, race, ethnicity, sex, and environment on TBI outcomes. By identifying how epidemiological factors contribute to TBI outcomes in different groups of persons and potentially impact differential disease progression, we can guide investigators and clinicians toward more-precise patient diagnosis, along with tailored management, and improve clinical trial designs, data evaluation, and patient selection criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliet Haarbauer-Krupa
- Division of Injury Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Mary Jo Pugh
- Informatics, Decision-Enhancement and Analytic Sciences Center, VA Salt Lake City, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Epidemiology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | | | | | | | - Kristine Yaffe
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA.,San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, California, USA.,Departments of Epidemiology/Biostatistics and Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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25
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Hussain SF, Raza Z, Cash ATG, Zampieri T, Mazzoli RA, Kardon RH, Gomes RSM. Traumatic brain injury and sight loss in military and veteran populations- a review. Mil Med Res 2021; 8:42. [PMID: 34315537 PMCID: PMC8317328 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-021-00334-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
War and combat exposure pose great risks to the vision system. More recently, vision related deficiencies and impairments have become common with the increased use of powerful explosive devices and the subsequent rise in incidence of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Studies have looked at the effects of injury severity, aetiology of injury and the stage at which visual problems become apparent. There was little discrepancy found between the frequencies or types of visual dysfunctions across blast and non-blast related groups, however complete sight loss appeared to occur only in those who had a blast-related injury. Generally, the more severe the injury, the greater the likelihood of specific visual disturbances occurring, and a study found total sight loss to only occur in cases with greater severity. Diagnosis of mild TBI (mTBI) is challenging. Being able to identify a potential TBI via visual symptoms may offer a new avenue for diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syeda F. Hussain
- Research & Innovation, Blind Veterans UK, 12-14 Harcourt Street, London, W1H 4HD UK
- Bravo Victor, Research, 12-14 Harcourt Street, London, W1H 4HD UK
| | - Zara Raza
- Research & Innovation, Blind Veterans UK, 12-14 Harcourt Street, London, W1H 4HD UK
- Bravo Victor, Research, 12-14 Harcourt Street, London, W1H 4HD UK
| | - Andrew T. G. Cash
- Research & Innovation, Blind Veterans UK, 12-14 Harcourt Street, London, W1H 4HD UK
- Bravo Victor, Research, 12-14 Harcourt Street, London, W1H 4HD UK
| | - Thomas Zampieri
- Blinded Veterans Association, 1101 King Street, Suite 300, Alexandria, Virginia 22314 USA
| | - Robert A. Mazzoli
- Department of Ophthalmology, Madigan Army Medical Center, 9040 Jackson Avenue, Tacoma, Washington, 98431 USA
| | - Randy H. Kardon
- Iowa City VA Health Care System and Iowa City VA Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City, Iowa 52246 USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242 USA
| | - Renata S. M. Gomes
- Research & Innovation, Blind Veterans UK, 12-14 Harcourt Street, London, W1H 4HD UK
- Bravo Victor, Research, 12-14 Harcourt Street, London, W1H 4HD UK
- Northern Hub for Veterans and Military Families Research, Department of Nursing, Midwifery and Health, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle, NE7 7XA UK
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26
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Kasuske LM, Hoover P, Wu T, French LM, Caban JJ. Burden of Behavioral Health Comorbidities on Outpatient Health Care Utilization by Active Duty Service Members With a First Documented mTBI. Mil Med 2021; 186:567-571. [PMID: 33499506 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usaa320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE More than 280,000 Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs) sustained a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) between 2000 and 2019 (Q3). Previous studies of veterans have shown higher utilization of outpatient health clinics by veterans diagnosed with mTBI. Additionally, veterans with mTBI and comorbid behavioral health (BH) conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and substance use disorders have significantly higher health care utilization than veterans diagnosed with mTBI alone. However, few studies of the relationship between mTBI, health care utilization, and BH conditions in the active duty military population currently exist. We examined the proportion of ADSMs with a BH diagnosis before and after a first documented mTBI and quantified outpatient utilization of the Military Health System in the year before and following injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS Retrospective analysis of 4,901,840 outpatient encounters for 39,559 ADSMs with a first documented diagnosis of mTBI recorded in the Department of Defense electronic health record, subsets of who had a BH diagnosis. We examined median outpatient utilization 1 year before and 1 year after mTBI using Wilcoxon signed rank test, and the results are reported with an effect size r. Outpatient utilization is compared by BH subgroups. RESULTS Approximately 60% of ADSMs experience a first mTBI with no associated BH condition, but 17% of men and women are newly diagnosed with a BH condition in the year following mTBI. ADSMs with a history of a BH condition before mTBI increased their median outpatient utilization from 23 to 35 visits for men and from 32 to 42 visits for women. In previously healthy ADSMs with a new BH condition following mTBI, men more than tripled median utilization from 7 to 24 outpatient visits, and women doubled utilization from 15 to 32 outpatient visits. CONCLUSIONS Behavioral health comorbidities affect approximately one-third of ADSMs following a first mTBI, and approximately 17% of previously healthy active duty men and women will be diagnosed with a new BH condition in the year following a first mTBI. Post-mTBI outpatient health care utilization is highly dependent on the presence or absence of BH condition and is markedly higher is ADSMs with a BH diagnosis in the year after a first documented mTBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lalon M Kasuske
- Daniel K. Inouye Graduate School of Nursing, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA.,National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD 20889, USA
| | - Peter Hoover
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD 20889, USA
| | - Tim Wu
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD 20889, USA
| | - Louis M French
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD 20889, USA.,Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
| | - Jesus J Caban
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD 20889, USA
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27
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Meltzer KJ, Juengst SB. Associations between frequent pain or headaches and neurobehavioral symptoms by gender and TBI severity. Brain Inj 2021; 35:41-47. [PMID: 33395320 PMCID: PMC7933051 DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2020.1857438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Objective: To investigate differences in frequent pain or headaches and associated neurobehavioral symptoms among men, women, and transgender individuals with and without a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI).Setting: CommunityParticipants: English and Spanish-speaking adults (n = 2,862) with and without self-reported TBIDesign: Cross-sectional studyMain Measures: Behavioral Assessment Screening Tool (BAST) subscales for Negative Affect, Substance Abuse, Executive Function, Fatigue, Impulsivity, and one item for experiencing "frequent pain or headache."Results: Women reported more pain than men. Women with a mild TBI (mTBI) more often reported frequent headaches/pain than woman in general or those with mTBI alone. Women reporting frequent headache/pain reported more negative affect and fatigue than men with comparable TBI history. Individuals identifying as transgender/other without TBI had higher negative affect and fatigue than both men and women without TBI. Individuals with mTBI and frequent headache/pain reported more executive function problems than those with mTBI without headache/pain. Pain and moderate/severe TBI were associated with more executive function problems in men and women, but more so for women.Conclusion: Results suggest frequent headache/pain may differ between genders, particularly after mTBI. Pain, fatigue, executive function, and negative affect may be especially important in women's recovery from TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen J Meltzer
- Department of Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Shannon B Juengst
- Department of Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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28
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Valera EM, Joseph ALC, Snedaker K, Breiding MJ, Robertson CL, Colantonio A, Levin H, Pugh MJ, Yurgelun-Todd D, Mannix R, Bazarian JJ, Turtzo LC, Turkstra LS, Begg L, Cummings DM, Bellgowan PSF. Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury in Females: A State-of-the-Art Summary and Future Directions. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2021; 36:E1-E17. [PMID: 33369993 PMCID: PMC9070050 DOI: 10.1097/htr.0000000000000652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In this report, we identify existing issues and challenges related to research on traumatic brain injury (TBI) in females and provide future directions for research. In 2017, the National Institutes of Health, in partnership with the Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine and the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, hosted a workshop that focused on the unique challenges facing researchers, clinicians, patients, and other stakeholders regarding TBI in women. The goal of this "Understanding TBI in Women" workshop was to bring together researchers and clinicians to identify knowledge gaps, best practices, and target populations in research on females and/or sex differences within the field of TBI. The workshop, and the current literature, clearly highlighted that females have been underrepresented in TBI studies and clinical trials and have often been excluded (or ovariectomized) in preclinical studies. Such an absence in research on females has led to an incomplete, and perhaps inaccurate, understanding of TBI in females. The presentations and discussions centered on the existing knowledge regarding sex differences in TBI research and how these differences could be incorporated in preclinical and clinical efforts going forward. Now, a little over 2 years later, we summarize the issues and state of the science that emerged from the "Understanding TBI in Women" workshop while incorporating updates where they exist. Overall, despite some progress, there remains an abundance of research focused on males and relatively little explicitly on females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eve M Valera
- Departments of Psychiatry (Dr Valera) and Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine (Dr Mannix), Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts (Dr Valera and Ms Joseph); Department of Psychology, Suffolk University, Boston, Massachusetts (Ms Joseph); PINK Concussions, Norwalk, Connecticut (Ms Snedaker); Division of Injury Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia (Dr Breiding); US Public Health Service, Rockville, Maryland (Dr Breiding); Departments of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, and Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland (Dr Robertson); Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Dr Colantonio); Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas (Dr Levin); Michael E. Debakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas (Dr Levin); VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System, Salt Lake City, Utah (Drs Pugh and Yurgelun-Todd); Department of Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City (Dr Pugh); Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City (Dr Yurgelun-Todd); Division of Emergency Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts (Dr Mannix); Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York (Dr Bazarian); Neuroscience Center (Drs Cummings and Bellgowan), National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (Dr Turtzo), and Office of Research on Women's Health, Office of the Director/DPCPSI (Dr Begg), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; and School of Rehabilitation Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (Dr Turkstra)
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29
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Bouldin ED, Swan AA, Norman RS, Tate DF, Tumminello C, Amuan ME, Eapen BC, Wang CP, Trevino A, Pugh MJ. Health Phenotypes and Neurobehavioral Symptom Severity Among Post-9/11 Veterans With Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Chronic Effects of Neurotrauma Consortium Study. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2021; 36:10-19. [PMID: 32472834 PMCID: PMC10649312 DOI: 10.1097/htr.0000000000000574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether neurobehavioral symptoms differ between groups of veterans with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) classified by health characteristics. PARTICIPANTS A total of 71 934 post-9/11 veterans with mTBI from the Chronic Effects of Neurotrauma Consortium Epidemiology warfighter cohort. DESIGN Cross-sectional analysis of retrospective cohort. MAIN MEASURES Health phenotypes identified using latent class analysis of health and function over 5 years. Symptom severity measured using Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory; domains included vestibular, somatic, cognitive, and affective. RESULTS Veterans classified as moderately healthy had the lowest symptom burden while the polytrauma phenotype group had the highest. After accounting for sociodemographic and injury characteristics, polytrauma phenotype veterans had about 3 times the odds of reporting severe symptoms in each domain compared with moderately healthy veterans. Those veterans who were initially moderately healthy but whose health declined over time had about twice the odds of severe symptoms as consistently healthier Veterans. The strongest associations were in the affective domain. Compared with the moderately healthy group, veterans in other phenotypes were more likely to report symptoms substantially interfered with their daily lives (odds ratio range: 1.3-2.8). CONCLUSION Symptom severity and interference varied by phenotype, including between veterans with stable and declining health. Ameliorating severe symptoms, particularly in the affective domain, could improve health trajectories following mTBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin D Bouldin
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina (Dr Bouldin); Department of Psychology, University of Texas at San Antonio (Dr Swan); Speech-Language Pathology Program, School of Health Professions, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (Dr Norman); George E. Whalen VA Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (Dr Tate); Departments of Neurology (Dr Tate) and Internal Medicine (Dr Pugh), University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City; Lees-McRae College, Banner Elk, North Carolina (Ms Tumminello); VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Informatics, Decision-Enhancement, and Analytic Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (Mss Amuan and Trevino and Dr Pugh); Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, VA Greater Los Angeles Health Care System, and Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California (Dr Eapen); and Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (Dr Wang)
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30
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Hoffman AN, Watson SL, Makridis AS, Patel AY, Gonzalez ST, Ferguson L, Giza CC, Fanselow MS. Sex Differences in Behavioral Sensitivities After Traumatic Brain Injury. Front Neurol 2020; 11:553190. [PMID: 33324313 PMCID: PMC7724082 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.553190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with high rates of post-injury psychiatric and neurological comorbidities. TBI is more common in males than females despite females reporting more symptoms and longer recovery following TBI and concussion. Both pain and mental health conditions like anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are more common in women in the general population, however the dimorphic comorbidity in the TBI population is not well-understood. TBI may predispose the development of maladaptive anxiety or PTSD following a traumatic stressor, and the impact of sex on this interaction has not been investigated. We have shown that white noise is noxious to male rats following fluid percussion injury (FPI) and increases fear learning when used in auditory fear conditioning, but it is unclear whether females exhibit a similar phenotype. Adult female and male rats received either lateral FPI or sham surgery and 48 h later received behavioral training. We first investigated sex differences in response to 75 dB white noise followed by white noise-signaled fear conditioning. FPI groups exhibited defensive behavior to the white noise, which was significantly more robust in females, suggesting FPI increased auditory sensitivity. In another experiment, we asked how FPI affects contextual fear learning in females and males following unsignaled footshocks of either strong (0.9 mA) or weaker (0.5 mA) intensity. We saw that FPI led to rapid acquisition of contextual fear compared to sham. A consistent pattern of increased contextual fear after TBI was apparent in both sexes across experiments under differing conditioning protocols. Using a light gradient open field task we found that FPI females showed a defensive photophobia response to light, a novel finding supporting TBI enhanced sensory sensitivity across modalities in females. General behavioral differences among our measures were observed between sexes and discussed with respect to interpretations of TBI effects for each sex. Together our data support enhanced fear following a traumatic stressor after TBI in both sexes, where females show greater sensitivity to sensory stimuli across multiple modalities. These data demonstrate sex differences in emergent defensive phenotypes following TBI that may contribute to comorbid PTSD, anxiety, and other neurological comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann N Hoffman
- Neurosurgery, Brain Injury Research Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,University of California, Los Angeles Steve Tisch BrainSPORT Program, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Staglin Center for Brain and Behavioral Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Sonya L Watson
- Neurosurgery, Brain Injury Research Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Anna S Makridis
- Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Anisha Y Patel
- Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Sarah T Gonzalez
- Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Staglin Center for Brain and Behavioral Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Lindsay Ferguson
- Neurosurgery, Brain Injury Research Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,University of California, Los Angeles Steve Tisch BrainSPORT Program, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Christopher C Giza
- Neurosurgery, Brain Injury Research Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,University of California, Los Angeles Steve Tisch BrainSPORT Program, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Los Angeles Mattel Children's Hospital, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Michael S Fanselow
- Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Staglin Center for Brain and Behavioral Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Science, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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31
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Oliverio R, Karelina K, Weil ZM. Sex, Drugs, and TBI: The Role of Sex in Substance Abuse Related to Traumatic Brain Injuries. Front Neurol 2020; 11:546775. [PMID: 33192975 PMCID: PMC7604288 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.546775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are a significant public health problem costing billions of dollars in healthcare costs and lost productivity while simultaneously reducing the quality of life for both patients and caregivers. Substance abuse is closely interconnected with TBI, as intoxicated individuals are at a greater risk of suffering brain injuries, and TBI may serve as a risk factor for the subsequent development of substance use disorders. There are also prominent sex differences in the etiology, epidemiology, and consequences of TBI. For instance, men are more likely to be injured on sporting fields or in auto accidents, while women are disproportionately likely to suffer TBI associated with intimate partner violence. Moreover, while men are much more likely to suffer TBI during late adolescence–young adulthood, sex differences in the incidence of TBI are much less prominent during other developmental epochs. Further, there are prominent sex differences in substance abuse biology; for example, while more men meet diagnostic criteria for substance abuse disorders, women tend to advance from casual use to addiction more quickly. In this paper, we will discuss the emerging clinical and preclinical evidence that these sex differences in TBI and substance abuse interact and may be prominent determinates of long-term outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Oliverio
- Department of Neuroscience and Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Kate Karelina
- Department of Neuroscience and Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Zachary M Weil
- Department of Neuroscience and Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, United States
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32
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Kawa L, Arborelius UP, Hökfelt T, Risling M. Sex-Specific Differences in Rodents Following a Single Primary Blast Exposure: Focus on the Monoamine and Galanin Systems. Front Neurol 2020; 11:540144. [PMID: 33178100 PMCID: PMC7593658 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.540144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Most blast-induced traumatic brain injuries (bTBI) are mild in severity and culpable for the lingering and persistent neuropsychological complaints in affected individuals. There is evidence that the prevalence of symptoms post-exposure may be sex-specific. Our laboratory has focused on changes in the monoamine and the neuropeptide, galanin, systems in male rodents following primary bTBI. In this study, we aimed to replicate these findings in female rodents. Brainstem sections from the locus coeruleus (LC) and dorsal raphe nuclei (DRN) were processed for in situ hybridisation at 1 and 7 days post-bTBI. We investigated changes in the transcripts for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), tryptophan hydroxylase two (TPH2) and galanin. Like in males, we found a transient increase in TH transcript levels bilaterally in the female LC. Changes in TPH2 mRNA were more pronounced and extensive in the DRN of females compared to males. Galanin mRNA was increased bilaterally in the LC and DRN, although this increase was not apparent until day 7 in the LC. Serum analysis revealed an increase in corticosterone, but only in exposed females. These changes occurred without any visible signs of white matter injury, cell death, or blood–brain barrier breakdown. Taken together, in the apparent absence of visible structural damage to the brain, the monoamine and galanin systems, two key players in emotional regulation, are activated deferentially in males and females following primary blast exposure. These similarities and differences should be considered when developing and evaluating diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for bTBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizan Kawa
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Ulf P Arborelius
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Tomas Hökfelt
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Mårten Risling
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
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33
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Phipps H, Mondello S, Wilson A, Dittmer T, Rohde NN, Schroeder PJ, Nichols J, McGirt C, Hoffman J, Tanksley K, Chohan M, Heiderman A, Abou Abbass H, Kobeissy F, Hinds S. Characteristics and Impact of U.S. Military Blast-Related Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review. Front Neurol 2020; 11:559318. [PMID: 33224086 PMCID: PMC7667277 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.559318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
As a result of armed conflict, head trauma from exposure to blasts is an increasing critical health issue, particularly among military service members. Whilst numerous studies examined the burden of blast-related brain injuries on service members', few systematic reviews have been published. This work provides a comprehensive summary of the evidence on blast-related mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) burden in active U.S. military service members and inactive Veterans, describing characteristics and outcomes. Records published up to April 2017 were identified through a search of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Ovid MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library. Records-based and original research reporting on U.S. military service members and Veterans with mild blast TBI were included. Data on subject characteristics, exposure, diagnostic criterion, and outcomes were extracted from included studies using a standardized extraction form and were presented narratively. Of the 2,290 references identified by the search, 106 studies with a total of 37,515 participants met inclusion criteria for blast-related mTBI. All but nine studies were based out of military or Veteran medical facilities. Unsurprisingly, men were over-represented (75–100%). The criteria used to define blast-related mTBI were consistent; however, the methodology used to ascertain whether individuals met those criteria for diagnosis were inconsistent. The diagnosis, most prevalent among the Army, heavily relied on self-reported histories. Commonly reported adverse outcomes included hearing disturbances and headaches. The most frequently associated comorbidities were post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, attention disorders, and cognitive disorders. The primary objective of this review was to provide a summary of descriptive data on blast-related mTBI in a U.S. military population. Low standardization of the methods for reaching diagnosis and problems in the study reporting emphasize the importance to collect high-quality data to fill knowledge gaps pertaining to blast-related mTBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Phipps
- Booz Allen Hamilton, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Stefania Mondello
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.,Department of Neurology IC, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Hussein Abou Abbass
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Firas Kobeissy
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Neuroproteomics and Biomarkers Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Sidney Hinds
- Medical Research and Development Command, Ft Detrick, MD, United States
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34
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Mundluru J, Subhan A, Lo TWB, Churchill N, Fornazzari L, Munoz DG, Schweizer TA, Fischer CE. Neuropsychiatric Presentations due to Traumatic Brain Injury in Cognitively Normal Older Adults. J Neurotrauma 2020; 38:566-572. [PMID: 32977734 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2020.7282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) are common sequelae of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) among adults. However, little is known about NPS associated with a history of TBI in adults relative to adults without a history of TBI and to what extent NPS may be modulated by sex and other factors. Using the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center Uniform Data Set, we examined the association between Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Questionnaire (NPI-Q) scores in cognitively normal older adults with and without a history of TBI. A binomial logistic regression model was used to examine NPI-Q domains in adults with a history of TBI (n = 266) versus without a history of TBI (n = 1508). History of TBI, sex, age, and body mass index were used as covariates. Adults with a history of TBI had a greater probability of exhibiting agitation, anxiety, apathy, disinhibition and aberrant motor behavior relative to adults without a history of TBI. In terms of sex differences, males with and without a history of TBI had an increased likelihood of agitation, apathy, disinhibition, and apnea, whereas females had an increased likelihood of anxiety and insomnia relative to males. Our study confirms that history of TBI is associated with an increased prevalence of specific NPS, including agitation, anxiety, apathy, disinhibition, and aberrant motor behavior. Given that the aforementioned NPS are linked through different pathways, damage to any of them may cause an alteration in behavior. As well, NPS appear to be modulated by sex, with symptoms differing between males and females. Our research suggests future studies examining NPS sequelae of TBI should adjust for sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jahnavi Mundluru
- Keenan Research Center for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Abdul Subhan
- Keenan Research Center for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tsz Wai Bentley Lo
- Keenan Research Center for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nathan Churchill
- Keenan Research Center for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Neuroscience Research Program, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Luis Fornazzari
- Keenan Research Center for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David G Munoz
- Keenan Research Center for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Pathology, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tom A Schweizer
- Keenan Research Center for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Neuroscience Research Program, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Corinne E Fischer
- Keenan Research Center for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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35
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McCabe JT, Tucker LB. Sex as a Biological Variable in Preclinical Modeling of Blast-Related Traumatic Brain Injury. Front Neurol 2020; 11:541050. [PMID: 33101170 PMCID: PMC7554632 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.541050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Approaches to furthering our understanding of the bioeffects, behavioral changes, and treatment options following exposure to blast are a worldwide priority. Of particular need is a more concerted effort to employ animal models to determine possible sex differences, which have been reported in the clinical literature. In this review, clinical and preclinical reports concerning blast injury effects are summarized in relation to sex as a biological variable (SABV). The review outlines approaches that explore the pertinent role of sex chromosomes and gonadal steroids for delineating sex as a biological independent variable. Next, underlying biological factors that need exploration for blast effects in light of SABV are outlined, including pituitary, autonomic, vascular, and inflammation factors that all have evidence as having important SABV relevance. A major second consideration for the study of SABV and preclinical blast effects is the notable lack of consistent model design—a wide range of devices have been employed with questionable relevance to real-life scenarios—as well as poor standardization for reporting of blast parameters. Hence, the review also provides current views regarding optimal design of shock tubes for approaching the problem of primary blast effects and sex differences and outlines a plan for the regularization of reporting. Standardization and clear description of blast parameters will provide greater comparability across models, as well as unify consensus for important sex difference bioeffects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph T McCabe
- Pre-clinical Studies Core, Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Bethesda, IL, United States.,Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Genetics, F.E. Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Laura B Tucker
- Pre-clinical Studies Core, Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Bethesda, IL, United States.,Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Genetics, F.E. Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
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36
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Iverson KM, Sayer NA, Meterko M, Stolzmann K, Suri P, Gormley K, Nealon Seibert M, Yan K, Pogoda TK. Intimate Partner Violence Among Female OEF/OIF/OND Veterans Who Were Evaluated for Traumatic Brain Injury in the Veterans Health Administration: A Preliminary Investigation. J Interpers Violence 2020; 35:2422-2445. [PMID: 29294714 DOI: 10.1177/0886260517702491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Many female veterans have deployed to Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), and Operation New Dawn (OND), and some experience traumatic brain injury (TBI). Although TBI is increasingly recognized as an important health issue for female OEF/OIF/OND veterans, there is little attention to stressful experiences that may exacerbate health problems or hinder recovery among veterans who may have experienced TBI. Lifetime intimate partner violence (IPV) is common among general samples of female veterans. Given the negative implications of IPV on women's health, it is important to understand whether there is a relationship between lifetime IPV and health functioning among female veterans who have experienced possible TBI. This study provides an exploration of lifetime IPV and its associations with physical and mental health, as well as community reintegration, among female OEF/OIF/OND veterans who have been evaluated for TBI. The sample comprised 127 female veterans who participated in a larger study that examined reintegration among OEF/OIF/OND veterans who received a TBI evaluation in the Veterans Heath Administration (VHA) and completed an assessment of lifetime IPV. Primary and secondary data sources included survey responses (e.g., health symptoms and reintegration) and VHA administrative data (e.g., health diagnoses). Results indicated that nearly two thirds (63.0%) of women who completed a TBI evaluation reported lifetime IPV, though clinician-confirmed TBI was not associated with IPV. Women who experienced IPV, compared with those who did not, reported higher levels of neurobehavioral symptoms and were significantly more likely to have diagnoses of back pain (48.6% vs. 30.0%, respectively) and substance abuse (12.2% vs. 0%, respectively). Notwithstanding, women with and without lifetime IPV reported similar levels of reintegration. Findings provide evidence that lifetime IPV may be common among female OEF/OIF/OND veterans who are evaluated for TBI, and that IPV is associated with several treatable health problems among this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M Iverson
- Women's Health Sciences Division of the National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System, MA, USA
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Boston Healthcare System, MA, USA
- Boston University School of Medicine, MA, USA
| | - Nina A Sayer
- Minneapolis VA Medical Center, Minnesota, USA
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
| | - Mark Meterko
- VHA Office of Reporting, Analytics, Performance, Improvement and Deployment (RAPID), Bedford, MA, USA
- Boston University School of Public Health, MA, USA
| | - Kelly Stolzmann
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Boston Healthcare System, MA, USA
| | - Pradeep Suri
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington, USA
- University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Katelyn Gormley
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Boston Healthcare System, MA, USA
| | - Marjorie Nealon Seibert
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Boston Healthcare System, MA, USA
| | - Kun Yan
- Northern California VA Healthcare System, Sacramento, USA
| | - Terri K Pogoda
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Boston Healthcare System, MA, USA
- Boston University School of Public Health, MA, USA
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37
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Gray M, Adamson MM, Thompson RC, Kapphahn KI, Han S, Chung JS, Harris OA. Sex differences in symptom presentation and functional outcomes: a pilot study in a matched sample of veterans with mild TBI. Brain Inj 2020; 34:535-547. [DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2020.1725979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Max Gray
- Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center (DVBIC), VA Palo Alto Health Care System (VAPAHCS), Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Maheen M. Adamson
- Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center (DVBIC), VA Palo Alto Health Care System (VAPAHCS), Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Ryan C. Thompson
- Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center (DVBIC), VA Palo Alto Health Care System (VAPAHCS), Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | | | - Summer Han
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Joyce S. Chung
- Department of Polytrauma, VA Palo Alto Health Care System (VAPAHCS), Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Odette A. Harris
- Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center (DVBIC), VA Palo Alto Health Care System (VAPAHCS), Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Department of Polytrauma, VA Palo Alto Health Care System (VAPAHCS), Palo Alto, CA, USA
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Lin K, Mohney L, Tapia R. Gender and Sex Considerations in Traumatic Brain Injury. Concussion 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-65384-8.00014-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Cogan AM, McCaughey VK, Scholten J. Gender Differences in Outcomes after Traumatic Brain Injury among Service Members and Veterans. PM R 2019; 12:301-314. [PMID: 31400285 DOI: 10.1002/pmrj.12237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
This scoping study describes the range of outcomes in traumatic brain injury (TBI) studies of military service members and veterans addressing gender differences. A secondary purpose is to identify differences in outcomes between male and female participants in such studies. We searched PubMed, CiNAHL, and PsycInfo databases for relevant articles. Two reviewers independently screened results. Of 822 unique titles and abstracts screened for eligibility, 55 full articles were reviewed, with 29 studies meeting full inclusion criteria. Twenty of the 29 included studies used retrospective designs and all but two used data collected from Veterans Affairs or Department of Defense health care settings. TBI was diagnosed by self-report, screening, and evaluation procedures, and medical record documentation. Ten different outcome categories were identified among the included studies. In general, female service members and veterans have not been well represented in TBI outcomes research. Evidence suggests that female veterans with mild TBI (mTBI) report more neurobehavioral symptoms and use more outpatient services than male veterans. Studies also indicate that female veterans with TBI are more frequently diagnosed with depression. Additional research is essential to support precision treatment recommendations for female veterans with TBI, as women represent a growing proportion of the patients served by the Veterans Health Administration. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison M Cogan
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Washington DC VA Medical Center, Washington, DC
| | - Virginia K McCaughey
- Women's Health Sciences Division, National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA
| | - Joel Scholten
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Program Office, Veterans Health Administration, Washington, DC
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Kotzias V, Engel CC, Ramchand R, Ayer L, Predmore Z, Ebener P, Haas GL, Kemp JE, Karras E. Mental Health Service Preferences and Utilization Among Women Veterans in Crisis: Perspectives of Veterans Crisis Line Responders. J Behav Health Serv Res 2019; 46:29-42. [PMID: 30298442 DOI: 10.1007/s11414-018-9635-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Women military veterans are at increased risk of suicide compared to non-veterans, but little is known about the mental health service preferences and needs of women veterans in crisis. This study used qualitative, secondary source key informant interviews to ascertain the experiences of women veterans in crisis from 54 responders working at the Veterans Crisis Line. Responders indicated that women veterans reported different experiences with Veterans Administration (VA) and non-VA care, though drivers of satisfaction or dissatisfaction were similar. Availability of specialty care, sensitivity to veterans' issues or Military Sexual Trauma, strong provider relationships, and continuity of care contributed to satisfaction; lengthy appointment wait times, limited service options, and insensitivity to veterans' issues contributed to dissatisfaction. Responders suggested that barriers limiting VA access for women veterans are perceived as similar to non-VA care. Findings suggest that caller experiences with providers drive satisfaction with VA and non-VA mental health services.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Charles C Engel
- RAND Corporation, 20 Park Plaza, 9th Floor, Suite 920, Boston, MA, 02116, USA
| | - Rajeev Ramchand
- RAND Corporation, 1200 S. Hayes St., Arlington, VA, 22202, USA
| | - Lynsay Ayer
- RAND Corporation, 1200 S. Hayes St., Arlington, VA, 22202, USA
| | | | - Patricia Ebener
- RAND Corporation, 1776 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA, 90401-3208, USA
| | - Gretchen L Haas
- VISN 4 MIRECC, Department of Veterans Affairs, 323 North Shore Drive, Suite 400, Pittsburgh, PA, 15212, USA
| | - Janet E Kemp
- VISN 2 Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention, Department of Veterans Affairs, 400 Fort Hill Ave, Canandaigua, NY, 14424, USA
| | - Elizabeth Karras
- VISN 2 Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention, Department of Veterans Affairs, 400 Fort Hill Ave, Canandaigua, NY, 14424, USA
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Bryden DW, Tilghman JI, Hinds SR. Blast-Related Traumatic Brain Injury: Current Concepts and Research Considerations. J Exp Neurosci 2019; 13:1179069519872213. [PMID: 31548796 PMCID: PMC6743194 DOI: 10.1177/1179069519872213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a well-known consequence of participation in
activities such as military combat or collision sports. But the wide variability
in eliciting circumstances and injury severities makes the study of TBI as a
uniform disease state impossible. Military Service members are under additional,
unique threats such as exposure to explosive blast and its unique effects on the
body. This review is aimed toward TBI researchers, as it covers important
concepts and considerations for studying blast-induced head trauma. These
include the comparability of blast-induced head trauma to other mechanisms of
TBI, whether blast overpressure induces measureable biomarkers, and whether a
biodosimeter can link blast exposure to health outcomes, using acute radiation
exposure as a corollary. This examination is contextualized by the understanding
of concussive events and their psychological effects throughout the past
century’s wars, as well as the variables that predict sustaining a TBI and those
that precipitate or exacerbate psychological conditions. Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely the views of the
authors and not those of the Department of Defense Blast Injury Research
Coordinating Office, US Army Medical Research and Development Command, US Army
Futures Command, US Army, or the Department of Defense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel W Bryden
- Booz Allen Hamilton, contract support to DoD Blast Injury Research Coordinating Office, US Army Medical Research and Development Command, Fort Detrick, MD, USA
| | - Jessica I Tilghman
- Booz Allen Hamilton, contract support to DoD Blast Injury Research Coordinating Office, US Army Medical Research and Development Command, Fort Detrick, MD, USA
| | - Sidney R Hinds
- DoD Blast Injury Research Coordinating Office, US Army Medical Research and Development Command, Fort Detrick, MD, USA
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Tucker LB, Winston BS, Liu J, Velosky AG, Fu AH, Grillakis AA, McCabe JT. Sex differences in cued fear responses and parvalbumin cell density in the hippocampus following repetitive concussive brain injuries in C57BL/6J mice. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0222153. [PMID: 31487322 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0222153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
There is strong evidence to suggest a link between repeated head trauma and cognitive and emotional disorders, and Repetitive concussive brain injuries (rCBI) may also be a risk factor for depression and anxiety disorders. Animal models of brain injury afford the opportunity for controlled study of the effects of injury on functional outcomes. In this study, male and cycling female C57BL/6J mice sustained rCBI (3x) at 24-hr intervals and were tested in a context and cued fear conditioning paradigm, open field (OF), elevated zero maze and tail suspension test. All mice with rCBI showed less freezing behavior than sham control mice during the fear conditioning context test. Injured male, but not female mice also froze less in response to the auditory cue (tone). Injured mice were hyperactive in an OF environment and spent more time in the open quadrants of the elevated zero maze, suggesting decreased anxiety, but there were no differences between injured mice and sham-controls in depressive-like activity on the tail suspension test. Pathologically, injured mice showed increased astrogliosis in the injured cortex and white matter tracts (optic tracts and corpus callosum). There were no changes in the number of parvalbumin-positive interneurons in the cortex or amygdala, but injured male mice had fewer parvalbumin-positive neurons in the hippocampus. Parvalbumin-reactive interneurons of the hippocampus have been previously demonstrated to be involved in hippocampal-cortical interactions required for memory consolidation, and it is possible memory changes in the fear-conditioning paradigm following rCBI are the result of more subtle imbalances in excitation and inhibition both within the amygdala and hippocampus, and between more widespread brain regions that are injured following a diffuse brain injury.
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Abstract
There is growing recognition of the problem of male bias in neuroscience research, including in the field of traumatic brain injury (TBI) where fewer women than men are recruited to clinical trials and male rodents have predominantly been used as an experimental injury model. Despite TBI being a leading cause of mortality and disability worldwide, sex differences in pathophysiology and recovery are poorly understood, limiting clinical care and successful drug development. Given growing interest in sex as a biological variable affecting injury outcomes and treatment efficacy, there is a clear need to summarize sex differences in TBI. This scoping review presents an overview of current knowledge of sex differences in TBI and a comparison of human and animal studies. We found that overall, human studies report worse outcomes in women than men, whereas animal studies report better outcomes in females than males. However, closer examination shows that multiple factors including injury severity, sample size, and experimental injury model may differentially interact with sex to affect TBI outcomes. Additionally, we explore how sex differences in mitochondrial structure and function might contribute to possible sex differences in TBI outcomes. We propose recommendations for future investigations of sex differences in TBI, which we hope will lead to improved patient management, prognosis, and translation of therapies from bench to bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raeesa Gupte
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - William Brooks
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
- Hoglund Brain Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
- The University of Kansas Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Rachel Vukas
- School of Medicine, Dykes Library of Health Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Janet Pierce
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Janna Harris
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
- Hoglund Brain Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
- Address correspondence to: Janna Harris, PhD, Hoglund Brain Imaging Center, MS 1052, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS 66160
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Avallone KM, Smith ER, Ma S, Gargan S, Porter KE, Authier CC, Martis B, Liberzon I, Rauch SAM. PTSD as a Mediator in the Relationship Between Post-Concussive Symptoms and Pain Among OEF/OIF/OND Veterans. Mil Med 2019; 184:e118-e123. [PMID: 30215758 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usy225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Traumatic brain injury (TBI), pain, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) commonly co-occur in Veteran populations, particularly among Veterans returning from the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Extant research indicates that both TBI and PTSD can negatively impact pain broadly; however, less is known about how these variables impact one another. The current study examines the impact of self-reported post-concussive symptoms on both pain severity and pain interference among Veterans with PTSD who screened positive for a possible TBI, and subsequently, evaluates the potential mediating role of PTSD in these relationships. Materials and Methods Participants were 126 combat Veterans that served in Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, or Operation New Dawn who were being evaluated for participation in a multisite treatment outcomes study. As part of an initial evaluation for inclusion in the study, participants completed several self-report measures and interviews, including the Brief Traumatic Brain Injury Screen, Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory, Brief Pain Inventory, and the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale, which were utilized in these analyses. Results For pain severity, greater post-concussive symptoms significantly predicted increased pain severity with a significant indirect effect of post-concussive symptoms on pain severity through PTSD (indirect effect = 0.03; 95% confidence interval = 0.0094-0.0526). Similar results were found for pain interference (indirect effect = 0.03; 95% confidence interval = 0.0075-0.0471). Conclusions These findings replicate and extend previous findings regarding the relationship between TBI, pain, and PTSD. Self-reported post-concussive symptoms negatively impact both pain severity and pain interference among Veterans with probable TBI, and PTSD serves as a mediator in these relationships. Clinically, these results highlight the importance of fully assessing for PTSD symptoms in Veterans with a history of TBI presenting with pain. Further, it is possible that providing effective PTSD treatment to reduce PTSD severity may provide some benefit in reducing post-concussive and pain symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly M Avallone
- Mental Health Service, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, 2215 Fuller Rd Ann Arbor, MI.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, 500S State St Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Erin R Smith
- Mental Health Service, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, 2215 Fuller Rd Ann Arbor, MI.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, 500S State St Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Sean Ma
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, 500S State St Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Sean Gargan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, 500S State St Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Katherine E Porter
- Mental Health Service, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, 2215 Fuller Rd Ann Arbor, MI.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, 500S State St Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Caitlin C Authier
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, 500S State St Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Brian Martis
- Mental Health Service, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, 2215 Fuller Rd Ann Arbor, MI.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, 500S State St Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Israel Liberzon
- Mental Health Service, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, 2215 Fuller Rd Ann Arbor, MI.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, 500S State St Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Sheila A M Rauch
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, 1648 Pierce Dr NE Atlanta, GA.,Mental Health Service Line, Atlanta VA Medical Center, 1670 Clairmont Rd. Decatur, GA
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Yue JK, Levin HS, Suen CG, Morrissey MR, Runyon SJ, Winkler EA, Puffer RC, Deng H, Robinson CK, Rick JW, Phelps RRL, Sharma S, Taylor SR, Vassar MJ, Cnossen MC, Lingsma HF, Gardner RC, Temkin NR, Barber J, Dikmen SS, Yuh EL, Mukherjee P, Stein MB, Cage TA, Valadka AB, Okonkwo DO, Manley GT. Age and sex-mediated differences in six-month outcomes after mild traumatic brain injury in young adults: a TRACK-TBI study. Neurol Res 2019; 41:609-623. [PMID: 31007155 DOI: 10.1080/01616412.2019.1602312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Risk factors for young adults with mTBI are not well understood. Improved understanding of age and sex as risk factors for impaired six-month outcomes in young adults is needed. Methods: Young adult mTBI subjects aged 18-39 years (18-29y; 30-39y) with six-month outcomes were extracted from the Transforming Research and Clinical Knowledge in Traumatic Brain Injury Pilot (TRACK-TBI Pilot) study. Multivariable regressions were performed for outcomes with age, sex, and the interaction factor age-group*sex as variables of interest, controlling for demographic and injury variables. Mean-differences (B) and 95% CIs are reported. Results: One hundred mTBI subjects (18-29y, 70%; 30-39y, 30%; male, 71%; female, 29%) met inclusion criteria. On multivariable analysis, age-group*sex was associated with six-month post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD; PTSD Checklist-Civilian version); compared with female 30-39y, female 18-29y (B= -19.55 [-26.54, -4.45]), male 18-29y (B= -19.70 [-30.07, -9.33]), and male 30-39y (B= -15.49 [-26.54, -4.45]) were associated with decreased PTSD symptomatology. Female sex was associated with decreased six-month functional outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOSE): B= -0.6 [1.0, -0.1]). Comparatively, 30-39y scored higher on six-month nonverbal processing speed (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Processing Speed Index (WAIS-PSI); B= 11.88, 95% CI [1.66, 22.09]). Conclusions: Following mTBI, young adults aged 18-29y and 30-39y may have different risks for impairment. Sex may interact with age for PTSD symptomatology, with females 30-39y at highest risk. These results may be attributable to cortical maturation, biological response, social modifiers, and/or differential self-report. Confirmation in larger samples is needed; however, prevention and rehabilitation/counseling strategies after mTBI should likely be tailored for age and sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- John K Yue
- a Department of Neurological Surgery , University of California San Francisco , San Francisco , CA , USA.,b Brain and Spinal Injury Center , Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital , San Francisco , CA , USA
| | - Harvey S Levin
- c Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery , Baylor College of Medicine , Houston , TX , USA
| | - Catherine G Suen
- d Department of Neurology , University of Utah , Salt Lake City , UT , USA
| | - Molly Rose Morrissey
- a Department of Neurological Surgery , University of California San Francisco , San Francisco , CA , USA.,b Brain and Spinal Injury Center , Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital , San Francisco , CA , USA
| | - Sarah J Runyon
- a Department of Neurological Surgery , University of California San Francisco , San Francisco , CA , USA.,b Brain and Spinal Injury Center , Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital , San Francisco , CA , USA
| | - Ethan A Winkler
- a Department of Neurological Surgery , University of California San Francisco , San Francisco , CA , USA.,b Brain and Spinal Injury Center , Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital , San Francisco , CA , USA
| | - Ross C Puffer
- e Department of Neurological Surgery , Mayo Clinic , Rochester , MN , USA.,f Department of Neurological Surgery , University of Pittsburgh Medical Center , Pittsburgh , PA , USA
| | - Hansen Deng
- a Department of Neurological Surgery , University of California San Francisco , San Francisco , CA , USA.,b Brain and Spinal Injury Center , Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital , San Francisco , CA , USA
| | - Caitlin K Robinson
- a Department of Neurological Surgery , University of California San Francisco , San Francisco , CA , USA.,b Brain and Spinal Injury Center , Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital , San Francisco , CA , USA
| | - Jonathan W Rick
- a Department of Neurological Surgery , University of California San Francisco , San Francisco , CA , USA.,b Brain and Spinal Injury Center , Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital , San Francisco , CA , USA
| | - Ryan R L Phelps
- a Department of Neurological Surgery , University of California San Francisco , San Francisco , CA , USA.,b Brain and Spinal Injury Center , Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital , San Francisco , CA , USA
| | - Sourabh Sharma
- a Department of Neurological Surgery , University of California San Francisco , San Francisco , CA , USA.,b Brain and Spinal Injury Center , Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital , San Francisco , CA , USA
| | - Sabrina R Taylor
- a Department of Neurological Surgery , University of California San Francisco , San Francisco , CA , USA.,b Brain and Spinal Injury Center , Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital , San Francisco , CA , USA
| | - Mary J Vassar
- a Department of Neurological Surgery , University of California San Francisco , San Francisco , CA , USA.,b Brain and Spinal Injury Center , Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital , San Francisco , CA , USA
| | - Maryse C Cnossen
- g Department of Public Health , Erasmus Medical Center , Rotterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Hester F Lingsma
- g Department of Public Health , Erasmus Medical Center , Rotterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Raquel C Gardner
- h Department of Neurology , University of California San Francisco , San Francisco , CA , USA.,i Department of Neurology , Veterans Affairs Medical Center , San Francisco , CA , USA
| | - Nancy R Temkin
- j Departments of Neurological Surgery and Biostatistics , University of Washington , Seattle , WA , USA
| | - Jason Barber
- j Departments of Neurological Surgery and Biostatistics , University of Washington , Seattle , WA , USA
| | - Sureyya S Dikmen
- k Department of Rehabilitation Medicine , University of Washington , Seattle , WA , USA
| | - Esther L Yuh
- b Brain and Spinal Injury Center , Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital , San Francisco , CA , USA.,l Department of Radiology , University of California San Francisco , San Francisco , CA , USA
| | - Pratik Mukherjee
- b Brain and Spinal Injury Center , Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital , San Francisco , CA , USA.,l Department of Radiology , University of California San Francisco , San Francisco , CA , USA
| | - Murray B Stein
- m Departments of Psychiatry and Family Medicine , University of California San Diego , San Diego , CA , USA
| | - Tene A Cage
- a Department of Neurological Surgery , University of California San Francisco , San Francisco , CA , USA.,b Brain and Spinal Injury Center , Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital , San Francisco , CA , USA
| | - Alex B Valadka
- n Department of Neurological Surgery , Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond , VA , USA
| | - David O Okonkwo
- f Department of Neurological Surgery , University of Pittsburgh Medical Center , Pittsburgh , PA , USA
| | - Geoffrey T Manley
- a Department of Neurological Surgery , University of California San Francisco , San Francisco , CA , USA.,b Brain and Spinal Injury Center , Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital , San Francisco , CA , USA
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- o TRACK-TBI Investigators are listed below in alphabetical order by last name
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Epstein EL, Martindale SL, Va Mid-Atlantic Mirecc Workgroup, Miskey HM. Posttraumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain Injury: Sex differences in veterans. Psychiatry Res 2019; 274:105-111. [PMID: 30784779 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2019.01.097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Revised: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Around half of Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI) have co-occurring posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Research on the differences between male and female veterans with co-occurring PTSD/TBI is sparse. This study evaluated behavioral health differences between sexes with these conditions. Veterans (N = 1577) completed a structured psychiatric interview, TBI interview, and self-report interviews assessing sleep quality, alcohol use, substance use, pain, depression symptoms, PTSD symptoms, and combat exposure. Groups depended on the presence/absence of a lifetime PTSD diagnosis and history of TBI. Among veterans with PTSD and TBI, males and females were equally likely to meet criteria for current PTSD, and in the PTSD only group, male veterans were more likely to have current PTSD. Male veterans with PTSD were also more likely to meet criteria for lifetime alcohol and substance use disorders (AUD and SUD), and mild TBI. Although TBI severity did not differ between sexes in the TBI only group, female veterans were more likely to have a moderate/severe TBI among veterans with co-occurring PTSD. Female veterans without PTSD and TBI were more likely to have major depressive disorder (MDD). Significant sex differences were found for AUD, MDD, current PTSD, and TBI severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica L Epstein
- Salisbury VA Health Care System, 1601 Brenner Ave, Salisbury, NC 28144, USA; VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), 508 Fulton St, Durham, NC 27705, USA; Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA.
| | - Sarah L Martindale
- Salisbury VA Health Care System, 1601 Brenner Ave, Salisbury, NC 28144, USA; VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), 508 Fulton St, Durham, NC 27705, USA; Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA.
| | | | - Holly M Miskey
- Salisbury VA Health Care System, 1601 Brenner Ave, Salisbury, NC 28144, USA; VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), 508 Fulton St, Durham, NC 27705, USA; Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA.
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Yaffe K, Lwi SJ, Hoang TD, Xia F, Barnes DE, Maguen S, Peltz CB. Military-related risk factors in female veterans and risk of dementia. Neurology 2019; 92:e205-e211. [PMID: 30541865 PMCID: PMC6340384 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000006778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether diagnoses of traumatic brain injury (TBI), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression, alone or in combination, increase dementia risk among older female veterans. METHODS This cohort study included data from 109,140 female veterans ≥55 years of age receiving care from Veterans Health Administration medical centers in the United States between October 2004 and September 2015 with at least 1 follow-up visit. TBI, PTSD, depression, and medical conditions at study baseline and incident dementia were determined according to ICD-9-CM codes. Fine-Gray proportional hazards models were used to determine the association between military-related risk factors and dementia diagnosis, accounting for the competing risk of death. RESULTS During follow-up (mean 4.0 years, SD 2.3), 4% of female veterans (n = 4,125) developed dementia. After adjustment for demographics and medical conditions, women with TBI, PTSD, and depression had a significant increase in risk of developing dementia compared to women without these diagnoses (TBI-adjusted subdistribution hazard ratio [adjusted sHR] 1.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-2.20; PTSD adjusted sHR 1.78, 95% CI 1.34-2.36; and depression-adjusted sHR 1.67, 95% CI 1.55-1.80), while women with >1 diagnosis had the highest risk for dementia (adjusted sHR 2.15, 95% CI 1.84-2.51). CONCLUSIONS We found that women with military-related risk factors had an ≈50% to 80% increase in developing dementia relative to women without these diagnoses, while female veterans with multiple risk factors had a >2-fold risk of developing dementia. These findings highlight the need for increased screening of TBI, PTSD, and depression in older women, especially female veterans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine Yaffe
- From the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health Care System (K.Y., S.J.L., T.D.H., F.X., D.E.B., S.M., C.B.P.); and Departments of Psychiatry (K.Y., D.E.B., S.M.), Neurology (K.Y.), and Epidemiology & Biostatistics (K.Y.), University of California, San Francisco.
| | - Sandy J Lwi
- From the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health Care System (K.Y., S.J.L., T.D.H., F.X., D.E.B., S.M., C.B.P.); and Departments of Psychiatry (K.Y., D.E.B., S.M.), Neurology (K.Y.), and Epidemiology & Biostatistics (K.Y.), University of California, San Francisco
| | - Tina D Hoang
- From the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health Care System (K.Y., S.J.L., T.D.H., F.X., D.E.B., S.M., C.B.P.); and Departments of Psychiatry (K.Y., D.E.B., S.M.), Neurology (K.Y.), and Epidemiology & Biostatistics (K.Y.), University of California, San Francisco
| | - Feng Xia
- From the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health Care System (K.Y., S.J.L., T.D.H., F.X., D.E.B., S.M., C.B.P.); and Departments of Psychiatry (K.Y., D.E.B., S.M.), Neurology (K.Y.), and Epidemiology & Biostatistics (K.Y.), University of California, San Francisco
| | - Deborah E Barnes
- From the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health Care System (K.Y., S.J.L., T.D.H., F.X., D.E.B., S.M., C.B.P.); and Departments of Psychiatry (K.Y., D.E.B., S.M.), Neurology (K.Y.), and Epidemiology & Biostatistics (K.Y.), University of California, San Francisco
| | - Shira Maguen
- From the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health Care System (K.Y., S.J.L., T.D.H., F.X., D.E.B., S.M., C.B.P.); and Departments of Psychiatry (K.Y., D.E.B., S.M.), Neurology (K.Y.), and Epidemiology & Biostatistics (K.Y.), University of California, San Francisco
| | - Carrie B Peltz
- From the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health Care System (K.Y., S.J.L., T.D.H., F.X., D.E.B., S.M., C.B.P.); and Departments of Psychiatry (K.Y., D.E.B., S.M.), Neurology (K.Y.), and Epidemiology & Biostatistics (K.Y.), University of California, San Francisco
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Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this review was to examine sex differences in concussion, or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) outcome, updating previous critical reviews of the literature. Method: Within adult human studies, we reviewed a wide range of concussion outcome variables: prevalence of concussion, injury characteristics, postconcussion symptom trajectories and psychiatric distress, neuropsychological performance, and neuroimaging findings. Sports-related concussion, civilian, and military samples were included in the review. Results: Given the robust concussion literature, there is a relative paucity of research addressing sex differences following concussion. The majority of available studies focused on sports-related concussion, with fewer studies targeting other civilian causes of concussion or military-related concussion in females. Prevalence of concussion was generally reported to be higher in females than males. Although symptom reporting largely showed a pattern for females to report greater overall symptoms than males, examining individual symptoms or symptom clusters resulted in mixed findings between the sexes. Neuropsychological studies generally showed females performing more poorly than males on measures of visual memory following concussion, though this finding was not consistently reported. Conclusion: Research examining sex differences in humans following concussion, in general, is in its infancy, and exploration of sex differences in studies outside of the sports concussion domain is particularly nascent. Given the increased prevalence of concussion and potential higher symptom reporting among women, ongoing research is necessary to better understand the role of biological sex on outcome following concussion. Understanding sex differences has important implications for assessment, management, and treatment of concussion.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christine R Padgett
- b School of Medicine (Psychology), University of Tasmania , Hobart , TAS , Australia
| | - Amy J Jak
- a VA San Diego Healthcare System , San Diego , CA , USA.,c University of California San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry , La Jolla , CA , USA
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49
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Amara JH, Stolzmann KL, Iverson KM, Pogoda TK. Predictors of Employment Status in Male and Female Post-9/11 Veterans Evaluated for Traumatic Brain Injury. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2019; 34:11-20. [DOI: 10.1097/htr.0000000000000404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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50
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Abstract
Since the inception of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars, an increasing number of veterans have sought treatment from the Department of Veterans Affairs for combat-related injuries. Many veterans experience postconcussive symptoms, traumatic stress, chronic pain, sensory deficits, and/or headaches. The goal of this article was to highlight some of the challenges treatment providers may face, while providing rehabilitation specialists with important evaluation and treatment considerations in working with this population to maximize outcomes for these veterans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan P Merritt
- James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, 13000 Bruce B Downs Boulevard #117, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; Department of Neurology, University of South Florida Medical School, 4202 E Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL 33620, USA.
| | - Tracy Kretzmer
- James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, 13000 Bruce B Downs Boulevard #117, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; Department of Psychology, University of South Florida Medical School, 4202 E Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Tamara L McKenzie-Hartman
- James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, 13000 Bruce B Downs Boulevard #117, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center (DVBIC), Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Praveen Gootam
- James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, 13000 Bruce B Downs Boulevard #117, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, University of South Florida Medical School, 4202 E Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
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