1
|
Clark JMR, Keller AV, Maye JE, Jak AJ, O'Neil ME, Williams RM, Turner AP, Pagulayan KF, Twamley EW. Neuropsychological Correlates of PTSD and Depressive Symptom Improvement in Compensatory Cognitive Training for Veterans With a History of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. Mil Med 2024; 189:e1263-e1269. [PMID: 37966488 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usad442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), depression, and PTSD are highly prevalent in post-9/11 veterans. With the comorbidity of depression and PTSD in post-9/11 veterans with mTBI histories and their role in exacerbating cognitive and emotional dysfunction, interventions addressing cognitive and psychiatric functioning are critical. Compensatory Cognitive Training (CCT) is associated with improvements in prospective memory, attention, and executive functioning and has also yielded small-to-medium treatment effects on PTSD and depressive symptom severity. We sought to examine neuropsychological correlates of PTSD and depressive symptom improvement in veterans with a history of mTBI who received CCT. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-seven post-9/11 veterans with mTBI histories and cognitive complaints received 10 weekly 120-minute CCT group sessions. Participants completed a baseline neuropsychological assessment, including tests of premorbid functioning, attention/working memory, processing speed, verbal learning/memory, and executive functioning, and completed psychiatric symptom measures (PTSD and depression) at baseline, post-treatment, and a 5-week follow-up. Paired samples t-tests were used to examine statistically significant changes in PTSD (total and symptom cluster scores) and depressive symptom scores over time. Pearson's correlations were calculated between neuropsychological scores and PTSD and depressive symptom change scores at post-treatment and follow-up. Neuropsychological measures identified as significantly correlated with psychiatric symptom change scores were entered as independent variables in multivariable regression analyses to examine their association with symptom change at post-treatment and follow-up. RESULTS Over 50% of CCT participants had clinically meaningful improvement in depressive symptoms (≥17.5% score reduction), and over 20% had clinically meaningful improvement in PTSD symptoms (≥10-point improvement) at post-treatment and follow-up. Examination of PTSD symptom cluster scores revealed a statistically significant improvement in avoidance/numbing at follow-up. Bivariate correlations indicated that worse baseline performance on Category Fluency was moderately associated with PTSD symptom improvement at post-treatment. Worse performance on both Category Fluency and Category Switching Accuracy was associated with improvement in depressive symptoms at post-treatment and follow-up. Worse performance on Trail-Making Number-Letter Switching was also associated with improvement in depressive symptoms at follow-up. Subsequent regression analyses revealed that worse processing speed and worse aspects of executive functioning at baseline were associated with depressive symptom improvement at post-treatment and follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Worse baseline performances on tests of processing speed and aspects of executive functioning were significantly associated with improvements in PTSD and depressive symptoms during the trial. Our results suggest that cognitive training may bolster skills that are helpful for PTSD and depressive symptom reduction and that those with worse baseline functioning may benefit more from treatment because they have more room to improve.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jillian M R Clark
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA 92161, USA
- Mental Health Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA 92161, USA
| | - Amber V Keller
- Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA 92161, USA
- SDSU/UC San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, CA 92120, USA
| | - Jacqueline E Maye
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA 92161, USA
- Mental Health Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA 92161, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Amy J Jak
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA 92161, USA
- Mental Health Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA 92161, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Maya E O'Neil
- VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239-3098, USA
| | - Rhonda M Williams
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Aaron P Turner
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Kathleen F Pagulayan
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Elizabeth W Twamley
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA 92161, USA
- Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA 92161, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Terry G, Pagulayan KF, Muzi M, Mayer C, Murray DR, Schindler AG, Richards TL, McEvoy C, Crabtree A, McNamara C, Means G, Muench P, Powell JR, Mihalik JP, Thomas RG, Raskind MA, Peskind ER, Meabon JS. Increased [ 18F]Fluorodeoxyglucose Uptake in the Left Pallidum in Military Veterans with Blast-Related Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: Potential as an Imaging Biomarker and Mediation with Executive Dysfunction and Cognitive Impairment. J Neurotrauma 2024. [PMID: 38661540 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2023.0429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Blast-related mild traumatic brain injury (blast-mTBI) can result in a spectrum of persistent symptoms leading to substantial functional impairment and reduced quality of life. Clinical evaluation and discernment from other conditions common to military service can be challenging and subject to patient recall bias and the limitations of available assessment measures. The need for objective biomarkers to facilitate accurate diagnosis, not just for symptom management and rehabilitation but for prognostication and disability compensation purposes is clear. Toward this end, we compared regional brain [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography ([18F]FDG-PET) intensity-scaled uptake measurements and motor, neuropsychological, and behavioral assessments in 79 combat Veterans with retrospectively recalled blast-mTBI with 41 control participants having no lifetime history of TBI. Using an agnostic and unbiased approach, we found significantly increased left pallidum [18F]FDG-uptake in Veterans with blast-mTBI versus control participants, p < 0.0001; q = 3.29 × 10-9 [Cohen's d, 1.38, 95% confidence interval (0.96, 1.79)]. The degree of left pallidum [18F]FDG-uptake correlated with the number of self-reported blast-mTBIs, r2 = 0.22; p < 0.0001. Greater [18F]FDG-uptake in the left pallidum provided excellent discrimination between Veterans with blast-mTBI and controls, with a receiver operator characteristic area under the curve of 0.859 (p < 0.0001) and likelihood ratio of 21.19 (threshold:SUVR ≥ 0.895). Deficits in executive function assessed using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Adult Global Executive Composite T-score were identified in Veterans with blast-mTBI compared with controls, p < 0.0001. Regression-based mediation analyses determined that in Veterans with blast-mTBI, increased [18F]FDG-uptake in the left pallidum-mediated executive function impairments, adjusted causal mediation estimate p = 0.021; total effect estimate, p = 0.039. Measures of working and prospective memory (Auditory Consonant Trigrams test and Memory for Intentions Test, respectively) were negatively correlated with left pallidum [18F]FDG-uptake, p < 0.0001, with mTBI as a covariate. Increased left pallidum [18F]FDG-uptake in Veterans with blast-mTBI compared with controls did not covary with dominant handedness or with motor activity assessed using the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale. Localized increased [18F]FDG-uptake in the left pallidum may reflect a compensatory response to functional deficits following blast-mTBI. Limited imaging resolution does not allow us to distinguish subregions of the pallidum; however, the significant correlation of our data with behavioral but not motor outcomes suggests involvement of the ventral pallidum, which is known to regulate motivation, behavior, and emotions through basal ganglia-thalamo-cortical circuits. Increased [18F]FDG-uptake in the left pallidum in blast-mTBI versus control participants was consistently identified using two different PET scanners, supporting the generalizability of this finding. Although confirmation of our results by single-subject-to-cohort analyses will be required before clinical deployment, this study provides proof of concept that [18F]FDG-PET bears promise as a readily available noninvasive biomarker for blast-mTBI. Further, our findings support a causative relationship between executive dysfunction and increased [18F]FDG-uptake in the left pallidum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Garth Terry
- Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), VA Puget Sound Health Care System (VA Puget Sound), Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Kathleen F Pagulayan
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Mark Muzi
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Cynthia Mayer
- Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), VA Puget Sound Health Care System (VA Puget Sound), Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Daniel R Murray
- Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), VA Puget Sound Health Care System (VA Puget Sound), Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Abigail G Schindler
- Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), VA Puget Sound Health Care System (VA Puget Sound), Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center (GRECC), VA Puget Sound Health Care System (VA Puget Sound), Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Todd L Richards
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Cory McEvoy
- United States Army Special Operations Command, Fort Liberty, North Carolina, USA
| | - Adam Crabtree
- United States Army Special Operations Command, Fort Liberty, North Carolina, USA
| | - Chris McNamara
- United States Army Special Operations Command, Fort Liberty, North Carolina, USA
| | - Gary Means
- United States Army Special Operations Command, Fort Liberty, North Carolina, USA
| | - Peter Muench
- United States Army Special Operations Command, Fort Liberty, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jacob R Powell
- Matthew Gfeller Center, Department of Exercise and Sport Science, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Stallings-Evans Sports Medicine Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jason P Mihalik
- Matthew Gfeller Center, Department of Exercise and Sport Science, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Stallings-Evans Sports Medicine Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ronald G Thomas
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Family Medicine & Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Murray A Raskind
- Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), VA Puget Sound Health Care System (VA Puget Sound), Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Elaine R Peskind
- Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), VA Puget Sound Health Care System (VA Puget Sound), Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - James S Meabon
- Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), VA Puget Sound Health Care System (VA Puget Sound), Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Little RB, Carter SJ, Motl RW, Hunter G, Cook A, Liu N, Krontiras H, Lefkowitz EJ, Turan B, Schleicher E, Rogers LQ. Role of Gut Microbe Composition in Psychosocial Symptom Response to Exercise Training in Breast Cancer Survivors (ROME) study: protocol for a randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e081660. [PMID: 38702085 PMCID: PMC11086582 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-081660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Breast cancer survivors have an increased risk for chronic fatigue and altered gut microbiota composition, both with negative health and quality of life affects. Exercise modestly improves fatigue and is linked to gut microbial diversity and production of beneficial metabolites. Studies suggest that gut microbiota composition is a potential mechanism underlying fatigue response to exercise. Randomised controlled trials testing the effects of exercise on the gut microbiome are limited and there is a scarcity of findings specific to breast cancer survivors. The objective of this study is to determine if fitness-related modifications to gut microbiota occur and, if so, mediate the effects of aerobic exercise on fatigue response. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The research is a randomised controlled trial among breast cancer survivors aged 18-74 with fatigue. The primary aim is to determine the effects of aerobic exercise training compared with an attention control on gut microbiota composition. The secondary study aims are to test if exercise training (1) affects the gut microbiota composition directly and/or indirectly through inflammation (serum cytokines), autonomic nervous system (heart rate variability) or hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis mediators (hair cortisol assays), and (2) effects on fatigue are direct and/or indirect through changes in the gut microbiota composition. All participants receive a standardised controlled diet. Assessments occur at baseline, 5 weeks, 10 weeks and 15 weeks (5 weeks post intervention completion). Faecal samples collect the gut microbiome and 16S gene sequencing will identify the microbiome. Fatigue is measured by a 13-item multidimensional fatigue scale. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The University of Alabama at Birmingham Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved this study on 15 May 2019, UAB IRB#30000320. A Data and Safety Monitoring Board convenes annually or more often if indicated. Findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04088708.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca B Little
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Stephen J Carter
- Department of Kinesiology, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Robert W Motl
- Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Gary Hunter
- Department of Nutrition Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Abby Cook
- Baylor Scott & White Medical Center Temple, Temple, Texas, USA
| | - Nianjun Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Helen Krontiras
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Elliot J Lefkowitz
- Department of Computer Science, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Bulent Turan
- Department of Psychology, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Erica Schleicher
- Department of Health Behavior, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Laura Q Rogers
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Arora IH, Woscoboinik GG, Mokhtar S, Quagliarini B, Bartal A, Jagodnik KM, Barry RL, Edlow AG, Orr SP, Dekel S. Establishing the validity of a diagnostic questionnaire for childbirth-related posttraumatic stress disorder. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2023:S0002-9378(23)02031-8. [PMID: 37981091 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.11.1229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Labor and delivery can entail complications and severe maternal morbidities that threaten a woman's life or cause her to believe that her life is in danger. Women with these experiences are at risk for developing posttraumatic stress disorder. Postpartum posttraumatic stress disorder, or childbirth-related posttraumatic stress disorder, can become an enduring and debilitating condition. At present, validated tools for a rapid and efficient screen for childbirth-related posttraumatic stress disorder are lacking. OBJECTIVE We examined the diagnostic validity of the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, for detecting posttraumatic stress disorder among women who have had a traumatic childbirth. This Checklist assesses the 20 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and is a commonly used patient-administrated screening instrument. Its diagnostic accuracy for detecting childbirth-related posttraumatic stress disorder is unknown. STUDY DESIGN The sample included 59 patients who reported a traumatic childbirth experience determined in accordance with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, posttraumatic stress disorder criterion A for exposure involving a threat or potential threat to the life of the mother or infant, experienced or perceived, or physical injury. The majority (66%) of the participants were less than 1 year postpartum (for full sample: median, 4.67 months; mean, 1.5 years) and were recruited via the Mass General Brigham's online platform, during the postpartum unit hospitalization or after discharge. Patients were instructed to complete the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, concerning posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms related to childbirth. Other comorbid conditions (ie, depression and anxiety) were also assessed. They also underwent a clinician interview for posttraumatic stress disorder using the gold-standard Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. A second administration of the checklist was performed in a subgroup (n=43), altogether allowing an assessment of internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and convergent and diagnostic validity of the Checklist. The diagnostic accuracy of the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, in reference to the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, was determined using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve; an optimal cutoff score was identified using the Youden's J index. RESULTS One-third of the sample (35.59%) met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, criteria for a posttraumatic stress disorder diagnosis stemming from childbirth. The Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, symptom severity score was strongly correlated with the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, total score (ρ=0.82; P<.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.93 (95% confidence interval, 0.87-0.99), indicating excellent diagnostic performance of the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. A cutoff value of 28 maximized the sensitivity (0.81) and specificity (0.90) and correctly diagnosed 86% of women. A higher value (32) identified individuals with more severe posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms (specificity, 0.95), but with lower sensitivity (0.62). Checklist scores were also stable over time (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.73), indicating good test-retest reliability. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, scores were moderately correlated with the depression and anxiety symptom scores (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale: ρ=0.58; P<.001 and the Brief Symptom Inventory, anxiety subscale: ρ=0.51; P<.001). CONCLUSION This study demonstrates the validity of the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, as a screening tool for posttraumatic stress disorder among women who had a traumatic childbirth experience. The instrument may facilitate screening for childbirth-related posttraumatic stress disorder on a large scale and help identify women who might benefit from further diagnostics and services. Replication of the findings in larger, postpartum samples is needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isha Hemant Arora
- Postpartum Traumatic Stress (Dekel) Laboratory, Division of Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Georgia G Woscoboinik
- Postpartum Traumatic Stress (Dekel) Laboratory, Division of Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Salma Mokhtar
- Postpartum Traumatic Stress (Dekel) Laboratory, Division of Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Beatrice Quagliarini
- Postpartum Traumatic Stress (Dekel) Laboratory, Division of Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Alon Bartal
- The School of Business Administration, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Kathleen M Jagodnik
- Postpartum Traumatic Stress (Dekel) Laboratory, Division of Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA
| | - Robert L Barry
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Harvard-Massachusetts Institute of Technology Health Sciences & Technology, Cambridge, MA
| | - Andrea G Edlow
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston MA; Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA
| | - Scott P Orr
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA; Division of Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Sharon Dekel
- Postpartum Traumatic Stress (Dekel) Laboratory, Division of Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Dong Q, Yang Y, Ma M, Ou W, Lv G, Huang M, Li Y, Lu Y, Fan A, Ju Y, Zhang Y. Posttraumatic stress symptoms in healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: A four-wave longitudinal study. Psychiatry Res 2023; 327:115406. [PMID: 37591109 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Posttraumatic stress symptoms of healthcare workers have become a significant public concern in the healthcare system that have long COVID-19. It is less known how the pandemic impacts the HCWs' PTSS longitudinally and long-term risk factors for it. METHODS Four consecutive surveys were conducted among healthcare workers in China from 2019 to 2023 COVID-19 outbreaks. Multilevel mixed-effect models were used to examine longitudinal changes and risk factors. Network analysis was utilized to explore network centrality changes in PTSS symptoms. RESULTS HCWs' PTSS symptoms were increased over time during the COVID-19 pandemic. Being female, being nurse, working in the emergency department, working longer hours, less frequently going back home and having COVID-19 infection are risk factors of PTSS for HCWs; unmarried is the protective factor. Significant interaction between symptom changes and profession exists. PTSS networks showed that Avoidance of thoughts, Emotional-cue activity, Exaggerated startle response and Hypervigilance were the central symptoms during four waves. The global strength of the PTSS network grows over time, and nodal strength of Avoidance of thoughts, Loss of interest and Negative beliefs increased by COVID-19. CONCLUSION The pandemic's impacts on healthcare workers vary by professions. PTSS symptoms exacerbate, reinforce each other, and persists with recurring waves.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiangli Dong
- Department of Psychiatry, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yumeng Yang
- 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, Hunan 410011, China; China National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, Hunan Technology Institute of Psychiatry, Hunan Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Mental Health Institute of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Mohan Ma
- 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, Hunan 410011, China; China National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, Hunan Technology Institute of Psychiatry, Hunan Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Mental Health Institute of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wenwen Ou
- 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, Hunan 410011, China; China National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, Hunan Technology Institute of Psychiatry, Hunan Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Mental Health Institute of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Guanyi Lv
- 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, Hunan 410011, China; China National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, Hunan Technology Institute of Psychiatry, Hunan Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Mental Health Institute of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Mei Huang
- 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, Hunan 410011, China; China National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, Hunan Technology Institute of Psychiatry, Hunan Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Mental Health Institute of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yunjing 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, Hunan 410011, China; China National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, Hunan Technology Institute of Psychiatry, Hunan Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Mental Health Institute of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yimei Lu
- 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, Hunan 410011, China; China National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, Hunan Technology Institute of Psychiatry, Hunan Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Mental Health Institute of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ajiao Fan
- Department of Psychiatry, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yumeng Ju
- 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, Hunan 410011, China; China National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, Hunan Technology Institute of Psychiatry, Hunan Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Mental Health Institute of Central South University, Changsha, 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, Hunan 410011, China; China National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, Hunan Technology Institute of Psychiatry, Hunan Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Mental Health Institute of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Acharya Pandey R, Chalise P, Khadka S, Chaulagain B, Maharjan B, Pandey J, Nepal J, Pandey C. Post-traumatic stress disorder and its associated factors among survivors of 2015 earthquake in Nepal. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:340. [PMID: 37189110 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-04836-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural disasters cause long term psychological consequences, especially post-traumatic stress disorders. It has been regarded as the most prevalent of psychiatric disorders after a natural disaster. The purpose of this study is to estimate the prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and determine its associated factors in adult survivors three years after the 2015 Nepal earthquake. METHODS A cross-sectional descriptive design was used where 1076 adults within the age range of 19-65 were randomly selected and interviewed from four adversely affected districts due to the 2015 earthquake. Instruments included a demographic questionnaire, an earthquake exposure questionnaire, the Oslo Social Support Scale (OSSS), and the Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C). Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) Version 16 for data analysis. RESULTS The prevalence of PTSD among earthquake survivors was 18.9%. The multivariate logistic regression showed that gender, ethnicity, education, occupation, social support and severity of damage to house and property were significantly associated with PTSD. Odds of having PTSD was 1.6 times higher among females (AOR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.1-2.3) and nearly 2 times higher amongst illiterate survivors (AOR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.2-2.8). Participants from the Janajati ethnic group and those who had a business occupation had a 50% lower risk of having PTSD. Around 39% of the participants had moderate social support and had 60% lower odds of having PTSD compared to those with poor social support (AOR = 0.4, 95%CI: 0.2-0.5, p < 0.001). Participants with medium and very high-level damage to personal property were more likely to have PTSD. CONCLUSION Post-traumatic stress disorder remained prevalent amongst survivors three years after the 2015 Nepal Earthquake. It is important to provide psychological and social support for survivors to decrease the health burden from PTSD. Socio-demographic characteristics such as females, farmers, those survivors who endured significant personal property damage were at higher risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Radha Acharya Pandey
- Department of Nursing, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital, GPO Box 11008, Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal.
| | - Pratibha Chalise
- Department of Nursing, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital, GPO Box 11008, Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal
| | - Sunita Khadka
- Department of Nursing, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital, GPO Box 11008, Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal
| | - Bina Chaulagain
- Department of Nursing, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital, GPO Box 11008, Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal
| | - Binu Maharjan
- Department of Nursing, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital, GPO Box 11008, Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal
| | - Jyotsna Pandey
- Department of Nursing, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital, GPO Box 11008, Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal
| | - Jyoti Nepal
- Department of Nursing, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital, GPO Box 11008, Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal
| | - Chandranshu Pandey
- Department of Nursing, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital, GPO Box 11008, Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sheppard DP, Rau HK, Trittschuh EH, Werhane ML, Schindler AG, Hendrickson RC, Peskind ER, Pagulayan KF. Poorer prospective memory performance is associated with reduced time monitoring among OEF/OIF/OND Veterans with a history of blast-related mild traumatic brain injury. Clin Neuropsychol 2023; 37:577-594. [PMID: 35689397 DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2022.2068455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Objective:Prospective memory (PM) or "remembering to remember" has been shown to be reduced in Veterans with histories of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), particularly on tasks with high strategic demands such as recalling time-based information in the absence of external cues. This study examined whether time monitoring during a PM task was reduced in Veterans with a history of mTBI and was associated with time-based PM performance. Method:Veterans with a history of mTBI (n = 49) and Veterans without a history of TBI (n = 16) completed the Memory for Intentions Screening Test (MIST) as a measure of PM during which their time monitoring (i.e. number of clock checks) was recorded. Results:Adjusting for age, education, depression, and PTSD symptoms, negative binomial regression revealed that the mTBI group checked the clock less frequently compared to the control group (Cohen's d = 0.84, p = 0.005). Within the mTBI group, less frequent time monitoring across the entire MIST task was associated with poorer time-based MIST performance (rs = .57, p < 0.001), but not with event-based MIST (rs = .04, p = 0.768). Conclusions:Veterans with a history of mTBI evidenced significantly reduced time monitoring during a PM task compared to Veterans without a history mTBI, which was associated with strategically-demanding PM. Current findings provide that mTBI-associated difficulties with strategic aspects of PM may be due to reduced time monitoring. Future studies are needed to determine if reduced time monitoring also contributes to mTBI-associated PM difficulties in the real-world (e.g. medication non-adherence).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David P Sheppard
- Veterans Affairs (VA) Northwest Network (VISN 20) Mental Illness, Research, Education, and Clinical Care (MIRECC), Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA
| | - Holly K Rau
- Veterans Affairs (VA) Northwest Network (VISN 20) Mental Illness, Research, Education, and Clinical Care (MIRECC), Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA
| | - Emily H Trittschuh
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA.,Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA
| | - Madeleine L Werhane
- Veterans Affairs (VA) Northwest Network (VISN 20) Mental Illness, Research, Education, and Clinical Care (MIRECC), Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
| | - Abigail G Schindler
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA.,Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA
| | - Rebecca C Hendrickson
- Veterans Affairs (VA) Northwest Network (VISN 20) Mental Illness, Research, Education, and Clinical Care (MIRECC), Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
| | - Elaine R Peskind
- Veterans Affairs (VA) Northwest Network (VISN 20) Mental Illness, Research, Education, and Clinical Care (MIRECC), Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
| | - Kathleen F Pagulayan
- Veterans Affairs (VA) Northwest Network (VISN 20) Mental Illness, Research, Education, and Clinical Care (MIRECC), Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Belfrage A, Mjølhus Njå AL, Lunde S, Årstad J, Fodstad EC, Lid TG, Erga AH. Traumatic experiences and PTSD symptoms in substance use disorder: A comparison of recovered versus current users. NORDIC STUDIES ON ALCOHOL AND DRUGS 2023; 40:61-75. [PMID: 36793481 PMCID: PMC9893129 DOI: 10.1177/14550725221122222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of traumatic experiences and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in treatment-seeking individuals with ongoing substance use disorder (SUD) compared to individuals who have recovered from SUD. Methods: Patients with SUD recruited from the STAYER study (N = 114) underwent an examination of alcohol and drug use, childhood trauma, negative life events and PTSD symptomatology. In this study, only participants with 12-month concurrent polysubstance use was included. Using historical data from the STAYER study, alcohol and drug trajectories were dichotomised as (1) current SUD (current SUD) or (2) recovered from substance use disorder (recovered SUD). Crosstabs and chi-tests were used to measure differences between groups. Results: Childhood maltreatment, traumatic experiences later in life and symptoms of concurrent PTSD were highly prevalent in the study population. We found no significant difference between the current and recovered SUD groups. Recovered women reported a lower prevalence of physical neglect (p = 0.031), but a higher prevalence of multiple lifetime traumas (p = 0.019) compared to women with current SUD. Both women with current SUD and recovered women reported a significantly higher prevalence of sexual aggression than men (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). In addition, men who have recovered from SUD reported a lower prevalence of PTSD symptoms over cut-off 38 (p = 0.017), of re-experiencing (p = 0.036) and of avoidance (p = 0.015), compared to recovered women. Conclusion: Reported trauma did not differ between persons with current SUD and those who had recovered from SUD. Gender differences discovered in this study indicate the importance of developing individualised and gender-specific treatment models for comorbid PTSD/SUD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Belfrage
- Anna Belfrage, Center for Alcohol and Drug Research, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway.
| | | | | | | | - Elise Constance Fodstad
- Center for Alcohol and Drug Research, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway; and Department of Psychosocial Science, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Norway
| | - Torgeir Gilje Lid
- Center for Alcohol and Drug Research, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway; and Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Aleksander Hagen Erga
- Center for Alcohol and Drug Research, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway; The Norwegian Centre for Movement Disorders, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway; and Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Resick PA, Straud CL, Wachen JS, LoSavio ST, Peterson AL, McGeary DD, Young-McCaughan S, Taylor DJ, Mintz J. A comparison of the CAPS-5 and PCL-5 to assess PTSD in military and veteran treatment-seeking samples. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2023; 14:2222608. [PMID: 37350229 PMCID: PMC10291904 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2023.2222608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: This study was an examination of the puzzling finding that people assessed for symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) consistently score higher on the self-report PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) than the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5). Both scales purportedly assess PTSD severity with the same number of items, scaling, and scoring range, but differences in scores between measures make outcomes difficult to decipher.Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine several possible psychometric reasons for the discrepancy in scores between interview and self-report.Method: Data were combined from four clinical trials to examine the baseline and posttreatment assessments of treatment-seeking active duty military personnel and veterans.Results: As in previous studies, total scores were higher on the PCL-5 compared to the CAPS-5 at baseline and posttreatment. At baseline, PCL-5 scores were higher on all 20 items, with small to large differences in effect size. At posttreatment, only three items were not significantly different. Distributions of item responses and wording of scale anchors and items were examined as possible explanations of the difference between measures. Participants were more likely to use the full range of responses on the PCL-5 compared to interviewers.Conclusions: Suggestions for improving the congruence between these two scales are discussed. Administration of interviews by trained assessors can be resource intensive, so it is important that those assessing PTSD severity are afforded confidence in the equivalence of their assessment of PTSD regardless of the assessment method used.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patricia A. Resick
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke Health, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Casey L. Straud
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Jennifer Schuster Wachen
- Women’s Health Sciences Division, National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stefanie T. LoSavio
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Alan L. Peterson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Donald D. McGeary
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Stacey Young-McCaughan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Daniel J. Taylor
- Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Jim Mintz
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - for the STRONG STAR Consortium and the Consortium to Alleviate PTSD
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke Health, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Women’s Health Sciences Division, National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
The impact of eating behaviors during COVID-19 in health-care workers: A conditional process analysis of eating, affective disorders, and PTSD. Heliyon 2022; 8:e10892. [PMID: 36211998 PMCID: PMC9529342 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) increased among healthcare workers (HCWs) during the outbreak of COVID-19. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between eating behavior and PTSD, considering the mediation effect of anxiety, depression and sleep. Methods A total of 101 HCWs completed a survey. The Food-Frequency Questionnaires (FFQ) were used to evaluate the diet. A special survey was conducted on the eating time of each shift mode. The PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Morning-Evening Questionnaire (MEQ) were utilized to assess clinical symptoms. Results There was a statistically significant correlation between the night shift eat midpoint (NEMP) and PTSD symptoms, anxiety and depression as significant mediators. The last meal jet lag between night shift and day shift (NDLM) was related to PTSD symptoms significantly, and sleep and anxiety were significant mediators. The relationship between animal-based protein pattern and PTSD symptoms was statistically significant, and anxiety was the significant mediator. Conclusions The earlier the HCWs eat in the night shift, the lighter the symptoms of PTSD. This is mediated by improving anxiety, depression and sleep disorder. Furthermore, the consumption of animal protein could reduce symptoms of PTSD by improving anxiety.
Collapse
|
11
|
Moshier SJ, Harper K, Keane TM, Marx BP. Using electronic medical record diagnostic codes to identify veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder. J Trauma Stress 2022; 35:1445-1459. [PMID: 35514012 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Researchers studying posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often use diagnostic codes within electronic medical records (EMRs) to identify individuals with the disorder. This study evaluated the performance of algorithms for defining PTSD based on International Classification of Diseases (ICD) code use within EMR data. We used data from a registry of U.S. veterans for whom both structured interview data and Veterans Health Administration EMR data were available. Using interview-diagnosed PTSD as the reference criterion, we calculated diagnostic accuracy statistics for algorithms that required the presence of at least one and up to seven encounters in which a PTSD diagnosis was present in EMR data within any clinical source, mental health clinic, or specialty PTSD clinic. We evaluated algorithm accuracy in the total sample (N = 1,343; 64.1% with PTSD), within a subsample constrained to lower PTSD prevalence (n = 712; 32.3% with PTSD), and as a function of demographic characteristics. Algorithm accuracy was influenced by PTSD prevalence. Results indicated that higher thresholds for the operationalization of PTSD may be justified among samples in which PTSD prevalence is lower. Requiring three PTSD diagnoses from a mental health clinic or four diagnoses from any clinical source may be a suitable minimum standard for identifying individuals with PTSD in EMRs; however, accuracy may be optimized by requiring additional diagnoses. The performance of many algorithms differed as a function of educational attainment and age, suggesting that samples of individuals with PTSD developed based on EMR ICD codes may skew toward including older, less-educated veterans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha J Moshier
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Emmanuel College, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kelly Harper
- National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Terence M Keane
- National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Brian P Marx
- National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kramer LB, Whiteman SE, Petri JM, Spitzer EG, Weathers FW. Self-Rated Versus Clinician-Rated Assessment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: An Evaluation of Discrepancies Between the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 and the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5. Assessment 2022:10731911221113571. [PMID: 35915927 DOI: 10.1177/10731911221113571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is commonly assessed with self-rated or clinician-rated measures. Although scores from these assessment modalities are strongly associated, they are often discrepant for individual symptoms, total symptom severity, and diagnostic status. To date, no known studies have empirically identified the sources of these discrepancies. In the present study, we had three aims: (a) replicate previously identified discrepancies; (b) examine contribution of possible objective predictors of discrepancies, including negative response bias, random responding, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and verbal IQ; and (c) identify subjective sources of discrepancies through analysis of participant feedback. Trauma-exposed undergraduates (N = 60) were administered the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5), and other questionnaires. Interviewers identified discrepancies between corresponding PCL-5/CAPS-5 scores and asked participants to describe their attributions for discrepancies. Discrepancies, both dimensional and dichotomous, occurred at the item, cluster, and total score level. Objective predictors were weakly associated with discrepancies. The most commonly reported reasons for discrepancies were time-frame reminders, comprehension of symptoms, trauma-related attribution errors, increased awareness, and general errors. These findings help explain discordance between the PCL-5 and CAPS-5, and inform use and interpretation of these two widely used PTSD measures in clinical and research applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay B Kramer
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, OH, USA.,Auburn University, AL, USA
| | | | - Jessica M Petri
- Auburn University, AL, USA.,Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Frank W Weathers
- Auburn University, AL, USA.,VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA.,National Center for PTSD, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Pharmacological Management of Nightmares Associated with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. CNS Drugs 2022; 36:721-737. [PMID: 35688992 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-022-00929-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be a chronic and disabling condition. Post-traumatic nightmares (PTNs) form a core component of PTSD and are highly prevalent in this patient population. Nightmares in PTSD have been associated with significant distress, functional impairment, poor health outcomes, and decreased quality of life. Nightmares in PTSD are also an independent risk factor for suicide. Nightmare cessation can lead to improved quality of life, fewer hospital admissions, lower healthcare costs, and reduced all-cause mortality. Effective treatment of nightmares is critical and often leads to improvement of other PTSD symptomatology. However, approved pharmacological agents for the treatment of PTSD have modest effects on sleep and nightmares, and may cause adverse effects. No pharmacological agent has been approved specifically for the treatment of PTNs, but multiple agents have been studied. This current narrative review aimed to critically appraise proven as well as novel pharmacological agents used in the treatment of PTNs. Evidence of varying quality exists for the use of prazosin, doxazosin, clonidine, tricyclic antidepressants, trazodone, mirtazapine, atypical antipsychotics (especially risperidone, olanzapine and quetiapine), gabapentin, topiramate, and cyproheptadine. Evidence does not support the use of venlafaxine, β-blockers, benzodiazepines, or sedative hypnotics. Novel agents such as ramelteon, cannabinoids, ketamine, psychedelic agents, and trihexyphenidyl have shown promising results. Large randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are needed to evaluate the use of these novel agents. Future research directions are identified to optimize the treatment of nightmares in patients with PTSD.
Collapse
|
14
|
Arentsen TJ, Stubbs WJ, Lease SH, Adler MC, Ovrebo E, Jacobson JL. The relationship of the clinician-rated Functional Status Interview with executive functioning. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY. ADULT 2022:1-13. [PMID: 35694761 DOI: 10.1080/23279095.2022.2084619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Self/informant-report and performance-based instruments are typically used to measure activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). Minimal attention has focused on clinician-rated measures. Executive functioning (EF) contributes significantly to functional independence, and the validity of functional status measures has been examined through its relationship to EF scores. The current study used a clinical sample of older U.S. Veterans who completed a neurocognitive evaluation (n = 266). The psychometric properties of a novel, clinician-rated Functional Status Interview (FSI) and its relationship to EF measures, including the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) and Trail Making Test (TMT-A and TMT-B), were explored. Two FSI factors (IADL and ADL) emerged with all items loading strongly onto the subscales as predicted. EF correlated strongly with IADL but had small to medium correlations with ADL. In regression models that controlled for sociodemographic variables, all EF measures uniquely contributed to the IADL model, but only FAB and TMT-A contributed to the model for ADL. Notably, results may have been limited by prominent floor effects on TMT-B. Overall, the FSI is a promising measure with demonstrated content validity. Thus, there is preliminary support for clinicians to incorporate multiple sources of information to rate functional status using the FSI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy J Arentsen
- VA Memphis Medical Center, Mental Health Service, Memphis, TN, USA
- The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Department of Psychiatry, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Whitney J Stubbs
- G V Montgomery VA Medical Center, Mental Health Service, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Suzanne H Lease
- The University of Memphis, Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology and Research, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Marcy C Adler
- VA Memphis Medical Center, Mental Health Service, Memphis, TN, USA
- The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Department of Psychiatry, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Elin Ovrebo
- The University of Memphis, Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology and Research, Memphis, TN, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Characteristics of Responders and Nonresponders in a Military Postconcussion Rehabilitation Program. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2022; 37:E458-E466. [PMID: 35617677 DOI: 10.1097/htr.0000000000000792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize treatment responders and nonresponders as measured by the Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory (NSI) in order to understand whether certain traits in our patient population would characterize favorable response. SETTING Brain Injury Rehabilitation Service at Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas. PATIENTS In total, 655 active duty military patients with a diagnosis of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) who received treatment between 2007 and 2020 and completed self-report measures as part of routine care. DESIGN Observational retrospective analysis of outpatient clinical outcomes data. MAIN MEASURES The primary outcome measure was the NSI, divided into the responder and nonresponder groups. Responders were defined by reliable change in NSI total score (decrease of ≥8 points from intake to discharge). FINDINGS Responders (n = 395) reported a higher level of symptom burden at intake on the NSI. Women responded proportionally more (70%) than men (58%). After treatment, responders reported improvements on all measures evaluated while nonresponders reported no change or slightly worse symptoms. Logistic regression analysis showed that posttraumatic stress symptoms at intake decreased odds of favorable treatment response while satisfaction with social relationships increased odds of favorable treatment response. CONCLUSION The results from this process improvement project suggested that posttraumatic symptoms warrant programmatic attention in TBI clinics while social relationships may be a protective factor that can be capitalized to enhance troop readiness. Systematic examination of these characteristics should be conducted on a larger population within the military health system.
Collapse
|
16
|
Fitzgerald JM, Webb EK, Weis CN, Huggins AA, Bennett KP, Miskovich TA, Krukowski JL, deRoon-Cassini TA, Larson CL. Hippocampal Resting-State Functional Connectivity Forecasts Individual Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms: A Data-Driven Approach. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY. COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2022; 7:139-149. [PMID: 34478884 PMCID: PMC8825698 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2021.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating disorder, and there is no current accurate prediction of who develops it after trauma. Neurobiologically, individuals with chronic PTSD exhibit aberrant resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) between the hippocampus and other brain regions (e.g., amygdala, prefrontal cortex, posterior cingulate), and these aberrations correlate with severity of illness. Previous small-scale research (n < 25) has also shown that hippocampal rsFC measured acutely after trauma is predictive of future severity using a region-of-interest-based approach. While this is a promising biomarker, to date, no study has used a data-driven approach to test whole-brain hippocampal FC patterns in forecasting the development of PTSD symptoms. METHODS A total of 98 adults at risk of PTSD were recruited from the emergency department after traumatic injury and completed resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (8 min) within 1 month; 6 months later, they completed the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 for assessment of PTSD symptom severity. Whole-brain rsFC values with bilateral hippocampi were extracted (using CONN) and used in a machine learning kernel ridge regression analysis (PRoNTo); a k-folds (k = 10) and 70/30 testing versus training split approach were used for cross-validation (1000 iterations to bootstrap confidence intervals for significance values). RESULTS Acute hippocampal rsFC significantly predicted Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 scores at 6 months (r = 0.30, p = .006; mean squared error = 120.58, p = .006; R2 = 0.09, p = .025). In post hoc analyses, hippocampal rsFC remained significant after controlling for demographics, PTSD symptoms at baseline, and depression, anxiety, and stress severity at 6 months (B = 0.59, SE = 0.20, p = .003). CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that functional connectivity of the hippocampus across the brain acutely after traumatic injury is associated with prospective PTSD symptom severity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Elisabeth Kate Webb
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Department of Psychology, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Carissa N. Weis
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Department of Psychology, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Ashley A. Huggins
- Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Psychiatry, Charleston, SC, USA
| | | | | | | | - Terri A. deRoon-Cassini
- Medical College of Wisconsin, Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma & Acute Care Surgery, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Christine L. Larson
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Department of Psychology, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
A Scoping Review on the Prevalence and Determinants of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder among Military Personnel and Firefighters: Implications for Public Policy and Practice. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19031565. [PMID: 35162587 PMCID: PMC8834704 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Firefighters and military personnel are public safety personnel who protect the safety of individuals and their properties. They are usually exposed to traumatic events leaving them at risk of developing mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Increasing concern is being raised regarding the mental health impacts, specifically PTSD, among military personnel and firefighters. Objective: There is an increased exposure of firefighters and military personnel to traumatic events and the attendant risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder. It is crucial to ascertain the level of PTSD amongst this cohort and determinants to formulate policies and practices that mitigate the risk and protect public safety personnel. This scoping review sought to determine the prevalence of PTSD among this cohort globally and to explore determinants of this mental health condition. Methods: A literature search in databases including MEDLINE, CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO, and EMBASE was conducted electronically from May 2021 to 31 July 2021. Two reviewers independently assessed full-text articles according to the predefined inclusion criteria and screening process undertaken to identify studies for the review. Articles were screened with a third reviewer, resolving conflicts where necessary and further assessing them for eligibility. During article selection, the PRISMA checklist was adopted, and with the Covidence software, a total of 32 articles were selected for the final examination. For the eligible studies, data extraction was conducted, information was collated and summarized, and the findings were reported. Original qualitative and quantitative data on the prevalence and predictors of PTSD among veterans, military, and firefighters were reported. Results: The prevalence of PTSD was 57% for firefighters and 37.8% for military personnel. Demographic factors, job factors, social support, injuries, physical and psychological factors, and individual traits were the main predictors of PTSD in this cohort. Conclusion: This information is vital for developing and implementing prevention and intervention strategies for PTSD in military personnel and firefighters. Recognizing and addressing factors that predict PTSD will help to improve mental wellbeing and increase productivity. More peer-reviewed studies are needed on the prevalence of PTSD amongst these cohorts.
Collapse
|
18
|
Kasen S, Ntaganira J, Sezibera V, Pozen J, Neugebauer R. Adherence to childhood religious affiliation and suicide intentions in women exposed to the violence of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2021; 56:1761-1769. [PMID: 34018028 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-021-02058-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine the association between adherence to childhood religious affiliations and serious suicide intentions in 371 women exposed to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. METHODS Participants were randomly sampled in 2011 from households in the Southern Province of Rwanda. Trained interviewers gathered information on socio-economic background, genocide-related trauma exposure, Major Depressive Episode (MDE) and suicide intentions (assessed with the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview), and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) (assessed with the PTSD Checklist-Civilian version). RESULTS In this predominantly Christian sample, 62.8% (233/371) had adhered to their childhood religious affiliation. Adherence was associated with lower odds of serious suicide intentions (OR 0.321, 95% CI 0.13-0.78, P < 0.01) independent of socio-economic factors, court-designated victim status, trauma exposure, MDE, and PTSD; that association held following consideration of specific denomination. CONCLUSION Women who adhere to their childhood religious affiliation may be less likely to have serious suicide intentions following major catastrophes. Whether that association is attributable to stronger connections with lost and remaining family and friends, or greater faith in the church as a facilitator of reconciliation and coping, requires further study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Kasen
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, USA. .,Division of Epidemiology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, USA.
| | - Joseph Ntaganira
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Vincent Sezibera
- Department of Clinical Psychology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Centre for Mental Health, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Joanna Pozen
- Center for Global Justice and Human Rights, New York University School of Law, New York, USA
| | - Richard Neugebauer
- Division of Epidemiology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, USA.,Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Jowett S, Argyriou A, Scherrer O, Karatzias T, Katona C. Complex post-traumatic stress disorder in asylum seekers and victims of trafficking: treatment considerations. BJPsych Open 2021; 7:e181. [PMID: 34593084 PMCID: PMC8503916 DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2021.1007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Asylum-seekers experience high levels of traumatic events pre-, post- and during migration. Poly-traumatisation is associated with complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD), which has not yet been extensively explored in this population. CPTSD is a prevalent and highly disabling disorder in the present population requiring culturally sensitive diagnostic and treatment approaches. In this service evaluation, we evidence the high prevalence of CPTSD in an asylum-seeking sample and its association with greater distress compared with PTSD. We outline the treatment needs of asylum seekers with CPTSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sally Jowett
- Edinburgh Napier University, School of Health and Social Care, UK
| | | | | | - Thanos Karatzias
- School of Health and Social Care, Edinburgh Napier University, UK; and Rivers Centre for Traumatic Stress, NHS Lothian, UK
| | - Cornelius Katona
- Therapy, Helen Bamber Foundation, UK; and Division of Psychiatry, University College London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Crabtree MA, Hale WJ, Meyer EC, Kimbrel NA, DeBeer BB, Gulliver SB, Morissette SB. Dynamics of risk: Recent changes in psychological inflexibility precede subsequent changes in returning US veterans' posttraumatic stress. J Clin Psychol 2021; 77:2507-2528. [PMID: 34487365 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 01/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES As a malleable risk-factor, psychological inflexibility is implicated in the development and maintenance of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTS). Unfortunately, limited research has addressed whether changes in psychological inflexibility are antecedent to changes in PTS severity over time, or whether such changes are mutually dependent. METHODS Utilizing bivariate latent difference score modeling, this longitudinal study sequenced intraindividual changes in psychological inflexibility and PTS severity within a sample of 305 returning US veterans. Veterans' self-reported psychological inflexibility and PTS severity were assessed quarterly over 1 year. RESULTS Results indicated that early reductions in psychological inflexibility potentiated later declines in veterans' PTS severity, accounting for veterans' prior levels of psychological inflexibility and PTS severity. CONCLUSIONS These findings underscore the unique role of changes in psychological inflexibility as an important mechanism of change in PTS severity and provide empirical support for an antecedent model of the role of psychological inflexibility in PTS recovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meghan A Crabtree
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Willie J Hale
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Eric C Meyer
- VA VISN 17 Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans, Waco, Texas, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas, USA.,Warriors Research Institute, Baylor Scott & White Health, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Nathan A Kimbrel
- Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Bryann B DeBeer
- VA VISN 17 Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans, Waco, Texas, USA.,Warriors Research Institute, Baylor Scott & White Health, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Suzy B Gulliver
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas, USA.,Warriors Research Institute, Baylor Scott & White Health, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Sandra B Morissette
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Platt JM, Pozen J, Ntaganira J, Sezibera V, Neugebauer R. Gender Differences in Traumatic Experiences and Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms After the Rwandan Genocide Against the Tutsi. J Trauma Stress 2021; 34:799-807. [PMID: 34118164 PMCID: PMC9059246 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The effects of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide against the Tutsi are widespread and long-lasting, but little is known about how posttraumatic consequences differ regarding gender. In the present study, we estimated the associations between trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in a Rwandan community sample and examined whether the associations differed by gender. The sample comprised 498 adults (75.2% women) living in Rwanda's Huye District in 2011. We used a validated self-report checklist to assess the eight most frequent traumatic experiences during the Genocide. The PTSD Checklist-Civilian version (PCL-C) was used to assess PTSS. Associations between trauma exposure and PTSS were estimated using structural equation modeling (SEM), with additional SEMs stratified by gender. The prevalence of exposure to each traumatic event ranged from 15.1% to 64.5%, with more severe PTSS among individuals who reported personal physical injury, β = .76, 95% CI [0.54, 0.98]; witnessing sexual/physical violence against a loved one, β = .51, 95% CI [0.20, 0.81]; a close relative/friend's death, β = .54, 95% CI [0.24, 0.83]; property destruction, β = .35, 95% CI [0.048, 0.51]; or a family member's death due to illness, β = .21, 95% CI [0.00, 0.41]. Men who saw people killed and women who witnessed sexual/physical violence against a close family member reported elevated PTSS. The psychiatric impact of the Rwandan Genocide continues into the 21st century. Increased attention should be paid to the long-term and demographic patterns of distress and disorder, especially in the absence of widespread clinical mental health services.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan M. Platt
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University, 722 W 168th st, New York, 10032, USA
| | - Joanna Pozen
- New York University College of Global Public Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Joseph Ntaganira
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Rwanda School of Public Health, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Vincent Sezibera
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Rwanda College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Richard Neugebauer
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University, 722 W 168th st, New York, 10032, USA,Division of Epidemiology, Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA,Departement of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Columbia University
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Wang S, Sit HF, Garabiles MR, Blum D, Hannam K, Chérie Armour, Hall BJ. A network analysis investigation of the comorbidity between sleep dysfunction and PTSD symptomatology among Filipino domestic workers in Macao (SAR) China. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 140:337-345. [PMID: 34134057 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.05.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is highly comorbid with sleep dysfunction. This association was previously explained based on cognitive and emotional dysfunction. The current study extends this literature by investigating the symptom level comorbidity of sleep dysfunction and DSM-5 PTSD utilizing a network approach. Participants were trauma-exposed female Filipino domestic workers (N = 1241). Network analysis was applied to 23 items: 18 items from PCL-5 measuring PTSD (Community 1) and 5 items from PSQI assessing sleep dysfunction (Community 2). The results showed that the symptoms within each community had the strongest correlations. Bridge connections were identified between the sleep dysfunction and PTSD symptom communities. Symptoms with the highest bridge strength were concentration difficulties, recklessness, irritability, and sleep disturbance. This is among the first studies investigating the comorbidity between PTSD and sleep dysfunction from the network approach. Future interventions may be developed that emphasize the bridge symptoms to address comorbidity among trauma exposed migrants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Wang
- New York University (Shanghai), People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Fong Sit
- New York University (Shanghai), People's Republic of China
| | | | - Daniel Blum
- New York University (Shanghai), People's Republic of China
| | - Kevin Hannam
- University of St. Joseph, Macao (SAR), People's Republic of China
| | - Chérie Armour
- Research Centre for Stress Trauma and Related Conditions (STARC), School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK; New York University (Shanghai), Shanghai, China
| | - Brian J Hall
- New York University (Shanghai), People's Republic of China; School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Peeters N, van Passel B, Krans J. The effectiveness of schema therapy for patients with anxiety disorders, OCD, or PTSD: A systematic review and research agenda. BRITISH JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 61:579-597. [PMID: 34296767 PMCID: PMC9544733 DOI: 10.1111/bjc.12324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Objectives We reviewed the evidence regarding the effectiveness of schema therapy for anxiety disorders, obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Methods This systematic review followed the recommendation of the PRISMA guidelines. A database search (PsycINFO, MEDLINE, EMBASE, WEB OF SCIENCE, and Academic Search Ultimate) was conducted to identify eligible studies up until 2 April 2021. The search included the keywords (‘schema therap*’ or ‘schema group therap*’ or ‘schema mode therap*’ or ‘schema focused’ or ‘young’s model’) and (‘anxiety disorder*’ or ‘anxiety‐related disorder*’ or ‘agoraphobia’ or ‘health anxiety’ or ‘phobi*’ or ‘panic disorder’ or ‘obsessive compulsive disorder’ or ‘OCD’ or ‘posttraumatic stress’ or ‘post traumatic stress’ or ‘PTSD’ or ‘hypochondria’ or ‘axis 1’). Included studies were appraised on methodological quality according to the Psychotherapy Outcome study Methodology Rating Form. Results We identified 41 studies that were eligible based on the topic. However, only six (comprising 316 anxiety, OCD, and PTSD patients) could be included despite lenient methodological inclusion/exclusion criteria. Results showed that schema therapy can lead to beneficial effects in disorder‐specific symptoms and early maladaptive schemas. Yet, we also uncovered substantial methodological limitations in most studies. Conclusions Schema therapy is a promising treatment for anxiety, OCD, and PTSD. Yet, there is a systematic problem in the quality of research despite growing clinical interest and application. We therefore concluded with a research agenda presenting recommendations for future research that will be crucial for building a solid evidence‐base for schema therapy in chronic anxiety, OCD, and PTSD. Practitioner points A systematic review on the effectiveness of schema therapy for anxiety disorders, OCD, and PTSD. Preliminary but limited evidence that schema therapy leads to beneficial effects in disorder‐specific symptoms. Preliminary but limited evidence that schema therapy leads to beneficial effects in early maladaptive schemas in anxiety, OCD, and PTSD. More research of higher methodological quality is needed to provide more conclusive empirical support for the use of schema therapy for anxiety, OCD, and PTSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Peeters
- Pro Persona Overwaal Centre for anxiety, OCD and PTSD, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Boris van Passel
- Pro Persona Overwaal Centre for anxiety, OCD and PTSD, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Julie Krans
- Pro Persona Overwaal Centre for anxiety, OCD and PTSD, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Behaviour, Health and Psychopathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Bottari SA, Lamb DG, Murphy AJ, Porges EC, Rieke JD, Harciarek M, Datta S, Williamson JB. Hyperarousal symptoms and decreased right hemispheric frontolimbic white matter integrity predict poorer sleep quality in combat-exposed veterans. Brain Inj 2021; 35:922-933. [PMID: 34053386 DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2021.1927186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Disrupted sleep is common following combat deployment. Contributors to risk include posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI); however, the mechanisms linking PTSD, mTBI, and sleep are unclear. Both PTSD and mTBI affect frontolimbic white matter tracts, such as the uncinate fasciculus. The current study examined the relationship between PTSD symptom presentation, lateralized uncinate fasciculus integrity, and sleep quality. METHOD Participants include 42 combat veterans with and without PTSD and mTBI. Freesurfer and Tracula were used to establish specific white matter ROI integrity via 3-T MRI. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and PTSD Checklist were used to assess sleep quality and PTSD symptoms. RESULTS Decreased fractional anisotropy in the right uncinate fasciculus (β = -1.11, SE = 0.47, p < .05) and increased hyperarousal symptom severity (β = 3.50, SE = 0.86, p < .001) were associated with poorer sleep quality. CONCLUSION Both right uncinate integrity and hyperarousal symptom severity are associated withsleep quality in combat veterans. The right uncinate is a key regulator of limbic behavior and sympathetic nervous system reactivity, a core component of hyperarousal. Damage to this pathway may be one mechanism by which mTBI and/or PTSD could create vulnerability for sleep problems following combat deployment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Bottari
- Center for OCD, Anxiety, and Related Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.,Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Damon G Lamb
- Center for OCD, Anxiety, and Related Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.,Brain Rehabilitation Research Center, Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, Gainesville, Florida, USA.,Center for Cognitive Aging and Memory, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Aidan J Murphy
- Center for Cognitive Aging and Memory, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Eric C Porges
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.,Center for Cognitive Aging and Memory, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Jake D Rieke
- Brain Rehabilitation Research Center, Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Michał Harciarek
- Department of Social Sciences, Division of Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology, Institute of Psychology, University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Somnath Datta
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - John B Williamson
- Center for OCD, Anxiety, and Related Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.,Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.,Brain Rehabilitation Research Center, Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, Gainesville, Florida, USA.,Center for Cognitive Aging and Memory, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Trotta JK, Ekanayake V, Ettenhofer ML, Hungerford LD, Lange RT, Bailie JM, Brickell TA, Kennedy JE, French LM. Intracranial Abnormalities Are Associated With Fewer Self-Reported Symptoms in Military Service Members Following Moderate-to-Severe Traumatic Brain Injury. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2021; 36:164-174. [PMID: 33201040 DOI: 10.1097/htr.0000000000000637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examined the relationship between intracranial abnormalities (ICAs) and self-reported neurobehavioral and posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms in members of the military with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (msTBI). METHOD Participants included 539 members of the US military with nonpenetrating msTBI. Self-reported neurobehavioral and PTS symptoms were assessed using the Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory and the PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version. ICAs were categorized as present/absent (by subtype) based upon medical record review. Spearman rank-order correlations and stepwise multiple regression analyses examined univariate and combined predictive relationships between ICAs and self-reported symptoms. RESULTS The presence of any ICA was associated with reduced self-reported neurobehavioral and PTS symptoms. ICA-associated reductions were largest for PTS, followed by affective and cognitive neurobehavioral symptoms, and relatively weak for somatic/sensory and vestibular symptoms. Effects of different types of ICAs were comparable. Greater time since injury was related to greater symptom report, whereas duration of loss of consciousness and posttraumatic amnesia were not consistently related to self-reported symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that ICAs are associated with suppression of reported PTS and neurobehavioral symptoms-potentially via reduction in self-awareness. These findings support comprehensive, objective evaluation to identify impairments in self-awareness and functioning in msTBI patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jenna K Trotta
- Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, Silver Spring, Maryland (Mss Trotta and Ekanayake and Drs Ettenhofer, Hungerford, Lange, Bailie, Brickell, Kennedy, and French); Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, California (Mss Trotta and Ekanayake and Drs Ettenhofer and Hungerford); General Dynamics Health Solutions, Falls Church, Virginia (Ms Trotta and Drs Ettenhofer, Hungerford, Lange, Bailie, Brickell, and Kennedy); American Hospital Services Group, Exton, Pennsylvania (Ms Ekanayake); Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland (Drs Ettenhofer, Brickell, and French); University of California, San Diego (Dr Ettenhofer); University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (Dr Lange); National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland (Drs Lange, Brickell, and French); Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, Camp Pendleton, California (Dr Bailie); and Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas (Dr Kennedy)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Rodriguez KE, Anderson LM, Ott CA, O'Haire ME. The Effect of a PTSD Service Dog on Military Veterans' Medication Regimens: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study. ANTHROZOOS 2021; 34:393-406. [PMID: 34140755 PMCID: PMC8204643 DOI: 10.1080/08927936.2021.1898219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Recent research suggests that service dogs may have clinically-relevant benefits for military veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, the effects of PTSD service dogs on veterans' medication use has been largely unexplored. The objective of this study was to quantify the effect of PTSD service dogs on medication use among a population of military veterans with PTSD. In a cross-sectional design, United States post-9/11 military veterans with PTSD were recruited from a single service dog provider including veterans living with a PTSD service dog (n = 52) and veterans on the waitlist (n = 44). Both populations of veterans received treatment as usual. Participants completed an online survey of self-reported medication regimens and medication changes. Regression models quantified the effect of having a service dog on physical health, mental health, pain, and sleep medications while controlling for confounding variables (age, sex, relationship status, traumatic brain injuries, and physical health). Results indicated that there were no significant effects of having a service dog on overall self-reported medication use nor any specific medication category (p's > 0.06). However, veterans with a service dog were more likely than those on the waitlist to report that their doctor had decreased dosage or removed medications since getting their service dog. The results of this preliminary cross-sectional research should be interpreted with caution, as future within-subject and pharmacy-verified research is necessary to understand the causality of these findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kerri E Rodriguez
- Center for the Human-Animal Bond, Department of Comparative Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | | | - Carol A Ott
- College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Marguerite E O'Haire
- Center for the Human-Animal Bond, Department of Comparative Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Pain, Depression, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Following Major Extremity Trauma Among United States Military Serving in Iraq and Afghanistan: Results From the Military Extremity Trauma and Amputation/Limb Salvage Study. J Orthop Trauma 2021; 35:e96-e102. [PMID: 33079837 DOI: 10.1097/bot.0000000000001921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Assess the burden and co-occurrence of pain, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among service members who sustained a major limb injury, and examine whether these conditions are associated with functional outcomes. DESIGN A retrospective cohort study. SETTING Four U.S. military treatment facilities: Walter Reed Army Medical Center, National Naval Medical Center, Brooke Army Medical Center, and Naval Medical Center San Diego. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS Four hundred twenty-nine United States service members who sustained a major limb injury while serving in Afghanistan or Iraq met eligibility criteria upon review of their medical records. INTERVENTION Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS Outcomes assessed were: function using the short musculoskeletal functional assessment; PTSD using the PTSD Checklist and diagnostic and statistical manual criteria; pain using the chronic pain grade scale. RESULTS Military extremity trauma and amputation/limb salvage patients without pain, depression, or PTSD, were, on average, about one minimally clinically important difference (MCID) from age- and gender-adjusted population norms. In contrast, patients with low levels of pain and no depression or PTSD were, on average, one to 2 MCIDs from population norms. Military extremity trauma and amputation/limb salvage patients with either greater levels of pain, and who experience PTSD, depression, or both, were 4 to 6 MCIDs from population norms. Regression analyses adjusting for injury type (upper or lower limb, salvage or amputation, and unilateral or bilateral), age, time to interview, military rank, presence of a major upper limb injury, social support, presence of mild traumatic brain injury/concussion, and combat experiences showed that higher levels of pain, depression, and PTSD were associated with lower one-year functional outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Major limb trauma sustained in the military results in significant long-term pain and PTSD. Overall, the results are consistent with the hypothesis that pain, depression, and PTSD are associated with disability in this population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Collapse
|
28
|
Chu KM, Garcia SMS, Koka H, Wynn GH, Kao TC. Mental health care utilization and stigma in the military: comparison of Asian Americans to other racial groups. ETHNICITY & HEALTH 2021; 26:235-250. [PMID: 30022687 DOI: 10.1080/13557858.2018.1494823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Objective: To investigate race disparities in the US Military among Asian, White, Black, Native American and Other, seeking mental health care in the context of stigma defined by perceived damage to career.Design: Using 2008 survey data taken from US military personnel, mental disorders including depression, generalized anxiety disorder, suicidal ideation, suicidal attempt and post-traumatic stress disorder serious psychological distress (as defined in Kessler - 6), as well as seeking mental health care in past 12 months and stigma were dichotomized and weighted logistic regression models were used.Results: A significant race disparity existed in seeking mental health care when data were stratified by stigma and depression adjusted for demographic variables. Compared to Asians with depression that perceived stigma, Blacks were more likely to seek mental health care (OR with 95% confidence interval for Asians: 3.97[2.21, 7.15], Black: 9.25[6.02, 14.20], p < .005) adjusting for demographic variables. Similar results held for other mental disorders with the exception of suicide attempts and serious psychological distress. Compared to Asians with serious psychological distress who did not perceive stigma, only Whites were more likely to seek mental health care (OR for Asians: 3.27[2.15, 4.97], White: 6.47[4.60, 9.11], p < .005). Among those without a mental health disorder, regardless of the presence or absence of perceived stigma, there was no disparity between any two race groups in seeking mental health care.Conclusion: Among individuals having perceived stigma with mental health disorders, Asian American active-duty personnel may be less likely to use mental health care when compared to non-Asian peers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kasi M Chu
- Department of Preventive Medicine & Biostatistics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MA, USA
| | - Shawn M S Garcia
- Department of Preventive Medicine & Biostatistics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MA, USA
| | - Hela Koka
- Department of Preventive Medicine & Biostatistics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MA, USA
| | - Gary H Wynn
- Department of Psychiatry and Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MA, USA
| | - Tzu-Cheg Kao
- Department of Preventive Medicine & Biostatistics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Zhang H, Shi Y, Jing P, Zhan P, Fang Y, Wang F. Posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in healthcare workers after the peak of the COVID-19 outbreak: A survey of a large tertiary care hospital in Wuhan. Psychiatry Res 2020; 294:113541. [PMID: 33128999 PMCID: PMC7585629 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
This study examined the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and assessed mental illness via an online survey among healthcare workers (HCWs) at the Central Hospital of Wuhan after the peak of the COVID-19 outbreak. PTSD symptoms were measured using the PTSD Checklist Civilian Version (PCL-C), with a cutoff score of 50. Among the 642 HCWs, the prevalence of probable PTSD was 20.87%. Additionally, 88.88%, 82.09%, 100%, and 95.52% of HCWs with probable PTSD reported varying degrees of anxiety, depression, somatic symptoms, and insomnia, respectively. HCWs with probable PTSD scored higher on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Patient Health questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15), and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) than non-PTSD HCWs (all p < 0.05). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that HCWs with negative COVID-19 tests (OR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.21-0.58; p < 0.00), those with high Social Support Self-Rating Scale (SSRS) scores (OR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.17-0.52; p < 0.00), and HCWs whose family members tested negative (OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.42-0.96; p = 0.03) were less likely to have probable PTSD. This study found a high prevalence of probable PTSD and severe mental illness among local HCWs. Our finding emphasizes the need to provide mental health support for HCWs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongyi Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Wuhan 430030, China; Tongji Medical College and Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yuqin Shi
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Medical College, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Ping Jing
- Department of Neurology, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Wuhan 430030, China; Tongji Medical College and Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Peiyan Zhan
- Department of Neurology, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Wuhan 430030, China; Tongji Medical College and Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yue Fang
- Department of Neurology, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Wuhan 430030, China; Tongji Medical College and Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Wuhan 430030, China; Tongji Medical College and Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Peterson AL, Foa EB, Resick PA, Hoyt TV, Straud CL, Moore BA, Favret JV, Hale WJ, Litz BT, Rogers TE, Stone JM, Villarreal R, Woodson CS, Young-McCaughan S, Mintz J. A Nonrandomized Trial of Prolonged Exposure and Cognitive Processing Therapy for Combat-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in a Deployed Setting. Behav Ther 2020; 51:882-894. [PMID: 33051031 DOI: 10.1016/j.beth.2020.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
For many decades, the U.S. military's general operational guideline has been to limit the use of trauma-focused treatments for combat and operational stress reactions in military service members until they have returned from deployment. Recently, published clinical trials have documented that active-duty military personnel with combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be treated effectively in garrison. However, there are limited data on the treatment of combat and operational stress reactions or combat-related PTSD during military deployments. This prospective, nonrandomized trial evaluated the treatment of active-duty service members (N = 12) with combat and operational stress reactions or combat-related PTSD while deployed to Afghanistan or Iraq. Service members were treated by deployed military behavioral health providers using modified Prolonged Exposure (PE; n = 6) or modified Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT; n = 6), with protocol modifications tailored to individual mission requirements. The PTSD Checklist-Military Version (PCL-M) total score was the primary outcome measure. Results indicated that both groups demonstrated clinically significant change in PTSD symptoms as indicated by a reduction of 10 points or greater on the PCL-M. Participants treated with modified PE had significant reductions in PTSD symptoms, t = -3.83, p = .01; g = -1.32, with a mean reduction of 18.17 points on the PCL-M. Participants treated with modified CPT had a mean PCL-M reduction of 10.00 points, but these reductions were not statistically significant, t = -1.49, p = .12; g = -0.51. These findings provide preliminary evidence that modified forms of PE and CPT can be implemented in deployed settings for the treatment of combat and operational stress reactions and combat-related PTSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alan L Peterson
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio; South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio; University of Texas at San Antonio.
| | | | | | | | - Casey L Straud
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio; University of Texas at San Antonio
| | - Brian A Moore
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio; University of Texas at San Antonio
| | | | - Willie J Hale
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio; University of Texas at San Antonio
| | | | - Timothy E Rogers
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences; Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, TX
| | | | | | | | | | - Jim Mintz
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Meabon JS, Cook DG, Yagi M, Terry GE, Cross DJ, Muzi M, Pagulayan KF, Logsdon AF, Schindler AG, Ghai V, Wang K, Fallen S, Zhou Y, Kim TK, Lee I, Banks WA, Carlson ES, Mayer C, Hendrickson RC, Raskind MA, Marshall DA, Perl DP, Keene CD, Peskind ER. Chronic elevation of plasma vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) is associated with a history of blast exposure. J Neurol Sci 2020; 417:117049. [PMID: 32758764 PMCID: PMC7492467 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2020.117049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Mounting evidence points to the significance of neurovascular-related dysfunction in veterans with blast-related mTBI, which is also associated with reduced [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake. The goal of this study was to determine whether plasma VEGF-A is altered in veterans with blast-related mTBI and address whether VEGF-A levels correlate with FDG uptake in the cerebellum, a brain region that is vulnerable to blast-related injury 72 veterans with blast-related mTBI (mTBI) and 24 deployed control (DC) veterans with no lifetime history of TBI were studied. Plasma VEGF-A was significantly elevated in mTBIs compared to DCs. Plasma VEGF-A levels in mTBIs were significantly negatively correlated with FDG uptake in cerebellum. In addition, performance on a Stroop color/word interference task was inversely correlated with plasma VEGF-A levels in blast mTBI veterans. Finally, we observed aberrant perivascular VEGF-A immunoreactivity in postmortem cerebellar tissue and not cortical or hippocampal tissues from blast mTBI veterans. These findings add to the limited number of plasma proteins that are chronically elevated in veterans with a history of blast exposure associated with mTBI. It is likely the elevated VEGF-A levels are from peripheral sources. Nonetheless, increasing plasma VEGF-A concentrations correlated with chronically decreased cerebellar glucose metabolism and poorer performance on tasks involving cognitive inhibition and set shifting. These results strengthen an emerging view that cognitive complaints and functional brain deficits caused by blast exposure are associated with chronic blood-brain barrier injury and prolonged recovery in affected regions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James S Meabon
- Veterans Affairs (VA) Northwest Mental Illness, Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - David G Cook
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center (GRECC), Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Mayumi Yagi
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center (GRECC), Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Garth E Terry
- Veterans Affairs (VA) Northwest Mental Illness, Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Donna J Cross
- Department of Radiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Mark Muzi
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kathleen F Pagulayan
- Veterans Affairs (VA) Northwest Mental Illness, Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Aric F Logsdon
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center (GRECC), Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Abigail G Schindler
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center (GRECC), Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Vikas Ghai
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kai Wang
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Yong Zhou
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Inyoul Lee
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - William A Banks
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center (GRECC), Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Erik S Carlson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center (GRECC), Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Cynthia Mayer
- Veterans Affairs (VA) Northwest Mental Illness, Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Rebecca C Hendrickson
- Veterans Affairs (VA) Northwest Mental Illness, Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Murray A Raskind
- Veterans Affairs (VA) Northwest Mental Illness, Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Daniel P Perl
- Department of Pathology, Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - C Dirk Keene
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Elaine R Peskind
- Veterans Affairs (VA) Northwest Mental Illness, Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Runge CE, Waller MJ, Moss KM, Dean JA. Military Personnel Ratings of a Deployment and Their Positive and Negative Deployment Experiences. Mil Med 2020; 185:e1615-e1623. [PMID: 32567661 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usaa109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is limited investigation of how military personnel evaluate their deployment experiences. An understanding of their perceptions would help unit psychologists to advise commanders on ways to improve the deployment experience (and therefore mental well-being) of personnel. This study examined the interplay between deployment overall ratings, personnel characteristics and positive and negative deployment experiences in aid of such understanding. MATERIALS AND METHODS The participants were 1,226 Australian Defence Force personnel who deployed to East Timor and (through a survey) provided an overall rating of their deployment and comments on major positive and negative deployment experiences. Descriptive statistics detail ratings by personnel characteristics, and a hybrid content/thematic analysis details the positive and negative experiences. The study was approved by an Institutional Review Board. RESULTS Over 80% of the participants rated their overall East Timor deployment experience as positive, with 13% rating it as neutral and 7% as negative. Intrinsic rewards (eg, ability to use skills) were the most commonly expressed major positive experiences of the deployment, with deployment administration and military leadership the most common negatives. Most intrinsic rewards were reported more often in participants with a positive deployment rating, while poor leadership was most frequent in those with a negative rating. CONCLUSIONS Military leadership is corroborated as a negative experience of military deployment, while a new finding indicates that intrinsic rewards are a common feature in positive evaluations of deployment. Leadership is a factor that Defence Forces can address to improve the deployment experience. The study strength is the range and size of the sample, with a limitation the potential for recall bias (the data were collected, on average, 5 years postdeployment). Future research should replicate this type of analysis to build a picture of the experiences and evaluations of personnel from a range of different deployments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine E Runge
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, 288 Herston Road, Herston 4006, Australia
| | - Michael J Waller
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, 288 Herston Road, Herston 4006, Australia
| | - Katrina M Moss
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, 288 Herston Road, Herston 4006, Australia
| | - Judith A Dean
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, 288 Herston Road, Herston 4006, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Ahlmark NG, Dahl A, Andersen HS, Tjørnhøj-Thomsen T, Andersen S. Body therapy versus treatment as usual among Danish veterans with PTSD: Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial combined with a qualitative study. Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2020; 19:100596. [PMID: 32617435 PMCID: PMC7322676 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2020.100596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many veterans suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after returning from military missions. This implies complex physical and psychosocial problems for veterans and their families. Treatment options today are primarily medically and psychologically founded but treatment response is incomplete. Body therapy for PTSD is scarcely researched though subject of increased attention. In 2015, a Danish pilot study was conducted exploring body therapy for PTSD. The study showed positive results and formed basis for a randomised controlled trial. This paper outlines the protocol for this trial. METHODS The intervention will be evaluated in a two-arm randomised controlled trial (1:1). The trial will include 42 veterans with PTSD recruited by the Danish Military Psychiatric Centre. The intervention group receives treatment as usual and weekly body therapy treatment as add-on. The control group receives treatment as usual (TAU). Participants will complete four questionnaires assessing PTSD, depression, quality of life, function level and body awareness: at baseline, and at 3 months, 6 months and 12 months post baseline. Linear regression models and mixed effects models will be used to assess intervention effects. Furthermore, an ethnographic study will examine how the participants experience the treatment and changes in their everyday life. The ethnographic study is based on in-depth interviews, participant observations and focus groups. A mixed method, convergent parallel design will be applied. DISCUSSION This study examines the efficacy of body therapy for veterans with PTSD and how the treatment is experienced and affects daily life. The study will contribute with important knowledge on an alternative treatment for PTSD. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03777800.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nanna Gram Ahlmark
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Studiestræde 6, DK-1455, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Dahl
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Studiestræde 6, DK-1455, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Henrik Steen Andersen
- Danish Military Psychiatric Center, Capital Region of Denmark, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tine Tjørnhøj-Thomsen
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Studiestræde 6, DK-1455, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Susan Andersen
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Studiestræde 6, DK-1455, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Ghai V, Fallen S, Baxter D, Scherler K, Kim TK, Zhou Y, Meabon JS, Logsdon AF, Banks WA, Schindler AG, Cook DG, Peskind ER, Lee I, Wang K. Alterations in Plasma microRNA and Protein Levels in War Veterans with Chronic Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. J Neurotrauma 2020; 37:1418-1430. [PMID: 32024417 PMCID: PMC7249467 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2019.6826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Blast-related mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is considered the "signature" injury of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Identifying biomarkers that could aid in diagnosis and assessment of chronic mTBI are urgently needed, as little progress has been made toward identifying blood-based biomarkers of repetitive mTBI in the chronic state. Addressing this knowledge gap is especially important in the population of military veterans who are receiving assessment and care often years after their last exposure. Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs), especially those encapsulated in extracellular vesicles (EVs), have gained interest as a source of biomarkers for neurological conditions. To identify biomarkers for chronic mTBI, we used next generation sequencing (NGS) to analyze miRNAs in plasma and plasma-derived EVs from 27 Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans with blast-related chronic mTBI, 11 deployed veteran non-TBI controls, and 31 civilian controls. We identified 32 miRNAs in plasma and 45 miRNAs in EVs that significantly changed in the chronic mTBI cohort compared with control groups. These miRNAs were predominantly associated with pathways involved in neuronal function, vascular remodeling, blood-brain barrier integrity, and neuroinflammation. In addition, the plasma proteome was analyzed and showed that the concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP) and membrane metalloendopeptidase (MME) were elevated in chronic mTBI samples. These plasma miRNAs and proteins could potentially be used as biomarkers and provide insights into the molecular processes associated with the long-term health outcomes associated with blast-related chronic mTBI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vikas Ghai
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - David Baxter
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Taek-Kyun Kim
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Yong Zhou
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - James S. Meabon
- Veterans Affairs Northwest Network Mental Illness, Research, Education, and Clinical Center, and Education, and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System (VAPSHCS), Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Aric F. Logsdon
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System (VAPSHCS), Seattle, Washington, USA.,Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, and University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - William A. Banks
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System (VAPSHCS), Seattle, Washington, USA.,Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, and University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Abigail G. Schindler
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System (VAPSHCS), Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - David G. Cook
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System (VAPSHCS), Seattle, Washington, USA.,Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, and University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Elaine R. Peskind
- Veterans Affairs Northwest Network Mental Illness, Research, Education, and Clinical Center, and Education, and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System (VAPSHCS), Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Inyoul Lee
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Kai Wang
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Address correspondence to: Kai Wang, PhD, Hood-Price Lab, Institute for Systems Biology, 401 Terry Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109-5263, USA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Morland LA, Mackintosh MA, Glassman LH, Wells SY, Thorp SR, Rauch SAM, Cunningham PB, Tuerk PW, Grubbs KM, Golshan S, Sohn MJ, Acierno R. Home-based delivery of variable length prolonged exposure therapy: A comparison of clinical efficacy between service modalities. Depress Anxiety 2020; 37:346-355. [PMID: 31872563 DOI: 10.1002/da.22979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examined clinical and retention outcomes following variable length prolonged exposure (PE) for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) delivered by one of three treatment modalities (i.e., home-based telehealth [HBT], office-based telehealth [OBT], or in-home-in-person [IHIP]). METHOD A randomized clinical trial design was used to compare variable-length PE delivered through HBT, OBT, or IHIP. Treatment duration (i.e., number of sessions) was determined by either achievement of a criterion score on the PTSD Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-5 (DSM-5; PTSD Checklist for DSM-5) for two consecutive sessions or completion of 15 sessions. Participants received PE via HBT (n = 58), OBT (n = 59) or IHIP (n = 58). Data were collected between 2012 and 2018, and PTSD was diagnosed using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5), administered at baseline, posttreatment, and 6 months following treatment completion. The primary clinical outcome was CAPS-5 PTSD severity. Secondary outcomes included self-reported PTSD and depression symptoms, as well as treatment dropout. RESULTS The clinical effectiveness of PE did not differ by treatment modality across any time point; however, there was a significant difference in treatment dropout. Veterans in the HBT (odds ratio [OR] = 2.67; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.10, 6.52; p = .031) and OBT (OR = 5.08; 95% CI = 2.10; 12.26; p < .001) conditions were significantly more likely than veterans in IHIP to drop out of treatment. CONCLUSIONS Providers can effectively deliver PE through telehealth and in-home, in-person modalities although the rate of treatment completion was higher in IHIP care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leslie A Morland
- Regional TeleMental Health Program, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California
| | | | - Lisa H Glassman
- Regional TeleMental Health Program, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California
| | - Stephanie Y Wells
- Regional TeleMental Health Program, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California
| | - Steven R Thorp
- Regional TeleMental Health Program, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California
| | - Sheila A M Rauch
- Regional TeleMental Health Program, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California
| | - Phillippe B Cunningham
- Regional TeleMental Health Program, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California
| | - Peter W Tuerk
- Regional TeleMental Health Program, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California
| | - Kathleen M Grubbs
- Regional TeleMental Health Program, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California
| | - Shahrokh Golshan
- Regional TeleMental Health Program, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California
| | - Min Ji Sohn
- Regional TeleMental Health Program, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California
| | - Ron Acierno
- Regional TeleMental Health Program, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Holman LF, Ellmo F, Wilkerson S, Johnson R. Quasi‐Experimental Single‐Subject Design: Comparing Seeking Safety and Canine‐Assisted Therapy Interventions Among Mentally Ill Female Inmates. JOURNAL OF ADDICTIONS & OFFENDER COUNSELING 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/jaoc.12074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Leigh F. Holman
- Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology and ResearchThe University of Memphis
| | - Frances Ellmo
- Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology and ResearchThe University of Memphis
| | - Shelly Wilkerson
- Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology and ResearchThe University of Memphis
| | - Re'Sean Johnson
- Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology and ResearchThe University of Memphis
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Lotterman JH, Lorenz JM, Bonanno GA. You Can't Take Your Baby Home Yet: A Longitudinal Study of Psychological Symptoms in Mothers of Infants Hospitalized in the NICU. J Clin Psychol Med Settings 2020; 26:116-122. [PMID: 29789995 DOI: 10.1007/s10880-018-9570-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Evidence suggests that mothers of infants hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) experience elevated rates of psychological symptoms. However, previous studies of this population have been mainly cross-sectional and have focused on very preterm infants. Although moderate- to late-preterm infants generally thrive, the possible psychological toll on their mothers has not yet been sufficiently examined. In the current study, we used a longitudinal design to investigate whether mothers of moderate- to late-preterm infants experience elevated rates of psychological symptoms during the infant's hospitalization in the NICU and 6 months later. Results indicated that these mothers did show elevated depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms, and that symptom levels were similar in mothers of moderate- versus late-preterm infants. Mothers of moderate- to late-preterm infants hospitalized in the NICU appeared to experience these symptoms steadily over a 6-month period after giving birth. These findings suggest a need for greater support for these mothers while in the NICU.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jenny H Lotterman
- Teachers College, Columbia University, 525 West 120th Street, Box 102, New York, NY, 10027, USA.
| | - John M Lorenz
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - George A Bonanno
- Teachers College, Columbia University, 525 West 120th Street, Box 102, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
McCall CE, Rodriguez KE, Wadsworth SMM, Meis LA, O'Haire ME. "A Part of Our Family"? Effects of Psychiatric Service Dogs on Quality of Life and Relationship Functioning in Military-Connected Couples. MILITARY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH 2020; 8:410-423. [PMID: 35316935 DOI: 10.1080/21635781.2020.1825243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can have corrosive impacts on family relationships and individual functioning. Emerging evidence has shown that psychiatric service dogs may be an effective complementary treatment for military veterans with PTSD, benefiting veterans' mental and social health. However, few studies have examined the effects of psychiatric service dogs on the family members of veterans, specifically their partners. Mixed-methods data from 60 veteran-partner dyads examined individual and relationship functioning among partners of veterans paired with a service dog (service dog group; n = 37) and those awaiting placement (waitlist group; n = 23). While there were no statistically significant differences across groups, the effect sizes for group differences suggested that partners in the service dog group (relative to those on the waitlist) may experience higher levels of resilience and companionship, and lower levels of anger, social isolation, and work impairment. A topical survey of partner qualitative data within the service dog group indicated that service dogs provided more benefits than challenges. Partners reported improvements in veteran functioning, family relationships, and partners' quality of life. Results, although preliminary, suggest that psychiatric service dogs may provide modest positive experiences for some veteran family systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christine E McCall
- Military Family Research Institute, Department of Human Development and Family Studies, College of Health and Human Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Kerri E Rodriguez
- Center for the Human-Animal Bond, Department of Comparative Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Shelley M MacDermid Wadsworth
- Military Family Research Institute, Department of Human Development and Family Studies, College of Health and Human Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Laura A Meis
- Center for Care Delivery & Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Marguerite E O'Haire
- Center for the Human-Animal Bond, Department of Comparative Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
A randomized, placebo-controlled trial using a novel PAP delivery platform to treat patients with OSA and comorbid PTSD. Sleep Breath 2019; 24:1001-1009. [PMID: 31691105 DOI: 10.1007/s11325-019-01936-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/07/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Positive airway pressure (PAP) adherence is poor in comorbid OSA/PTSD. SensAwake™ (SA) is a wake-sensing PAP algorithm that lowers pressure when wake is detected. We compared auto-PAP (aPAP) with and without SA for comorbid OSA/PTSD. METHODS Prospective, randomized crossover study comparing aPAP to aPAP + SA. We enrolled patients with OSA/PTSD who were PAP naïve. Four weeks after randomization, the patients were crossed over to the alternate treatment group, with final follow-up at eight weeks. Sleep questionnaires (ESS, ISI, FSS, and FOSQ-10) were assessed at baseline and follow-up. RESULTS We enrolled 85 patients with OSA/PTSD. aPAP reduced AHI to < 5/h in both groups. Our primary endpoint, average hours of aPAP adherence (total) after 4 weeks, was significantly increased in the SA group in our intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis (ß = 1.13 (95% CI 0.16-2.1); p = 0.02), after adjustment for ESS differences at baseline. After adjustment for ESS, SA (ITT analysis) also showed significant improvement in percentage of nights used for ≥ 4 h (ß = 14.9 (95% CI 1.02-28.9); p = 0.04). There were trends toward an increase in percentage nights used total (ß = 17.4 (95% CI - 0.1 to 34.9); p = 0.05), average hours of aPAP adherence (nights used) (ß = 1.04 (95% CI - 0.07 to 2.1); p = 0.07), and regular use (OR = 7.5 (95% CI 0.9-64.7); p = 0.07) after adjustment for ESS at baseline. After adjustment for ESS and days to cross over, SA by actual assignment did not show any effect on adherence variables. The ESS, ISI, FSS, and FOSQ-10 all showed significant improvements with PAP, but there were no differences in the magnitude of improvement in any score between groups. CONCLUSIONS Adherence to aPAP may be improved with the addition of SA and deserves further study. SA is as effective as standard aPAP for normalizing the AHI and improving sleep-related symptoms. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02549508 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02549508?term=NCT02549508&rank=1 "Comparison Study Using APAP With and Without SensAwake in Patients With OSA and PTSD".
Collapse
|
40
|
Banducci AN, McCaughey VK, Gradus JL, Street AE. The associations between deployment experiences, PTSD, and alcohol use among male and female veterans. Addict Behav 2019; 98:106032. [PMID: 31336265 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2019.106032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OVERVIEW Alcohol use is common following traumatic military deployment experiences. What is less clear is why, and for whom, particular deployment experiences lead to alcohol use. METHOD The current study explored associations between deployment stressors (Warfare, Military Sexual Trauma, and Concerns about Life and Family Disruptions-"Life Disruptions"), PTSD (PCL-5), and alcohol use (CAGE) post-deployment, stratified by gender among 2344 male and female veterans (1137 men; Mage = 35). Conditional process analyses examined the indirect effect of traumatic deployment experiences on alcohol use, via PTSD symptom severity, with Life Disruptions as a moderator. RESULTS More severe Warfare and military sexual trauma (MST) were associated with greater PTSD symptom severity, which was associated with higher problematic alcohol use. PTSD symptom severity accounted for the associations between trauma type (i.e., MST or Warfare) and alcohol use. Among women, but not men, Life Disruptions moderated the associations between trauma type (i.e., MST, Warfare) and PTSD symptom severity, such that elevated Life Disruptions amplified the associations between trauma type and PTSD symptom severity. Moderated mediation was significant for MST among women, indicating that the strength of the indirect effect (MST ➔ PTSD ➔ problematic alcohol use) was moderated by Life Disruptions; problematic alcohol use was highest for women with greater PTSD symptom severity following exposure to more severe Life Disruptions and MST (Est. = 0.0007, SE = 0.0001, CI = 0.0002 to 0.0013). CONCLUSIONS Taken together, alcohol use following potentially traumatic deployment experiences can be understood by considering PTSD symptom severity, gender, and Life Disruptions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne N Banducci
- The National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA; Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
| | | | - Jaimie L Gradus
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA; Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Amy E Street
- The National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA; Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Trongnetrpunya A, Rapp P, Wang C, Darmon D, Costanzo ME, Nathan DE, Roy MJ, Cellucci CJ, Keyser D. Single-Trial Mechanisms Underlying Changes in Averaged P300 ERP Amplitude and Latency in Military Service Members After Combat Deployment. Front Hum Neurosci 2019; 13:377. [PMID: 31708761 PMCID: PMC6824216 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2019.00377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Attenuation in P300 amplitude has been characterized in a wide range of neurological and psychiatric disorders such as dementia, schizophrenia, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, it is unclear whether the attenuation observed in the averaged event-related potential (ERP) is due to the reduction of neural resources available for cognitive processing, the decreased consistency of cognitive resource allocation, or the increased instability of cognitive processing speed. In this study, we investigated this problem by estimating single-trial P300 amplitude and latency using a modified Woody filter and examined the relation between amplitudes and latencies from the single-trial level to the averaged ERP level. ERPs were recorded from 30 military service members returning from combat deployment at two time points separated by 6 or 12 months. A conventional visual oddball task was used to elicit P300. We observed that the extent of changes in the within-subject average P300 amplitude over time was significantly correlated with the amount of change in three single-trial measures: (1) the latency variance of the single-trial P300 (r = -0.440, p = 0.0102); (2) the percentage of P300-absent trials (r = -0.488, p = 0.005); and (3) the consistent variation of the single-trial amplitude (r = 0.571, p = 0.0022). These findings suggest that there are multiple underlying mechanisms on the single-trial level that contribute to the changes in amplitudes seen at the averaged ERP level. The changes between the first and second assessments were quantified with the intraclass correlation coefficient, the standard error of measurement and the minimal detectable difference. The unique population, the small sample size and the large fraction of participants lost to follow up precludes generalizations of these measures of change to other populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy Trongnetrpunya
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation, Department of Military and Emergency Medicine, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Paul Rapp
- Department of Military and Emergency Medicine, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, United States,*Correspondence: Paul Rapp
| | - Chao Wang
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation, Department of Military and Emergency Medicine, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - David Darmon
- Department of Mathematics, Monmouth University, West Long Branch, NJ, United States
| | - Michelle E. Costanzo
- Department of Medicine, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Dominic E. Nathan
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation, Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, United States,Graduate School of Nursing, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Michael J. Roy
- Department of Medicine, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | | | - David Keyser
- Department of Military and Emergency Medicine, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, United States
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Crisanti AS, Murray-Krezan C, Reno J, Killough C. Effectiveness of Peer-Delivered Trauma Treatment in a Rural Community: A Randomized Non-inferiority Trial. Community Ment Health J 2019; 55:1125-1134. [PMID: 31338716 PMCID: PMC6744517 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-019-00443-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This randomized controlled non-inferiority trial explored the effectiveness of Seeking Safety (SS) delivered by peer providers compared to its delivery by licensed behavioral health clinicians. The study enrolled 291 adults with PTSD and/or substance use disorders. Data were collected at 3 and 6-months post start of treatment. With respect to long-term outcomes, at 6 months PTSD symptoms decreased by 5.1 points [95% CI (- 9.0, - 1.1)] and by 4.9 points [95% CI (- 8.6, - 1.1)] and coping skills increased by 5.5 points [95% CI (0.4, 10.6)] and by 5.6 points [95% CI (0.8, 10.4)], in the peer- and clinician-led groups, respectively. This study demonstrated non-inferiority of peer-delivered SS compared to clinician-delivered SS for reducing PTSD symptoms and similar outcomes for both groups with respect to coping skills. A confirmatory study on the effectiveness of peer-delivered trauma-specific services is warranted, especially given the potential for increasing access to such treatment in underserved rural communities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annette S Crisanti
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of New Mexico, MSC 09 5030, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA.
| | | | - Jessica Reno
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of New Mexico, MSC 09 5030, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Cynthia Killough
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of New Mexico, MSC 09 5030, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Ma Z, Xia Y, Lin Z. Post-Traumatic Growth Following Exposure to Memorial Reports of the 5.12 Wenchuan Earthquake: The Moderating Roles of Self-Esteem and Long-Term PTSD Symptoms. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16183239. [PMID: 31487834 PMCID: PMC6765798 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16183239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Revised: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Media exposure during a traumatic event has been found to be associated with negative psychological consequences. However, the post-disaster role of the mass media and the possible positive psychological consequences of media exposure has received less attention. In the present study, we hypothesized that exposure to memorial media reports would lead to improved post-traumatic growth (PTG). Further, we evaluated the moderating role of self-esteem and long-term post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in the relationship between media exposure and PTG. Using a cross-sectional design, we surveyed individuals (N = 1000, mean age = 45.62, 43.5% male) who were recruited from disaster-affected communities ten years after the 5.12 Wenchuan earthquake which was the largest country-level trauma in the past three decades. Results revealed that individuals with lower self-esteem or lower PTSD symptoms would have higher psychological growth with greater exposure to memorial news reports. For individuals who reported having both high levels of self-esteem and PTSD symptoms, the relationship between media exposure and PTG was negative. These findings help present trauma in a new light, particularly regarding the rapid and instantaneous new coverage of the digital age. This study also has multi-disciplinary, cross-cultural, and clinical implications for the fields of psychology, public health, and communications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhihao Ma
- Computational Communication Collaboratory, School of Journalism and Communication, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Yiwei Xia
- School of Law, Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, Chengdu 611130, China.
| | - Zhongxuan Lin
- School of Journalism and Communication, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Mitchell SL, Hayda R, Chen AT, Carlini AR, Ficke JR, MacKenzie EJ. The Military Extremity Trauma Amputation/Limb Salvage (METALS) Study: Outcomes of Amputation Compared with Limb Salvage Following Major Upper-Extremity Trauma. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2019; 101:1470-1478. [PMID: 31436655 PMCID: PMC7406140 DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.18.00970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe upper-extremity injuries account for almost one-half of all extremity trauma in recent conflicts in the Global War on Terror. Few long-term outcomes studies address severe combat-related upper-extremity injuries. This study's objective was to describe long-term functional outcomes of amputation compared with those of limb salvage in Global War on Terror veterans who sustained severe upper-extremity injuries. Limb salvage was hypothesized to result in better arm and hand function scores, overall functional status, and quality of life, with similar pain interference. METHODS This retrospective cohort study utilized data from the Military Extremity Trauma Amputation/Limb Salvage (METALS) study for a subset of 155 individuals who sustained major upper-extremity injuries treated with amputation or limb salvage. Participants were interviewed by telephone 40 months after injury, assessing social support, personal habits, and patient-reported outcome instruments for function, activity, depression, pain, and posttraumatic stress. Outcomes were evaluated for participants with severe upper-extremity injuries and were compared with participants with concomitant severe, lower-extremity injury. The analysis of outcomes comparing limb salvage with amputation was restricted to the 137 participants with a unilateral upper-extremity injury because of the small number of patients with bilateral upper-extremity injuries (n = 18). RESULTS Overall, participants with upper-extremity injuries reported moderate to high levels of physical and psychosocial disability. Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA) scores were high across domains; 19.4% screened positive for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and 12.3% were positive for depression. Nonetheless, 63.6% of participants were working, were on active duty, or were attending school, and 38.7% of participants were involved in vigorous recreational activities. No significant differences in outcomes were observed between patients who underwent limb salvage and those who underwent amputation. CONCLUSIONS Severe, combat-related upper-extremity injuries result in diminished self-reported function and psychosocial health. Our results suggest that long-term outcomes are equivalent for those treated with amputation or limb salvage. Addressing or preventing PTSD, depression, chronic pain, and associated health habits may result in less disability burden in this population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stuart L. Mitchell
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland,Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Roman Hayda
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Brown University Warren Alpert School of Medicine, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Andrew T. Chen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Anthony R. Carlini
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - James R. Ficke
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Ellen J. MacKenzie
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Shiner B, Gui J, Westgate CL, Schnurr PP, Watts BV, Cornelius SL, Maguen S. Using patient-reported outcomes to understand the effectiveness of guideline-concordant care for post-traumatic stress disorder in clinical practice. J Eval Clin Pract 2019; 25:689-699. [PMID: 31115137 PMCID: PMC6615989 DOI: 10.1111/jep.13158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Identifying predictors of improvement amongst patients receiving routine treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) could provide information about factors that influence the clinical effectiveness of guideline-concordant care. This study builds on prior work by accounting for delivery of specific evidence-based treatments (EBTs) for PTSD while identifying potential predictors of clinical improvement using patient-reported outcomes measurement. METHOD Our sample consisted of 2 643 US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) outpatients who initiated treatment for PTSD between 2008 and 2013 and received at least four PTSD checklist (PCL) measurements over 12 weeks. We obtained PCL data as well as demographic, diagnostic, and health services use information from the VA corporate data warehouse. We used latent trajectory analysis to identify classes of patients based on PCL scores, then determined demographic, diagnostic, and treatment predictors of membership in each class. RESULTS Patients who met our PCL-based inclusion criteria were far more likely than those who did not receive EBTs. We identified two latent trajectories of PTSD symptoms. Patients in the substantial improvement group (25.9%) had a mean decrease in PCL score of 16.24, whereas patients in the modest improvement group improved by a mean of 8.09 points. However, there were few differences between the groups, and our model to predict group membership was only slightly better than chance (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.55). Of the 64 covariates we tested, the only robust individual predictor of improvement was gender, with men having lower odds of being in the substantial improvement group compared with women (odds ratio [OR] 0.76; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.58-0.96). CONCLUSION VA patients with PTSD can realize significant improvement in routine clinical practice. Although available medical records-based variables were generally insufficient to predict improvement trajectory, this study did indicate that men have lower odds of substantial improvement than women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian Shiner
- Research Division, White River Junction VA Medical Center, White River Junction, Vermont
- Department of Psychiatry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire
- Executive Division, National Center for PTSD, Hartford, Vermont
| | - Jiang Gui
- Department of Psychiatry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire
| | | | - Paula P Schnurr
- Department of Psychiatry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire
- Executive Division, National Center for PTSD, Hartford, Vermont
| | - Bradley V Watts
- Department of Psychiatry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire
- Field Office, National Center for Patient Safety, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Sarah L Cornelius
- Research Division, White River Junction VA Medical Center, White River Junction, Vermont
| | - Shira Maguen
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Clinical Team, San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, California
- School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Baker MT, Moring JC, Hale WJ, Mintz J, Young-McCaughan S, Bryant RA, Broshek DK, Barth JT, Villarreal R, Lancaster CL, Malach SL, Lara-Ruiz JM, Isler W, Peterson AL. Acute Assessment of Traumatic Brain Injury and Post-Traumatic Stress After Exposure to a Deployment-Related Explosive Blast. Mil Med 2019; 183:e555-e563. [PMID: 29788111 PMCID: PMC7263835 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usy100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are two of the signature injuries in military service members who have been exposed to explosive blasts during deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Acute stress disorder (ASD), which occurs within 2–30 d after trauma exposure, is a more immediate psychological reaction predictive of the later development of PTSD. Most previous studies have evaluated service members after their return from deployment, which is often months or years after the initial blast exposure. The current study is the first large study to collect psychological and neuropsychological data from active duty service members within a few days after blast exposure. Materials and Methods Recruitment for blast-injured TBI patients occurred at the Air Force Theater Hospital, 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing, Joint Base Balad, Iraq. Patients were referred from across the combat theater and evaluated as part of routine clinical assessment of psychiatric and neuropsychological symptoms after exposure to an explosive blast. Four measures of neuropsychological functioning were used: the Military Acute Concussion Evaluation (MACE); the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS); the Headminder Cognitive Stability Index (CSI); and the Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics, Version 4.0 (ANAM4). Three measures of combat exposure and psychological functioning were used: the Combat Experiences Scale (CES); the PTSD Checklist-Military Version (PCL-M); and the Acute Stress Disorder Scale (ASDS). Assessments were completed by a deployed clinical psychologist, clinical social worker, or mental health technician. Results A total of 894 patients were evaluated. Data from 93 patients were removed from the data set for analysis because they experienced a head injury due to an event that was not an explosive blast (n = 84) or they were only assessed for psychiatric symptoms (n = 9). This resulted in a total of 801 blast-exposed patients for data analysis. Because data were collected in-theater for the initial purpose of clinical evaluation, sample size varied widely between measures, from 565 patients who completed the MACE to 154 who completed the CES. Bivariate correlations revealed that the majority of psychological measures were significantly correlated with each other (ps ≤ 0.01), neuropsychological measures were correlated with each other (ps ≤ 0.05), and psychological and neuropsychological measures were also correlated with each other (ps ≤ 0.05). Conclusions This paper provides one of the first descriptions of psychological and neuropsychological functioning (and their inter-correlation) within days after blast exposure in a large sample of military personnel. Furthermore, this report describes the methodology used to gather data for the acute assessment of TBI, PTSD, and ASD after exposure to an explosive blast in the combat theater. Future analyses will examine the common and unique symptoms of TBI and PTSD, which will be instrumental in developing new assessment approaches and intervention strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monty T Baker
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7550 Interstate Highway 10 West, Suite 1325, San Antonio, TX.,Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center, 2200 Bergquist Drive, San Antonio, TX
| | - John C Moring
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7550 Interstate Highway 10 West, Suite 1325, San Antonio, TX
| | - Willie J Hale
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7550 Interstate Highway 10 West, Suite 1325, San Antonio, TX.,Department of Psychology, University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX
| | - Jim Mintz
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7550 Interstate Highway 10 West, Suite 1325, San Antonio, TX
| | - Stacey Young-McCaughan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7550 Interstate Highway 10 West, Suite 1325, San Antonio, TX
| | - Richard A Bryant
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, 11 Botany Street, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Donna K Broshek
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Virginia School of Medicine, 1215 Lee St, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Jeffrey T Barth
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Virginia School of Medicine, 1215 Lee St, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Robert Villarreal
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7550 Interstate Highway 10 West, Suite 1325, San Antonio, TX
| | - Cynthia L Lancaster
- Department of Psychology, University of Nevada, Reno, 1664 N Virginia Street, Reno, NV
| | - Steffany L Malach
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7550 Interstate Highway 10 West, Suite 1325, San Antonio, TX.,Brooke Army Medical Center, 3551 Roger Brooke Dr, San Antonio, TX
| | - Jose M Lara-Ruiz
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7550 Interstate Highway 10 West, Suite 1325, San Antonio, TX.,Department of Psychology, University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX
| | - William Isler
- Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center, 2200 Bergquist Drive, San Antonio, TX
| | - Alan L Peterson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7550 Interstate Highway 10 West, Suite 1325, San Antonio, TX.,Department of Psychology, University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX.,South Texas Veterans Health Care System, 7400 Merton Minter Boulevard, San Antonio, TX
| | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Karr JE, Rau HK, Shofer JB, Hendrickson RC, Peskind ER, Pagulayan KF. Variables associated with subjective cognitive change among Iraq and Afghanistan war Veterans with blast-related mild traumatic brain injury. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol 2019; 41:680-693. [DOI: 10.1080/13803395.2019.1611740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Justin E. Karr
- Department of Psychology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
- Veterans Affairs Northwest Network Mental Illness, Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Holly K. Rau
- Veterans Affairs Northwest Network Mental Illness, Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jane B. Shofer
- Veterans Affairs Northwest Network Mental Illness, Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Rebecca C. Hendrickson
- Veterans Affairs Northwest Network Mental Illness, Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Elaine R. Peskind
- Veterans Affairs Northwest Network Mental Illness, Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kathleen F. Pagulayan
- Veterans Affairs Northwest Network Mental Illness, Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Post-Traumatic Stress among Evacuees from the 2016 Fort McMurray Wildfires: Exploration of Psychological and Sleep Symptoms Three Months after the Evacuation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16091604. [PMID: 31071909 PMCID: PMC6540600 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16091604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study documents post-traumatic stress symptoms after the May 2016 wildfires in Fort McMurray (Alberta, Canada). A sample of 379 evacuees completed an online questionnaire from July to September 2016, and a subsample of 55 completed a psychiatric/psychological diagnostic interview. According to a self-report questionnaire, 62.5% of respondents had a provisional post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The interview confirmed that 29.1% met criteria for PTSD, 25.5% for depression, and 43.6% for insomnia; in most cases, insomnia was definitely or probably related to the fires. Traumatic exposure may elicit or exacerbate sleep problems, which are closely associated with PTSD after a disaster.
Collapse
|
49
|
Ahmadian AJ, Neylan TC, Metzler T, Cohen BE. Longitudinal association of PTSD symptoms and self-reported physical functioning among Veterans. J Affect Disord 2019; 250:1-8. [PMID: 30818050 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2019.02.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2018] [Revised: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few longitudinal studies have investigated the potentially dynamic relationship between Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and physical functioning, and the number of follow-up timepoints have been limited. We evaluated whether PTSD symptoms predicted future physical functioning and vice versa using five assessments over four years. METHODS Data was used from a longitudinal cohort of 695 participants recruited from Veteran Affairs medical outpatient clinics who experienced a traumatic event. PTSD symptom severity was assessed annually with the PTSD Checklist (PCL). Physical functioning was measured with the 10-item subscale of the SF-36. An autoregressive cross-lagged panel model was used to determine the temporal associations between PTSD and physical functioning, adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity, education and employment. Comorbidities and health behaviors were added to assess their roles in the relationship. RESULTS Greater PTSD symptom severity predicted worse physical functioning the following year (average β = -0.10, P <0.001), where a 10-point increase in PCL score predicted a 0.3-point decline in physical function score over one year. Similarly, better physical functioning also predicted reduced PTSD severity the following year, but to a smaller magnitude (average β = -0.04, P = .003). The pattern of effects was similar after controlling for comorbidities and health behaviors. LIMITATIONS Both primary variables relied on self-report, and generalizability may be limited by the mostly male Veteran sample. CONCLUSIONS Our results support a bidirectional, but unequal, relationship between PTSD and physical functioning over time. They also highlight the importance of long-term control of PTSD symptoms in preventing functional decline.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashkan J Ahmadian
- San Francisco Veteran Affairs Medical Center and Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA; School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Thomas C Neylan
- San Francisco Veteran Affairs Medical Center and Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Thomas Metzler
- San Francisco Veteran Affairs Medical Center and Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Beth E Cohen
- San Francisco Veteran Affairs Medical Center and Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Scarpelli S, Bartolacci C, D'Atri A, Gorgoni M, De Gennaro L. The Functional Role of Dreaming in Emotional Processes. Front Psychol 2019; 10:459. [PMID: 30930809 PMCID: PMC6428732 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Dream experience (DE) represents a fascinating condition linked to emotional processes and the human inner world. Although the overlap between REM sleep and dreaming has been overcome, several studies point out that emotional and perceptually vivid contents are more frequent when reported upon awakenings from this sleep stage. Actually, it is well-known that REM sleep plays a pivotal role in the processing of salient and emotional waking-life experiences, strongly contributing to the emotional memory consolidation. In this vein, we highlighted that, to some extent, neuroimaging studies showed that the processes that regulate dreaming and emotional salience in sleep mentation share similar neural substrates of those controlling emotions during wakefulness. Furthermore, the research on EEG correlates of the presence/absence of DE and the results on EEG pattern related to the incorporated memories converged to assign a crucial role of REM theta oscillations in emotional re-processing. In particular, the theta activity is involved in memory processes during REM sleep as well as during the waking state, in line with the continuity hypothesis. Also, the gamma activity seems to be related to emotional processes and dream recall as well as to lucid dreams. Interestingly, similar EEG correlates of DE have been found in clinical samples when nightmares or dreams occur. Research on clinical samples revealed that promoting the rehearsal of frightening contents aimed to change them is a promising method to treat nightmares, and that lucid dreams are associated with an attenuation of nightmares. In this view, DE can defuse emotional traumatic memories when the emotional regulation and the fear extinction mechanisms are compromised by traumatic and frightening events. Finally, dreams could represent a sort of simulation of reality, providing the possibility to create a new scenario with emotional mastery elements to cope with dysphoric items included in nightmares. In addition, it could be hypothesized that the insertion of bizarre items besides traumatic memories might be functional to "impoverish" the negative charge of the experiences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Luigi De Gennaro
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|