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Miranda O, Kiehl SM, Qi X, Brannock MD, Kosten T, Ryan ND, Kirisci L, Wang Y, Wang L. Enhancing post-traumatic stress disorder patient assessment: leveraging natural language processing for research of domain criteria identification using electronic medical records. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2024; 24:154. [PMID: 38835009 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-024-02554-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extracting research of domain criteria (RDoC) from high-risk populations like those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is crucial for positive mental health improvements and policy enhancements. The intricacies of collecting, integrating, and effectively leveraging clinical notes for this purpose introduce complexities. METHODS In our study, we created a natural language processing (NLP) workflow to analyze electronic medical record (EMR) data and identify and extract research of domain criteria using a pre-trained transformer-based natural language model, all-mpnet-base-v2. We subsequently built dictionaries from 100,000 clinical notes and analyzed 5.67 million clinical notes from 38,807 PTSD patients from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Subsequently, we showcased the significance of our approach by extracting and visualizing RDoC information in two use cases: (i) across multiple patient populations and (ii) throughout various disease trajectories. RESULTS The sentence transformer model demonstrated high F1 macro scores across all RDoC domains, achieving the highest performance with a cosine similarity threshold value of 0.3. This ensured an F1 score of at least 80% across all RDoC domains. The study revealed consistent reductions in all six RDoC domains among PTSD patients after psychotherapy. We found that 60.6% of PTSD women have at least one abnormal instance of the six RDoC domains as compared to PTSD men (51.3%), with 45.1% of PTSD women with higher levels of sensorimotor disturbances compared to men (41.3%). We also found that 57.3% of PTSD patients have at least one abnormal instance of the six RDoC domains based on our records. Also, veterans had the higher abnormalities of negative and positive valence systems (60% and 51.9% of veterans respectively) compared to non-veterans (59.1% and 49.2% respectively). The domains following first diagnoses of PTSD were associated with heightened cue reactivity to trauma, suicide, alcohol, and substance consumption. CONCLUSIONS The findings provide initial insights into RDoC functioning in different populations and disease trajectories. Natural language processing proves valuable for capturing real-time, context dependent RDoC instances from extensive clinical notes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oshin Miranda
- Computational Chemical Genomics Screening Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | | | - Xiguang Qi
- Computational Chemical Genomics Screening Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | | | - Thomas Kosten
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Neal David Ryan
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Levent Kirisci
- University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Yanshan Wang
- University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - LiRong Wang
- Computational Chemical Genomics Screening Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
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DeBlois JP, London AS, Heffernan KS. Hypertension at the nexus of veteran status, psychiatric disorders, and traumatic brain injury: Insights from the 2011 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298366. [PMID: 38498456 PMCID: PMC10947695 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298366] [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: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Variable military service-related experiences, such as combat exposure, psychiatric disorders (PD), and traumatic brain injuries (TBI), may differentially affect the likelihood of having health care professional-identified high blood pressure (i.e., hypertension). PURPOSE Compare the odds of self-reported hypertension among non-combat and combat veterans with and without PD/TBI to non-veterans and each other. METHODS We used data from men from the 2011 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and distinguished: non-veterans (n = 21,076); non-combat veterans with no PD/TBI (n = 3,150); combat veterans with no PD/TBI (n = 1,979); and veterans (combat and non-combat) with PD and/or TBI (n = 805). Multivariable, hierarchical logistic regression models included exogenous demographic, socioeconomic attainment and family structure, health behavior and conditions, and methodological control variables. RESULTS One-third of men reported having been told at least once by a medical professional that they had high blood pressure. Bivariate analyses indicated that each veteran group had a higher prevalence of self-reported hypertension than non-veterans (design-based F = 45.2, p<0.001). In the fully adjusted model, no statistically significant differences in the odds of self-reported hypertension were observed between non-veterans and: non-combat veterans without PD/TBI (odds ratio [OR] = 0.92); combat veterans without PD/TBI (OR = 0.87); veterans with PD and/or TBI (OR = 1.35). However, veterans with PD and/or TBI had greater odds of reporting hypertension than both combat and non-combat veterans without PD/TBI (p<0.05). DISCUSSION Military service-related experiences were differentially associated with a survey-based measure of hypertension. Specifically, veterans self-reporting PD and/or TBI had significantly higher odds of self-reporting hypertension (i.e., medical provider-identified high blood pressure).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob P. DeBlois
- Department of Exercise Science, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, United States of America
| | - Andrew S. London
- Department of Sociology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, United States of America
| | - Kevin S. Heffernan
- Department of Exercise Science, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, United States of America
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Miranda O, Kiehl S, Qi X, Ryan ND, Kirisci L, Brannock MD, Kosten T, Wang Y, Wang L. Enhancing post-traumatic stress disorder patient assessment: Leveraging Natural Language Processing for Research of Domain Criteria Identification using electronic medical records. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-3973337. [PMID: 38464073 PMCID: PMC10925404 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3973337/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Background Extracting research of domain criteria (RDoC) from high-risk populations like those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is crucial for positive mental health improvements and policy enhancements. The intricacies of collecting, integrating, and effectively leveraging clinical notes for this purpose introduce complexities. Methods In our study, we created an NLP workflow to analyze electronic medical record (EMR) data, and identify and extract research of domain criteria using a pre-trained transformer-based natural language model, allmpnet-base-v2. We subsequently built dictionaries from 100,000 clinical notes and analyzed 5.67 million clinical notes from 38,807 PTSD patients from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Subsequently, we showcased the significance of our approach by extracting and visualizing RDoC information in two use cases: (i) across multiple patient populations and (ii) throughout various disease trajectories. Results The sentence transformer model demonstrated superior F1 macro scores across all RDoC domains, achieving the highest performance with a cosine similarity threshold value of 0.3. This ensured an F1 score of at least 80% across all RDoC domains. The study revealed consistent reductions in all six RDoC domains among PTSD patients after psychotherapy. Women had the highest abnormalities of sensorimotor systems, while veterans had the highest abnormalities of negative and positive valence systems. The domains following first diagnoses of PTSD were associated with heightened cue reactivity to trauma, suicide, alcohol, and substance consumption. Conclusions The findings provide initial insights into RDoC functioning in different populations and disease trajectories. Natural language processing proves valuable for capturing real-time, context dependent RDoC instances from extensive clinical notes.
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Holder N, Ranney RM, Bernhard PA, Holliday R, Vogt D, Hoffmire CA, Blosnich JR, Schneiderman AI, Maguen S. Which veterans with PTSD are most likely to report being told of their diagnosis? J Psychiatr Res 2024; 170:158-166. [PMID: 38147692 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.12.026] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Veterans who do not know about their posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis experience a fundamental barrier to accessing effective treatment. Little is known about the characteristics that influence veterans' PTSD diagnosis knowledge (i.e., report of being told they have a PTSD diagnosis by a healthcare provider). Veterans who met probable and provisional criteria for PTSD on the self-report PTSD checklist for DSM-5 were identified from the Comparative Health Assessment Interview Research Study (n = 2335). Weighted logistic regression was performed to identify demographic variables, clinical characteristics, and social determinants of health (e.g., economic instability, homelessness, healthcare coverage) associated with PTSD diagnosis knowledge among post-9/11 veterans. Approximately 62% of veterans with probable and provisional PTSD had PTSD diagnosis knowledge. Predictors with the strongest associations included another mental health diagnosis (OR = 6.10, CI95:4.58,8.12) and having Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare coverage (OR = 2.63, CI95:1.97,3.51). Veterans with combat or sexual trauma were more likely to have PTSD diagnosis knowledge than those with different trauma types. Results suggest veterans with VA healthcare coverage and military-related trauma are more likely to be informed by a healthcare professional about a PTSD diagnosis. Further research is needed to improve PTSD diagnosis knowledge for those with non-military-related trauma and those without VA healthcare coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Holder
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health Care System, United States; University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, United States.
| | - Rachel M Ranney
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health Care System, United States; University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, United States; Sierra Pacific Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, United States
| | - Paul A Bernhard
- Health Outcomes Military Exposures Epidemiology Program, Patient Care Services, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, United States
| | - Ryan Holliday
- Department of Veterans Affairs Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center for Suicide Prevention, United States; University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Department of Psychiatry, United States
| | - Dawne Vogt
- Women's Health Sciences Division, National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Boston Healthcare System, United States; Boston University School of Medicine, United States
| | - Claire A Hoffmire
- Department of Veterans Affairs Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center for Suicide Prevention, United States; University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, United States
| | - John R Blosnich
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, United States; Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, United States
| | - Aaron I Schneiderman
- Health Outcomes Military Exposures Epidemiology Program, Patient Care Services, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, United States
| | - Shira Maguen
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health Care System, United States; University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, United States; Sierra Pacific Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, United States
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Khan N, Iqra Tanveer Khan S, Joti S, Malik J, Faraz M, Ashraf A. Association of Cardiovascular Diseases With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: An Updated Review. Cardiol Rev 2023:00045415-990000000-00174. [PMID: 37966219 DOI: 10.1097/crd.0000000000000628] [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] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
The intricate relationship between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) has garnered increasing attention due to its bidirectional impact and potential for significant health consequences. Epidemiological evidence suggests that PTSD may serve as a risk factor for incident CVD, while acute CVD events can trigger PTSD, subsequently increasing the risk of recurrent cardiovascular events. This dynamic interplay is characterized by the human stress response, disrupted behavioral and lifestyle factors, and potential physiological mechanisms. Notably, the immediate aftermath of a cardiovascular event presents a critical window for intervention, offering the possibility of preventing the development of PTSD and its associated physiological and behavioral sequelae. However, while candidate mechanisms linking PTSD and CVD have been identified, determining which mechanisms are most amenable to intervention remains a challenge. This article emphasizes the urgency of addressing key unanswered questions in this domain. Despite an evolving understanding of the association between PTSD and CVD, causal relationships remain to be firmly established. Comprehensive investigations into the intricate interplay of behavioral and biological mechanisms are essential for identifying precise targets for intervention. Innovations in research methodologies, including the exploration of PTSD symptom dynamics and their impact on cardiovascular function, hold the potential for identifying crucial intervention points. Drawing parallels from prior challenges in translating identified risk factors into effective interventions, the field must prioritize systematic investigations and early-phase intervention trials. By doing so, researchers and clinicians can potentially develop strategies to mitigate CVD risk in the context of PTSD and improve both cardiovascular and mental health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naqeeb Khan
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiovascular Analytics Group, Islamabad, Pakistan
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Govier DJ, Than CT, Chawla N, Mulcahy AC, Hoggatt KJ, Yano EM, Hynes DM. Veterans Health Administration Healthcare Coverage and Medical Financial Hardship in Low-Income Veterans. Am J Prev Med 2023; 65:406-416. [PMID: 36906192 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2023.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Veterans Health Administration (VA) provides low- to no-cost care to enrolled veterans with low incomes. This study assessed the associations between VA coverage and medical financial hardship among U.S. veterans with low incomes. METHODS Using 2015-2018 National Health Interview Survey data, veterans aged ≥18 years with incomes <200% of the Federal Poverty Level were identified (crude n=2,468, weighted n=3,872,252). Four types of medical financial hardship were assessed: objective, and subjective material, psychologic, and behavioral medical financial hardship. Survey-weighted proportions of veterans with medical financial hardship were calculated, and adjusted probabilities of medical financial hardship that accounted for Veteran characteristics, year-fixed effects, and survey sampling design were estimated. Analyses were conducted from August through December 2022. RESULTS Overall, 34.5% of veterans with low incomes had VA coverage. Among veterans without VA coverage, 38.7% had Medicare insurance, 18.2% had Medicaid insurance, 16.5% had private insurance, 13.5% had other public insurance, and 13.1% were uninsured. In adjusted analyses, veterans with VA coverage had lower probabilities of objective (-8.13 percentage point, p=0.008), subjective material (-6.55 percentage point, p=0.034), subjective psychologic (-10.33 percentage point, p=0.003), and subjective behavioral (-6.72 percentage point, p=0.031) medical financial hardship than veterans with Medicare and no VA coverage. CONCLUSIONS VA coverage was associated with protection against four types of medical financial hardship among veterans with low incomes, yet many are not enrolled. Research is needed to understand reasons these veterans lack VA coverage and to identify strategies to address medical financial hardship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana J Govier
- VA Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care (CIVIC), VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon; Department of Health Systems Management & Policy, Oregon Health & Science University - Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland, Oregon.
| | - Claire T Than
- VA Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation, and Policy, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California
| | - Neetu Chawla
- VA Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation, and Policy, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California
| | - Abby C Mulcahy
- VA Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care (CIVIC), VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon; Department of Health Systems Management & Policy, Oregon Health & Science University - Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland, Oregon
| | - Katherine J Hoggatt
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, California; Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Elizabeth M Yano
- VA Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation, and Policy, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California; Department of Health Policy & Management, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California; Department of Medicine, UCLA Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California
| | - Denise M Hynes
- VA Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care (CIVIC), VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon; School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon; Center for Quantitative Life Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon; School of Nursing, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
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Russell B, Mussap AJ. Rumination and threat-biased interpretation mediate posttraumatic stress and growth responses to military stressors. MILITARY PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 35:451-466. [PMID: 37615560 PMCID: PMC10453989 DOI: 10.1080/08995605.2022.2127618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
We examined the role of rumination and threat-biased interpretation in stress and growth responses to military stressors. Two online surveys were completed by 183 (survey 1) and 393 (survey 2) currently serving or retired military personnel. The surveys measured exposure to potential military stressors (exposure to combat, witnessing the consequences of war, and perceived moral injury), posttraumatic stress symptomatology (PTSS), posttraumatic growth (PTG), and personal wellbeing, with survey 1 including measures of rumination, and survey 2 including a measure of threat-biased interpretation. Path analyses revealed that indirect paths from both witnessing the consequences of war and experiencing betrayal to PTSS were mediated by intrusive rumination and threat-biased interpretation, and that indirect paths from both betrayal and transgressions by others to PTG were mediated by deliberate rumination and threat-biased interpretation. The results reveal the idiosyncratic nature of military stressors, their differential involvement with cognitions that underpin rumination about past events and interpretation of current events, and their relevance to posttraumatic stress and growth in military personnel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenton Russell
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia
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Kinley J, Feizi S, Elgar FJ. Adolescent mental health in military families: Evidence from the Canadian Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH = REVUE CANADIENNE DE SANTE PUBLIQUE 2023; 114:651-658. [PMID: 36920660 PMCID: PMC10351247 DOI: 10.17269/s41997-023-00758-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the association between physical and mental health symptoms in adolescents and having a parent in the Canadian Armed Forces and the moderation of these associations by various sources of social support. METHODS We used data on a nationally representative sample of 18,886 adolescents (11-15 years) in the 2017/18 Canadian Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study (HBSC). Survey assessments included multi-item scales of mental and physical health symptoms and sources of social support (peers, families, classmates, and teachers). Poisson regression was used to estimate incidence rate ratios (IRR) of weekly symptoms in military versus non-military youths. Moderation of differences between these groups were tested using interactions of variables representing support and military families. RESULTS Military youth, compared to non-military youth, reported more mental health symptoms (IRR = 1.20; 95% CI 1.08, 1.33) but only marginally more physical symptoms (IRR = 1.15; 95% CI 1.00, 1.33) in the previous week. These associations were stronger in youths who reported lower levels of peer support (IRR = 0.99; 95% CI 0.98, 1.00 [mental health symptoms]; IRR = 0.98; 95% CI 0.97, 1.00 [physical health symptoms]). Support from families, classmates and teachers did not moderate differences in mental or physical symptoms. CONCLUSION Canadian adolescents in military families have increased risk for experiencing poor mental health. Peer support may play a protective role, however further research is needed to guide clinical interventions for this unique population.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Kinley
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Samira Feizi
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Frank J Elgar
- School of Population and Global Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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Spiller TR, Duek O, Buta E, Gross G, Smith NB, Harpaz-Rotem I. Comparative effectiveness of group v. individual trauma-focused treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder in veterans. Psychol Med 2023; 53:4561-4568. [PMID: 35959560 PMCID: PMC10388318 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291722001441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) and prolonged exposure (PE) delivered in an individual setting are efficacious and effective treatments for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Group CPT has been shown to be less efficacious than individual CPT, however, evidence regarding real-world effectiveness is limited. METHODS We conducted a retrospective, observational, comparative effectiveness study including veterans that received at least eight sessions of group CPT, individual CPT, or individual PE, and were discharged from PTSD residential treatment at the Department of Veterans Affairs between 1 October 2015, and 30 September 2020. PTSD symptom severity was assessed with the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) and treatments delivered in a group (CPT) or individual (CPT or PE) setting were compared at discharge and 4-month post-discharge follow-up. RESULTS Of 6735 veterans, 3888 [653 women (17%), median (IQR) age 45 (35-55) years] received individual and 2847 [206 women (7.2%), median (IQR) age 42 (34-54)] received group therapy. At discharge, improvement in PTSD severity was statistically greater among those treated individually (mean difference on the PCL-5, 2.55 (95% CI 1.61-3.49); p = <0.001]. However, the difference was smaller than the minimal clinically important difference of 7.9 points. The groups did not differ significantly at 4-month follow-up [mean difference on the PCL-5, 0.37 (95% CI -0.86 to 1.60); p = 0.551]. CONCLUSION Group CPT was associated with a slightly smaller reduction of PTSD symptom severity than individual CPT or PE in veterans at the end of residential treatment. There were no differences at 4-month follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias R. Spiller
- Clinical Neurosciences Division, National Center for PTSD, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Or Duek
- Clinical Neurosciences Division, National Center for PTSD, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Eugenia Buta
- Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College St, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Georgina Gross
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Northeast Program Evaluation Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Noelle B. Smith
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Northeast Program Evaluation Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Ilan Harpaz-Rotem
- Clinical Neurosciences Division, National Center for PTSD, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Northeast Program Evaluation Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
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Karstoft KI, Eskelund K, Gradus JL, Andersen SB, Nissen LR. Early prediction of mental health problems following military deployment: Integrating pre- and post-deployment factors in neural network models. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 163:109-117. [PMID: 37209616 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.05.014] [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: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Military personnel deployed to war zones are at increased risk of mental health problems such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression. Early pre- or post-deployment identification of those at highest risk of such problems is crucial to target intervention to those in need. However, sufficiently accurate models predicting objectively assessed mental health outcomes have not been put forward. In a sample consisting of all Danish military personnel who deployed to war zones for the first (N = 27,594), second (N = 11,083) and third (N = 5,161) time between 1992 and 2013, we apply neural networks to predict psychiatric diagnoses or use of psychotropic medicine in the years following deployment. Models are based on pre-deployment registry data alone or on pre-deployment registry data in combination with post-deployment questionnaire data on deployment experiences or early post-deployment reactions. Further, we identified the most central predictors of importance for the first, second, and third deployment. Models based on pre-deployment registry data alone had lower accuracy (AUCs ranging from 0.61 (third deployment) to 0.67 (first deployment)) than models including pre- and post-deployment data (AUCs ranging from 0.70 (third deployment) to 0.74 (first deployment)). Age at deployment, deployment year and previous physical trauma were important across deployments. Post-deployment predictors varied across deployments but included deployment exposures as well as early post-deployment symptoms. The results suggest that neural network models combining pre- and early post-deployment data can be utilized for screening tools that identify individuals at risk of severe mental health problems in the years following military deployment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen-Inge Karstoft
- Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Research and Knowledge Centre, The Danish Veteran Centre, Ringsted, Denmark.
| | - Kasper Eskelund
- Research and Knowledge Centre, The Danish Veteran Centre, Ringsted, Denmark; Center for Applied Audiology Research, Oticon, Kongebakken 9, 2765, Smørum, Denmark.
| | - Jaimie L Gradus
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Søren B Andersen
- Research and Knowledge Centre, The Danish Veteran Centre, Ringsted, Denmark.
| | - Lars R Nissen
- Research and Knowledge Centre, The Danish Veteran Centre, Ringsted, Denmark.
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Sandhu D, Dougherty EN, Haedt-Matt A. PTSD symptoms as a potential mediator of associations between military sexual assault and disordered eating. Eat Disord 2023; 31:285-299. [PMID: 36239705 DOI: 10.1080/10640266.2022.2133586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Despite increasing rates of sexual assault in the military and high rates of disordered eating and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among veterans, little is known about how these constructs are related. This study examined whether PTSD symptoms mediate the relation between military sexual assault and disordered eating among female veterans. United States female veterans (N = 98) completed self-report measures assessing military sexual assault, PTSD, and disordered eating. Results indicated that military sexual assault was associated with higher PTSD symptoms and disordered eating. PTSD symptoms did not mediate the relation between military sexual assault and overall levels of disordered eating. However, PTSD symptoms fully mediated the relation between military sexual assault and the Bulimia and Food Preoccupation subscale of the Eating Attitudes Test-26. Findings suggest that military sexual assault may contribute to the development of bulimia nervosa symptoms indirectly through PTSD symptoms. Thus, the findings do not support a global relationship between trauma and all facets of disordered eating, but demonstrate a relationship between PTSD and bulimia nervosa symptoms, with purging potentially functioning as an emotion regulation strategy. Future longitudinal studies are needed to establish temporal precedence of these associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Sandhu
- Department of Psychology, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Alissa Haedt-Matt
- Department of Psychology, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Miles SR, Martindale SL, Flanagan JC, Troyanskaya M, Reljic T, Gilmore AK, Wyant H, Nakase-Richardson R. Putting the pieces together to understand anger in combat veterans and service members: Psychological and physical contributors. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 159:57-65. [PMID: 36657315 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.01.013] [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: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulated anger can result in devastating health and interpersonal consequences for individuals, families, and communities. Compared to civilians, combat veterans and service members (C-V/SM) report higher levels of anger and often have risk factors for anger including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), pain, alcohol use, and impaired sleep. The current study examined the relative contributions of established variables associated with anger (e.g., combat exposure, current PTSD symptoms, history of TBI, pain interference, and hazardous alcohol use) in 1263 C-V/SM. Sleep impairments, represented by poor sleep quality and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) risk, were also evaluated as potential mediators of the relationships between established risk factors and anger, and therefore potential modifiable treatment targets. Multiple regression model results revealed that PTSD symptoms (β = 0.517, p < .001), OSA risk (β = 0.057, p = .016), pain interference (β = 0.214, p < .001), and hazardous alcohol use (β = 0.054, p = .009) were significantly associated with anger. Results of the mediation models revealed that OSA risk accounted for the association between PTSD and anger, in addition to the association between pain interference and anger. The current study extends previous literature by simultaneously examining factors associated with anger using a multivariable model in a large sample of C-V/SM. Additionally, treating OSA may be a novel way to reduce anger in C-V/SM who have PTSD and/or pain interference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon R Miles
- Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences Service, James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Tampa, FL, USA; Division of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.
| | - Sarah L Martindale
- W.G. (Bill) Hefner VA Healthcare System, Salisbury, NC, USA; Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
| | - Julianne C Flanagan
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA; Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA.
| | - Maya Troyanskaya
- Ben Taub Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Tea Reljic
- Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.
| | - Amanda K Gilmore
- Department of Health Policy & Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Hannah Wyant
- University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA.
| | - Risa Nakase-Richardson
- Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences Service, James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Tampa, FL, USA; Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Defense Health Agency, James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Tampa, FL, USA; Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine Division, Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.
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Seung HB, Leem J, Kwak HY, Kwon CY, Kim SH. Acupuncture for military veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder and related symptoms after combat exposure: Protocol for a scoping review of clinical studies. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0273131. [PMID: 37083860 PMCID: PMC10120924 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder is caused by traumatic events such as death, serious injury, and sexual violence. Military personnel and veterans are at high risk for posttraumatic stress disorder. Conventional posttraumatic stress disorder treatments have certain limitations. Complementary and integrative medicine treatments, especially acupuncture, are potential novel first-line treatments that may overcome these limitations. We aim to investigate the current status of the available clinical evidence related to acupuncture treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder in war veterans. We will follow the scoping review process as previously described. The study question is as follows: "Which types of clinical research designs, study types, study durations, adverse events, and clinical outcomes have been reported regarding acupuncture therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder in military veterans?" We will perform a comprehensive search of Medline, Excerpta Medica dataBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, Scopus databases, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and PsycArticles databases, as well as Chinese, Korean, and Japanese databases, from inception to June 2022. Data from the included studies will be collected and descriptively analyzed in relation to our research question. The extracted data will be collated, synthesized, and summarized according to the analytical framework of a scoping review. The protocol of this study adheres to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews to ensure the clarity and completeness of our reporting in all phases of this scoping review (Protocol registration: https://osf.io/t723f/). The findings of this scoping review will provide fundamental data that will help researchers identify appropriate research questions and design further studies on the use of acupuncture for PTSD management in military veterans. These results will be helpful for developing disaster site-specific research protocols for future clinical trials on this topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye-Bin Seung
- College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Gyeongsan-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jungtae Leem
- College of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Republic of Korea
| | - Hui-Yong Kwak
- Republic of Korea Army, Capital Defense Command, Gwacheon-daero, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan-Young Kwon
- Department of Oriental Neuropsychiatry, Dong-Eui University College of Korean Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Sang-Ho Kim
- Department of Neuropsychiatry of Korean Medicine, Pohang Korean Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Daegu Haany University, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of Korea
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Comparing Trauma Treatment Outcomes Between Homeless and Housed Veterans in a VA PTSD Clinical Program. Community Ment Health J 2022; 59:797-807. [PMID: 36459286 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-022-01061-2] [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: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Homeless veterans are likely to experience Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Homelessness itself is traumatic, and PTSD may exacerbate homelessness risk for veterans. Often, PTSD goes untreated in this subpopulation of veterans. Our study examined trauma-focused treatment (TFT) and non-TFT initiation and completion in a sample of housed and homeless veterans being served by a PTSD clinical team in Washington, DC. Findings included a high percentage of veterans who experienced homelessness in the sample and lower treatment completion rates among homeless veterans compared to housed veterans. This difference was no longer significant when comparing only those veterans who engaged in treatment, reinforcing the critical role of treatment engagement in successful treatment completion across populations.
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Remigio-Baker RA, Hungerford LD, Lee-Tauler SY, Bailie JM, Caswell M, Babakhanyan I, Ettenhofer ML. Disparities in mental health symptoms recovery across race/ethnicity and education level following mild traumatic brain injury. DIALOGUES IN HEALTH 2022; 1:100048. [PMID: 38515877 PMCID: PMC10953859 DOI: 10.1016/j.dialog.2022.100048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between race/ethnicity and post-concussive mental health (i.e., depressive, post-traumatic stress disorder [PTSD]) and neurobehavioral symptoms among service members, and whether this association differed by education level. Methods The study sample consisted of 524 patients from a multidisciplinary US military outpatient treatment facility for post-concussive symptoms. Poisson regression with robust error variance was utilized to investigate outcome (i.e., clinically-elevated depressive [Patient Health Questionnaire-8 ≥15], PTSD [PTSD Checklist, DSM 5 ≥38] and neurobehavioral [Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory >75th percentile] symptoms at admission and last follow-up in this cohort study. Modification by education level (low [no college degree] vs. high [associate's degree or higher]) was additionally evaluated. Results The relationship between race/ethnicity and mental health/neurobehavioral symptoms varied by education level (p-interaction: depressive symptoms = 0.002, PTSD symptoms = 0.035, neurobehavioral symptoms = 0.040). Specifically, non-Whites were at a significantly higher prevalence for clinically-elevated depressive symptoms post-treatment than Whites, but only among those with higher education level (PR = 2.22, CI = 1.37-3.59). A similar trend was demonstrated for PTSD and neurobehavioral symptoms. Conclusion Military healthcare may need to increase depression-focused treatment options that are acceptable for racial/ethnic minority patients, particularly those with higher education, while they are recovering from comorbid traumatic brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemay A. Remigio-Baker
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence (TBICoE), Silver Spring, MD, USA
- General Dynamics Information Technology, Falls Church, VA, USA
| | - Lars D. Hungerford
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence (TBICoE), Silver Spring, MD, USA
- General Dynamics Information Technology, Falls Church, VA, USA
- Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Su Yeon Lee-Tauler
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jason M. Bailie
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence (TBICoE), Silver Spring, MD, USA
- General Dynamics Information Technology, Falls Church, VA, USA
- Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, Camp Pendleton, CA, USA
| | - Melissa Caswell
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence (TBICoE), Silver Spring, MD, USA
- General Dynamics Information Technology, Falls Church, VA, USA
- Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, Camp Pendleton, CA, USA
| | - Ida Babakhanyan
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence (TBICoE), Silver Spring, MD, USA
- General Dynamics Information Technology, Falls Church, VA, USA
- Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, Camp Pendleton, CA, USA
| | - Mark L. Ettenhofer
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence (TBICoE), Silver Spring, MD, USA
- General Dynamics Information Technology, Falls Church, VA, USA
- Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
- University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Immunogenetics of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in women veterans. Brain Behav Immun Health 2022; 26:100567. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2022.100567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
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Chinoy ED, Carey FR, Kolaja CA, Jacobson IG, Cooper AD, Markwald RR. The bi-directional relationship between post-traumatic stress disorder and obstructive sleep apnea and/or insomnia in a large U.S. military cohort. Sleep Health 2022; 8:606-614. [PMID: 36163136 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleh.2022.07.005] [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: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Determine if a bi-directional relationship exists between the development of sleep disorders (obstructive sleep apnea [OSA] and/or insomnia) and existing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and vice versa; and examine military-related factors associated with these potential relationships. DESIGN Longitudinal analyses of a prospective representative U.S. military cohort. PARTICIPANTS Millennium Cohort Study responders in 2011-2013 (Time 1 [T1]) and 2014-2016 (Time 2 [T2]) without insomnia or OSA at T1 (N = 65,915) or without PTSD at T1 (N = 71,256). MEASUREMENTS Provider-diagnosed OSA, self-reported items for insomnia, provider-diagnosed PTSD, and current PTSD symptoms were assessed at T1 and T2. Adjusted multivariable models identified military-related factors associated with new-onset PTSD in those with OSA and/or insomnia, and vice versa. RESULTS Self-reported history of provider-diagnosed PTSD without current symptoms at T1 was associated with new-onset OSA only and comorbid OSA/insomnia at T2, while current PTSD symptoms and/or diagnosis was associated with new-onset insomnia only. OSA/insomnia at T1 was consistently associated with newly reported PTSD symptoms or diagnosis except that insomnia only was not associated with newly reported provider-diagnosed PTSD. Military-related risk factors significantly associated with the bi-directional relationship for new-onset PTSD or OSA/insomnia included prior deployment with higher combat exposure and recent separation from the military; being an officer was protective for both outcomes. CONCLUSIONS In this large military cohort, findings suggest that PTSD and OSA and/or insomnia are bi-directionally predictive for their development, which was sometimes revealed by health care utilization. Relevant military-related risk factors should be considered in efforts to prevent or treat PTSD and/or sleep disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan D Chinoy
- Sleep, Tactical Efficiency, and Endurance Laboratory, Warfighter Performance Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California, USA; Leidos, Inc., San Diego, California, USA
| | - Felicia R Carey
- Leidos, Inc., San Diego, California, USA; Deployment Health Research Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Claire A Kolaja
- Leidos, Inc., San Diego, California, USA; Deployment Health Research Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Isabel G Jacobson
- Leidos, Inc., San Diego, California, USA; Deployment Health Research Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Adam D Cooper
- Sleep, Tactical Efficiency, and Endurance Laboratory, Warfighter Performance Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California, USA; Deployment Health Research Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California, USA; Innovative Employee Solutions, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Rachel R Markwald
- Sleep, Tactical Efficiency, and Endurance Laboratory, Warfighter Performance Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California, USA.
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Seol JH, Park Y, Lee AR, Sohn YW. Calling as a double-edged sword for posttraumatic outcomes among Air Force pilots: The mediating roles of adaptive and maladaptive emotion regulation. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03819-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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19
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Aday AW, Duncan MS, Patterson OV, DuVall SL, Alba PR, Alcorn CW, Tindle HA, Creager MA, Bonaca MP, Damrauer SM, Wells QS, Behroozian A, Beckman JA, Freiberg MS. Association of Sex and Race With Incident Peripheral Artery Disease Among Veterans With Normal Ankle-Brachial Indices. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2240188. [PMID: 36326762 PMCID: PMC9634499 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.40188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Reported risk of incident peripheral artery disease (PAD) by sex and race varies significantly and has not been reported in national cohorts among individuals free of baseline PAD. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association of sex and race, as well as prevalent cardiovascular risk factors, with limb outcomes in a national cohort of people with normal baseline ankle-brachial indices (ABIs). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cohort study was conducted using data from participants in the Veterans Affairs Birth Cohort Study (born 1945-1965), with follow-up data between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2016. Baseline demographics were collected from 77 041 participants receiving care from the Veterans Health Administration with baseline ABIs of 0.90 to 1.40 and no history of PAD. Data were analyzed from October 2019 through September 2022. EXPOSURES Sex, race, diabetes, and smoking status. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Incident PAD, defined as subsequent ABI less than 0.90, surgical or percutaneous revascularization, or nontraumatic amputation. RESULTS Of 77 041 participants with normal ABIs (73 822 [95.8%] men; mean [SD] age, 60.2 [5.9] years; 13 080 Black [18.2%] and 54 377 White [75.6%] among 71 911 participants with race and ethnicity data), there were 6692 incident PAD events over a median [IQR] of 3.9 [1.7-6.9] years. Incidence rates were lower for women than men (incidence rates [IRs] per 1000 person-years, 7.4 incidents [95% CI, 6.2-8.8 incidents] vs 19.2 incidents [95% CI, 18.7-19.6 incidents]), with a lower risk of incident PAD (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.49 [95% CI, 0.41-0.59]). IRs per 1000 person-years of incident PAD were similar for Black and White participants (18.9 incidents [95% CI, 17.9-20.1 incidents] vs 18.8 incidents [95% CI, 18.3-19.4]). Compared with White participants, Black participants had increased risk of total PAD (aHR, 1.09 [95% CI, 1.02-1.16]) and nontraumatic amputation (aHR, 1.20 [95% CI, 1.06-1.36]) but not surgical or percutaneous revascularization (aHR, 1.10 [95% CI, 0.98-1.23]) or subsequent ABI less than 0.90 (aHR, 1.04 [95% CI, 0.95-1.13]). Diabetes (aHR, 1.62 [95% CI, 1.53-1.72]) and smoking (eg, current vs never: aHR, 1.76 [95% CI, 1.64-1.89]) were associated with incident PAD. Incident PAD was rare among individuals without a history of smoking or diabetes (eg, among 632 women: IR per 1000 people-years, 2.1 incidents [95% CI, 1.0-4.5 incidents]) despite an otherwise-high-risk cardiovascular profile (eg, 527 women [83.4%] with hypertension). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This study found that the risk of PAD was approximately 50% lower in women than men and less than 10% higher for Black vs White participants, while the risk of nontraumatic amputation was 20% higher among Black compared with White participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron W. Aday
- Vanderbilt Translational and Clinical Cardiovascular Research Center, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Meredith S. Duncan
- Vanderbilt Translational and Clinical Cardiovascular Research Center, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington
| | - Olga V. Patterson
- VA Informatics and Computing Infrastructure, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, Utah
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City
| | - Scott L. DuVall
- VA Informatics and Computing Infrastructure, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, Utah
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City
| | - Patrick R. Alba
- VA Informatics and Computing Infrastructure, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, Utah
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City
| | - Charles W. Alcorn
- University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Hilary A. Tindle
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Mark A. Creager
- Heart and Vascular Center, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - Marc P. Bonaca
- Colorado Prevention Center Clinical Research, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
| | - Scott M. Damrauer
- Department of Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
- Corporal Michael Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Quinn S. Wells
- Vanderbilt Translational and Clinical Cardiovascular Research Center, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Adam Behroozian
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington
- Now with Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Scripps Clinic, La Jolla, California
| | - Joshua A. Beckman
- Vanderbilt Translational and Clinical Cardiovascular Research Center, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Matthew S. Freiberg
- Vanderbilt Translational and Clinical Cardiovascular Research Center, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Veterans Affairs Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville
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Ponder WN, Whitworth J, Ross K, Sherrill T. Attachment-Based Relationship Satisfaction in Deployed and Non-Deployed Military Veterans with Prevalent PTSD, Anxiety, and Depression. JOURNAL OF VETERANS STUDIES 2022. [DOI: 10.21061/jvs.v8i3.330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
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21
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Voigt RM, Zalta AK, Raeisi S, Zhang L, Brown JM, Forsyth CB, Boley RA, Held P, Pollack MH, Keshavarzian A. Abnormal intestinal milieu in posttraumatic stress disorder is not impacted by treatment that improves symptoms. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2022; 323:G61-G70. [PMID: 35638693 PMCID: PMC9291416 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00066.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder, resulting from exposure to traumatic events. Current recommended first-line interventions for the treatment of PTSD include evidence-based psychotherapies, such as cognitive processing therapy (CPT). Psychotherapies are effective for reducing PTSD symptoms, but approximately two-thirds of veterans continue to meet diagnostic criteria for PTSD after treatment, suggesting there is an incomplete understanding of what factors sustain PTSD. The intestine can influence the brain and this study evaluated intestinal readouts in subjects with PTSD. Serum samples from controls without PTSD (n = 40) from the Duke INTRuST Program were compared with serum samples from veterans with PTSD (n = 40) recruited from the Road Home Program at Rush University Medical Center. Assessments included microbial metabolites, intestinal barrier, and intestinal epithelial cell function. In addition, intestinal readouts were assessed in subjects with PTSD before and after a 3-wk CPT-based intensive treatment program (ITP) to understand if treatment impacts the intestine. Compared with controls, veterans with PTSD had a proinflammatory intestinal environment including lower levels of microbiota-derived metabolites, such as acetic, lactic, and succinic acid, intestinal barrier dysfunction [lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and LPS-binding protein], an increase in HMGB1, and a concurrent increase in the number of intestinal epithelial cell-derived extracellular vesicles. The ITP improved PTSD symptoms but no changes in intestinal outcomes were noted. This study confirms the intestine is abnormal in subjects with PTSD and suggests that effective treatment of PTSD does not alter intestinal readouts. Targeting beneficial changes in the intestine may be an approach to enhance existing PTSD treatments.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study confirms an abnormal intestinal environment is present in subjects with PTSD. This study adds to what is already known by examining the intestinal barrier and evaluating the relationship between intestinal readouts and PTSD symptoms and is the first to report the impact of PTSD treatment (which improves symptoms) on intestinal readouts. This study suggests that targeting the intestine as an adjunct approach could improve the treatment of PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin M. Voigt
- 1Rush Center for Microbiome and Chronobiology Research, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago Illinois,2Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois,3Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Alyson K. Zalta
- 4Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, California,5Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Shohreh Raeisi
- 1Rush Center for Microbiome and Chronobiology Research, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago Illinois
| | - Lijuan Zhang
- 1Rush Center for Microbiome and Chronobiology Research, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago Illinois
| | - J. Mark Brown
- 6Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio,7Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio,8Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio,9Center for Microbiome and Human Health, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Christopher B. Forsyth
- 1Rush Center for Microbiome and Chronobiology Research, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago Illinois,2Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois,3Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Randy A. Boley
- 5Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Philip Held
- 5Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Mark H. Pollack
- 4Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Ali Keshavarzian
- 1Rush Center for Microbiome and Chronobiology Research, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago Illinois,2Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois,3Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois,10Department of Physiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
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22
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Gandelman EM, Miller SA, Back SE. Imaginal exposure processing during Concurrent Treatment of PTSD and Substance Use Disorders using Prolonged Exposure (COPE) therapy: Examination of linguistic markers of cohesiveness. J Trauma Stress 2022; 35:682-693. [PMID: 34979039 PMCID: PMC9035056 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22786] [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: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Concurrent Treatment of PTSD and Substance Use Disorders Using Prolonged Exposure (COPE) is an integrated, evidence-based treatment that results in significant reductions in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder (SUD) severity. Emotional processing theory suggests that successful prolonged exposure-based treatments should result in more cohesive trauma narratives due to better integration and organization of trauma memory into cognitive conceptualizations of fear. Therefore, we hypothesized that language used by patients would become more cohesive over time and increased language cohesion would be related to larger reductions in PTSD and SUD outcomes. Broadly, language cohesion refers to several linguistic devices that help establish and cohere meaning throughout spoken and written discourse (e.g., increased use of transition words like "and," "then," and "but"). This was the first known study to examine changes in language related to both PTSD and SUD severity during COPE treatment. The sample included 28 military veterans with current comorbid PTSD/SUD enrolled in a larger COPE study. A text analysis program, Coh-Metrix, was used to analyze language cohesiveness. No language cohesion variables significantly changed over time. Narrativity levels significantly moderated change in PTSD outcomes, R β 2 $R_\beta ^2\;$ = 0.11. Adversative connectives significantly moderated change in SUD outcomes, R β 2 $R_\beta ^2\;$ = 0.26. The findings illuminate potential processes underlying successful COPE treatment. Less use of language conveying a narrative and more use of contrast-indicative words (e.g., but, whereas) was associated with larger reductions in PTSD and SUD outcomes during treatment. These results contribute to the extant literature on associations between trauma exposure, language, and emotional processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin M. Gandelman
- Department of Psychology, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Steven A. Miller
- Department of Psychology, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Sudie E. Back
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA,Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
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Sommer JL, Mota N, Thompson JM, Asmundson GJ, Sareen J, Bernstein CN, Marrie RA, El-Gabalawy R. Associations between courses of posttraumatic stress disorder and physical health conditions among Canadian military personnel. J Anxiety Disord 2022; 87:102543. [PMID: 35168002 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2022.102543] [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: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and physical health conditions commonly co-occur and are both prevalent among military personnel. This study examined how courses of PTSD (no PTSD, remitted, new onset, persistent/recurrent) are associated with physical health conditions, among a population-based sample of Canadian military personnel. METHOD We analyzed data from the 2002 Canadian Community Health Survey-Mental Health and Well-being-Canadian Forces supplement (CCHS-CF) and the 2018 Canadian Armed Forces Members and Veterans Mental Health Follow-Up Survey (CAFVMHS; N = 2941). Multivariable logistic regressions examined associations between PTSD courses (reference = no PTSD) and physical health conditions. RESULTS In general, physical health conditions were more prevalent among symptomatic PTSD courses compared to no PTSD. After adjustment, new onset PTSD was associated with increased odds of all physical health conditions with the exception of ulcers and cancer (AOR range: 1.41-2.31) and remitted PTSD was associated with increased odds of diabetes (AOR = 2.31). CONCLUSION Results suggest that new onset PTSD may be most strongly associated with physical health conditions. Findings may inform targeted screening and intervention methods among military personnel with PTSD and physical health conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordana L Sommer
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, University of Manitoba, 671 William Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 0Z2 Canada; Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, 190 Dysart Road, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N2 Canada
| | - Natalie Mota
- Department of Clinical Health Psychology, University of Manitoba, 771 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 3N4 Canada
| | - James M Thompson
- Veterans Affairs Canada, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada
| | - Gordon Jg Asmundson
- Department of Psychology, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4S 0A2 Canada
| | - Jitender Sareen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, 771 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 3N4 Canada
| | - Charles N Bernstein
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, 820 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3A 1R9 Canada
| | - Ruth Ann Marrie
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, 820 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3A 1R9 Canada
| | - Renée El-Gabalawy
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, University of Manitoba, 671 William Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 0Z2 Canada; Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, 190 Dysart Road, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N2 Canada; Department of Clinical Health Psychology, University of Manitoba, 771 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 3N4 Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, 771 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 3N4 Canada; CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 0V9 Canada.
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Body Composition Symmetry in Aircraft Pilots. Symmetry (Basel) 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/sym14020356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to analyze the body composition symmetry in upper and lower body segments of aircrafts pilots. To reach the study aim, body composition in upper and lower body segments of 206 male aircraft pilots of the Spanish Army (23.1 ± 6.87 years) and 105 civilians (24.0 ± 6.29 years) were evaluated by a bioimpedance analyser (InBody 720, Biospace Co. Ltd., Seoul, Korea). Aircraft pilots presented a tendency to dysmetria in upper and lower body segments, showing fitter values in the protagonist side when performing flight functions. Dysmetria could be detrimental during flight manoeuvres and produce injuries in aircraft pilots. It would be recommended to design specific training protocols to improve this imbalance.
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25
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Liu C, Scannell CA, Kenison T, Wren SM, Saliba D. Improvements and Gaps in Financial Risk Protection Among Veterans Following the Affordable Care Act. J Gen Intern Med 2022; 37:573-581. [PMID: 33959882 PMCID: PMC8101607 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-021-06807-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite public perception, most of the nearly 20 million US veterans have health coverage outside the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), and VHA eligibility and utilization vary across veterans. Out-of-pocket healthcare spending thus remains a potential source of financial hardship for veterans. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) aimed to expand health insurance access, but its effect on veterans' financial risk protection has not been explored. OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether ACA implementation was associated with changes in veterans' risk of catastrophic health expenditures, and to characterize drivers of catastrophic health spending among veterans post-ACA. DESIGN Using multivariable linear probability regression, we examined changes in likelihood of catastrophic health spending after ACA implementation, stratifying by age (18-64 vs 65+), household income tercile, and payer (VHA vs non-VHA). Among veterans with catastrophic spending post-ACA, we evaluated sources of out-of-pocket spending. PARTICIPANTS Nationally representative sample of 13,030 veterans aged 18+ from the 2010 to 2017 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. INTERVENTION ACA implementation, January 1, 2014. MAIN MEASURES Likelihood of catastrophic health expenditures, defined as household out-of-pocket spending exceeding 10% of household income. KEY RESULTS Among veterans aged 18-64, ACA implementation was associated with a 26% decrease in likelihood of catastrophic health expenditures (absolute change, -1.4 percentage points [pp]; 95% CI, -2.6 to -0.2; p=0.03), which fell from 5.4% pre-ACA to 3.9% post-ACA. This was driven by a 38% decrease in catastrophic spending among veterans with non-VHA coverage (absolute change, -1.8pp; 95% CI, -3.0 to -0.6; p=0.003). In contrast, catastrophic expenditure rates among veterans aged 65+ remained high, at 13.0% pre- and 12.5% post-ACA. Major drivers of veterans' spending post-ACA include dental care, prescription drugs, and home care. CONCLUSIONS ACA implementation was associated with reduced household catastrophic health expenditures for younger but not older veterans. These findings highlight gaps in veterans' financial protection and areas amenable to policy intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Liu
- Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
- National Clinician Scholars Program, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Veterans Health Administration, Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Christopher A Scannell
- National Clinician Scholars Program, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Veterans Health Administration, Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Tiffany Kenison
- National Clinician Scholars Program, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Veterans Health Administration, Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sherry M Wren
- Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Veterans Health Administration, Palo Alto Healthcare System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Debra Saliba
- Veterans Health Administration, Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Borun Center for Gerontological Research, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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26
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Champion H, Pritchard A, Dighton G, Dymond S. Gambling problems and help-seeking in serving United Kingdom military personnel: A qualitative study. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1003457. [PMID: 36620678 PMCID: PMC9816802 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1003457] [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: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In military personnel are vulnerable to gambling problems, yet many are reluctant to seek help. The aim of the current study was to explore the lived experience of problem gambling and help-seeking among serving members of the United Kingdom Armed Forces. METHODS Seventeen individuals from a larger, cross-sectional survey of gambling and wellbeing in the Royal Air Force (RAF) completed semi-structured interviews. Interview questions focused on personal experiences, the context of the RAF and its influence, knowledge and experiences of treatment and support services, and the impact of COVID-19. RESULTS Reflexive thematic analysis revealed four themes: (1) harmful and protective occupational factors; (2) socio-cultural and personal influences; (3) organizational attitudes toward mental health and help-seeking, and (4) current support pathways and provision. DISCUSSION Findings also indicated that gambling and alcohol use are common within the RAF, and that personnel are actively coping with mental health challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Champion
- School of Psychology, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Amy Pritchard
- School of Psychology, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom.,Department of Mental Health and Social Work, Middlesex University, Hendon, United Kingdom
| | - Glen Dighton
- School of Psychology, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom.,King's Centre for Military Health Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Dymond
- School of Psychology, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom.,Department of Psychology, Reykjavík University, Reykjavík, Iceland
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27
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Young KA. Matthew J. Friedman and the VA National PTSD Brain Bank: New Transcriptomic Insight into PTSD Pathophysiology. Psychiatry 2022; 85:171-182. [PMID: 35588482 DOI: 10.1080/00332747.2022.2068932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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28
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Nieforth LO, Miller EA, MacDermid Wadsworth S, O'Haire ME. Posttraumatic stress disorder service dogs and the wellbeing of veteran families. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2022; 13:2062997. [PMID: 35572392 PMCID: PMC9103270 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2022.2062997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Benefits and challenges associated with service dogs for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may extend beyond veterans to their families. OBJECTIVE The purpose of the current study is to evaluate the impact of veterans' PTSD service dogs on spouses and families in a parallel-group, longitudinal design with assessments at baseline and three months follow-up. METHOD A total of 88 United States military veteran spouses completed a survey composed of multiple standardized measures at baseline and three months later. In the intervention group (n = 48), veterans received service dogs shortly after baseline while the waitlist control group (n = 40) did not. RESULTS Linear regression analyses demonstrated significantly lower caregiver satisfaction, higher caregiver burden and higher participation in life activities among spouses who had service dogs in their homes compared to those on the waitlist. Though not significant, small effect sizes were present among additional measures. CONCLUSION Results suggest that although previous literature demonstrates service dogs may offer significant improvements for veterans, spouses and children may not experience those same benefits. Clinicians should consider how to prepare veteran spouses and families for integrating service dogs into their home. Future studies should explore family-focused approaches for service dog integration, defining an optimal strategy for the benefit of the entire family. HIGHLIGHTS Though service dogs may improve wellbeing for veterans with posttraumatic disorder, families of veterans may not experience those same benefits. Researchers and clinicians should consider how to best prepare veteran families for integrating service dogs into their homes.Though posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) service dogs are trained specifically for veterans, recent studies have demonstrated that their impact may go beyond veterans themselves (McCall, Rodriguez, Wadsworth, Meis, & O'Haire, 2020; Nieforth, Craig, Behmer, MacDermid Wadsworth, & O'Haire, 2021). PTSD service dogs may provide both benefits and challenges for veteran families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leanne O Nieforth
- Center for the Human Animal Bond, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Elise A Miller
- Center for the Human Animal Bond, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
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29
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Sher L, Kilmade ME, Feinberg A, Govindarajulu U, Byne W, Kahn RS, Hazlett EA. Clinical features and psychiatric comorbidities in military veterans with schizophrenia with or without suicidality. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 143:262-267. [PMID: 34517189 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.09.028] [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: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Suicide is currently among the leading causes of death among individuals with schizophrenia. Reducing mortality from suicide remains a major clinical challenge in the care of veterans with schizophrenia. There is a need to increase our understanding of what elevates suicide risk in veterans with schizophrenia as a first step towards the future development of suicide prevention interventions. This study compared demographic and clinical features of military veterans with schizophrenia with vs. without suicidality to determine specific risk factors for suicidality. The sample consisted of two groups of veterans with schizophrenia: suicide ideators and/or attempters (SIA) and individuals without a history of suicidal ideation or attempts (no-SIA). Participants were interviewed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 Axis I disorders (SCID-I), Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale for Schizophrenia (PANSS), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), and Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ). In bivariate analyses, the PANSS-Positive Symptom scores, PANSS-General Psychopathology scores, HDRS total score, HDRS-Paranoid symptoms item score, and SPQ total scores were higher among SIA compared with no-SIA patients. In this unique clinical sample of veterans with schizophrenia, SIA patients were more likely to have mood disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and/or alcohol use disorder in comparison to the no-SIA group. Logistic regression analysis indicated that the HDRS total score and presence/absence of comorbid mood disorder drive the difference between the groups. These results indicate that suicide risk assessment in veterans with schizophrenia should include identifying individuals with comorbid mood disorders/symptoms, PTSD, alcohol use disorder, marked positive symptoms, and schizotypal features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leo Sher
- James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | | | - Abigail Feinberg
- James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - William Byne
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA; Columbia University College of Physicians, New York, NY, USA
| | - René S Kahn
- James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Erin A Hazlett
- James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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30
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Sfera A, Osorio C, Rahman L, Zapata-Martín del Campo CM, Maldonado JC, Jafri N, Cummings MA, Maurer S, Kozlakidis Z. PTSD as an Endothelial Disease: Insights From COVID-19. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:770387. [PMID: 34776871 PMCID: PMC8586713 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.770387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 virus, the etiologic agent of COVID-19, has affected almost every aspect of human life, precipitating stress-related pathology in vulnerable individuals. As the prevalence rate of posttraumatic stress disorder in pandemic survivors exceeds that of the general and special populations, the virus may predispose to this disorder by directly interfering with the stress-processing pathways. The SARS-CoV-2 interactome has identified several antigens that may disrupt the blood-brain-barrier by inducing premature senescence in many cell types, including the cerebral endothelial cells. This enables the stress molecules, including angiotensin II, endothelin-1 and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1, to aberrantly activate the amygdala, hippocampus, and medial prefrontal cortex, increasing the vulnerability to stress related disorders. This is supported by observing the beneficial effects of angiotensin receptor blockers and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors in both posttraumatic stress disorder and SARS-CoV-2 critical illness. In this narrative review, we take a closer look at the virus-host dialog and its impact on the renin-angiotensin system, mitochondrial fitness, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor. We discuss the role of furin cleaving site, the fibrinolytic system, and Sigma-1 receptor in the pathogenesis of psychological trauma. In other words, learning from the virus, clarify the molecular underpinnings of stress related disorders, and design better therapies for these conditions. In this context, we emphasize new potential treatments, including furin and bromodomains inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adonis Sfera
- Department of Psychiatry, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States
- Patton State Hospital, San Bernardino, CA, United States
| | - Carolina Osorio
- Department of Psychiatry, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Leah Rahman
- Patton State Hospital, San Bernardino, CA, United States
| | | | - Jose Campo Maldonado
- Department of Medicine, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX, United States
| | - Nyla Jafri
- Patton State Hospital, San Bernardino, CA, United States
| | | | - Steve Maurer
- Patton State Hospital, San Bernardino, CA, United States
| | - Zisis Kozlakidis
- International Agency For Research On Cancer (IARC), Lyon, France
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31
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Disentangling the association between PTSD symptom heterogeneity and alcohol use disorder: Results from the 2019-2020 National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 142:179-187. [PMID: 34359013 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.07.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Veterans are at increased risk of comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) relative to civilians. Few studies have explored the association between distinct PTSD symptoms and AUD in veterans, and existing findings are highly discrepant. This study aimed to address this gap and equivocal association by evaluating which PTSD symptom clusters are most associated with AUD in a veteran sample using the 7-factor 'hybrid' model of PTSD. Data were analyzed from the 2019-2020 National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study (NHRVS), a nationally representative survey of 4069 U.S. veterans. Veterans completed self-report measures to assess current PTSD symptoms and AUD. Multivariable logistic regression and relative importance analyses were conducted to examine associations between the 7-factor model of PTSD symptoms and AUD. Adjusting for sociodemographic, military, trauma factors, and depressive symptoms, scores on the dysphoric arousal (20.7% relative variance explained [RVE]) and externalizing behaviors (19.0% RVE) symptom clusters were most strongly associated with AUD in the full sample, while externalizing behaviors (47.7% RVE), anxious arousal (23.9% RVE), and dysphoric arousal (12.4%) accounted for the majority of explained variance in veterans who screened positive for PTSD. Results of this nationally representative study of U.S. veterans highlight the importance of externalizing behaviors and arousal symptoms of PTSD as potential drivers of AUD in this population. The 7-factor hybrid model of PTSD provides a more nuanced understanding of PTSD-AUD associations, and may help inform risk assessment and more personalized treatment approaches for veterans with and at-risk for AUD.
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32
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Littman AJ, Bratman GN, Lehavot K, Engel CC, Fortney JC, Peterson A, Jones A, Klassen C, Brandon J, Frumkin H. Nature versus urban hiking for Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder: a pilot randomised trial conducted in the Pacific Northwest USA. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e051885. [PMID: 34556516 PMCID: PMC8461737 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-051885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate feasibility and acceptability of a group-based nature recreation intervention (nature hiking) and control condition (urban hiking) for military Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). DESIGN AND SETTING A pilot randomised controlled trial conducted in the US Pacific Northwest. PARTICIPANTS Veterans with PTSD due to any cause. INTERVENTIONS Twenty-six participants were randomised to a 12-week intervention involving either six nature hikes (n=13) or six urban hikes (n=13). PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Feasibility was assessed based on recruitment, retention and attendance. Questionnaires and postintervention qualitative interviews were conducted to explore intervention acceptability. Questionnaires assessing acceptability and outcomes planned for the future trial (eg, PTSD symptoms) were collected at baseline, 6 weeks, 12 weeks (immediately after the final hike) and 24 weeks follow-up. RESULTS Of 415 people assessed for eligibility/interest, 97 were interested and passed preliminary eligibility screening, and 26 were randomised. Mean completion of all questionnaires was 91% among those in the nature hiking group and 68% in those in the urban hiking group. Over the course of the intervention, participants in the nature and urban groups attended an average of 56% and 58%, respectively, of scheduled hikes. Acceptability of both urban and nature hikes was high; over 70% reported a positive rating (ie, good/excellent) for the study communication, as well as hike locations, distance and pace. Median PTSD symptom scores (PTSD Checklist-5) improved more at 12 weeks and 24 weeks among those in the nature versus urban hiking group. CONCLUSIONS This pilot study largely confirmed the feasibility and acceptability of nature hiking as a potential treatment for Veterans with PTSD. Adaptations will be needed to improve recruitment and increase hike attendance for a future randomised controlled trial to effectively test and isolate the ways in which nature contact, physical activity and social support conferred by the group impact outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03997344.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyson J Littman
- Seattle-Denver Center of Innovation, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Seattle Epidemiologic Research and Information Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Gregory N Bratman
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Keren Lehavot
- Seattle-Denver Center of Innovation, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Health Systems and Population Health, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Charles C Engel
- Seattle-Denver Center of Innovation, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - John C Fortney
- Seattle-Denver Center of Innovation, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Alexander Peterson
- Seattle Epidemiologic Research and Information Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Alex Jones
- Outdoors for All, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Carolyn Klassen
- Seattle-Denver Center of Innovation, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
- Seattle Epidemiologic Research and Information Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Howard Frumkin
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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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.
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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
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34
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Dell L, Sbisa AM, O'Donnell M, Tuerk PW, Bryant R, Hodson S, Morton D, Battersby M, Forbes A, Forbes D. Massed versus standard prolonged exposure for posttraumatic stress disorder in Australian military and veteran populations (RESTORE trial): Study protocol for a non-inferiority randomized controlled trial. Contemp Clin Trials 2021; 107:106478. [PMID: 34119717 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2021.106478] [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: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be a severe problem, affecting veterans and military personnel at higher rates than the general community. First-line treatment for PTSD, prolonged exposure (PE), is typically delivered weekly for 10-12 weeks, however this duration can pose a barrier to accessing and completing the treatment, particularly for current serving military. This paper presents the RESTORE trial protocol, the first randomized controlled trial of massed PE therapy outside of the United States and by an independent research group. One hundred and thirty-five Australian Defence Force members and veterans (18-80 years) who meet criteria for PTSD related to a military trauma will be randomly allocated to one of two conditions: standard PE (SPE; 10 weekly 90-min sessions) or massed PE (MPE; 10 daily 90-min sessions). Across eight sites, patients will be assessed at pre-treatment, and at 4 weeks, 12 weeks, and 12 months post-treatment commencement. The primary outcome is clinician-measured and self-reported PTSD symptom severity at the 12 week assessment. We hypothesize that MPE will be as effective as SPE in reducing PTSD severity at 12 weeks post-treatment commencement. The adaptation and testing of evidence-based interventions is critical to reduce barriers to treatment uptake among veterans and military personnel. Outcomes of this study have the potential to result in international, cross-service uptake and delivery of this rapid treatment for veterans and military members, as well as civilians, thereby improving clinical outcomes for patients and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Dell
- Phoenix Australia Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC, Australia.
| | - Alyssa M Sbisa
- Phoenix Australia Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC, Australia
| | - Meaghan O'Donnell
- Phoenix Australia Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC, Australia
| | - Peter W Tuerk
- Sheila C. Jonson Centre for Clinical Services, Department of Human Services, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Richard Bryant
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | - Malcolm Battersby
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - Andrew Forbes
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - David Forbes
- Phoenix Australia Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC, Australia
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Gonzalez JA, Simpson J. The workplace integration of veterans: Applying diversity and fit perspectives. HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT REVIEW 2021. [PMCID: PMC7342076 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrmr.2020.100775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Military veterans are a valuable part of the human capital resource pool. Nonetheless, veterans often struggle with their transition into civilian life and workplaces. This problem often limits the extent to which work organizations utilize their talents. Here, we briefly review relevant work from outside the management field and nascent work within the field to build a conceptual model for understanding the integration of veterans into the workplace. We do this by applying diversity and person-environment fit perspectives. A diversity standpoint helps us to understand veterans as a social group and their inclusion in the workplace, while the person-environment fit perspective helps us describe veterans’ compatibility with their work environments in terms of organizational demands and veterans’ needs. We intend for this conceptual model to guide future empirical research on veterans as human capital and their transition into civilian organizations as part of their societal reintegration, career development, and personal well-being. Management scholars have neglected the study of military veterans at work. Veterans’ workplace experiences are part of their societal reintegration. Diversity theory explains veterans’ discrimination, stigma, and identity strain. Veterans’ attributes, perspectives, and KSAs fit organizational demands. Meaningful work can spillover to fit veterans’ life needs.
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Sloan DM, Marx BP, Acierno R, Messina M, Cole TA. Comparing written exposure therapy to Prolonged Exposure for the treatment of PTSD in a veteran sample: A non-inferiority randomized design. Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2021; 22:100764. [PMID: 33937580 PMCID: PMC8079278 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2021.100764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is highly prevalent among veterans. Although there are effective treatment approaches for PTSD, such as Prolonged Exposure (PE) and Cognitive Processing Therapy, many providers trained in these approaches do not use them, or use them without sufficient fidelity, and veterans drop out of these treatments at very high rates. The time intensive nature of these treatments is frequently cited as a barrier to receiving the treatment among veterans and delivering the treatment among providers. According, there is an urgent need to establish more efficient and effective PTSD treatment approaches in order to meet the needs of veterans seeking care. Written exposure therapy (WET) is an efficient, exposure-based treatment, and may represent a plausible alternative treatment option to address PTSD in veterans. Although WET has been found to be effective and non-inferior to more time intensive trauma-focused treatment, it has not yet been investigated with a veteran sample. In an ongoing randomized controlled trial (RCT) we are investigating whether WET is non-inferior in treating PTSD compared with the more time intensive PE. The study sample will include 150 men and women veterans diagnosed with PTSD who are randomly assigned to either WET (n = 75) or PE (n = 75). Participants are assessed prior to treatment and 10-, 20-, and 30-weeks after the first treatment session. The primary outcome is PTSD symptom severity assessed with the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5. Establishing that PTSD can be treated effectively with fewer treatment sessions would represent a significant advance in improving access to evidence-based care for veterans with PTSD.
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Key Words
- CAPS-5, Clinician Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5
- CEQ, Credibility/Expectancy Questionnaire
- CPT, Cognitive Processing Therapy
- Clinical trial
- DSM-5, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition
- DoD, Department of Defense
- EBTs, evidence-based treatments
- Exposure-based treatment
- IRB, Institutional Review Board
- ITT, intent-to-treat
- LEC, Life Events Checklist
- Military veterans
- PCL-5, PTSD Checklist for DSM-5
- PE, Prolonged Exposure
- PI, principal investigator
- PTSD, posttraumatic stress disorder
- Posttraumatic stress disorder
- RCT, randomized clinical trial
- SCID-5, Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5
- SITBI, Self-Injurious Thoughts and Behaviors Interview
- Trauma-focused treatment
- VA, Department of Veterans Affairs
- WAI-SR, Working Alliance Inventory-Short Revised
- WET, Written Exposure Therapy
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise M Sloan
- National Center for PTSD, Boston Healthcare System, USA.,Boston University School of Medicine, USA
| | - Brian P Marx
- National Center for PTSD, Boston Healthcare System, USA.,Boston University School of Medicine, USA
| | - Ronald Acierno
- University of Texas Health Sciences Center Houston, Faillace Department of Psychiatry, USA
| | | | - Travis A Cole
- National Center for PTSD, Boston Healthcare System, USA
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McCunn P, Richardson JD, Jetly R, Dunkley B. Diffusion Tensor Imaging Reveals White Matter Differences in Military Personnel Exposed to Trauma with and without Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Psychiatry Res 2021; 298:113797. [PMID: 33582526 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2021.113797] [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: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating mental health condition that develops in response to exposure to a traumatic event. The purpose of this study was to investigate white matter differences using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in trauma exposed military personnel with and without PTSD. METHODS Data were acquired in compliance with the Hospital for Sick Children and Canadian Armed Forces Research Ethics Boards for the following groups: military personnel with PTSD (PTSD, n = 23), trauma exposed military personnel with no PTSD diagnosis (TE, n = 25) and civilian controls (CC, n =13) . All participants were male. DTI was acquired on a Siemens Trio 3T MRI. Maps of Fractional Anisotropy (FA), Mean Diffusivity (MD), Axial Diffusivity (AD), and Radial Diffusivity (RD) were analyzed using Tract-Based Spatial Statistics (TBSS). RESULTS In the PTSD and TE groups, FA was significantly greater within the hippocampus, corpus callosum, cingulum, and several associated white matter tracts. Elevated FA was shown to be largely due to reduced RD suggesting a possible structural substrate that underscores neurophysiological connectivity. CONCLUSIONS This study reinforces previous findings showing differences in DTI metrics within the limbic system in military personnel exposed to trauma with and without PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick McCunn
- Neurosciences & Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario.
| | - J Don Richardson
- The MacDonald Franklin OSI Research Centre, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario; Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, Ontario; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario; Operational Stress Injury Clinic, St. Joseph's Health Care, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rakesh Jetly
- Canadian Forces Health Services Group HQ, Department of National Defence, Ottawa, Ontario
| | - Benjamin Dunkley
- Neurosciences & Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario; Department of Diagnostic Imaging, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), Toronto, Ontario; Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
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38
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Marshall RE, Milligan-Saville J, Petrie K, Bryant RA, Mitchell PB, Harvey SB. Mental health screening amongst police officers: factors associated with under-reporting of symptoms. BMC Psychiatry 2021; 21:135. [PMID: 33685431 PMCID: PMC7938555 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-021-03125-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental health screening in the workplace aims to identify employees who are becoming symptomatic, in order to provide timely support and evidence-based interventions to those affected. Given the stigma associated with mental illness, accurate disclosure of mental health symptoms cannot be assumed. The present study sought to investigate factors associated with the accurate reporting of mental health symptoms amongst police officers. METHODS A total of 90 serving police officers completed identical mental health screening surveys, one administered by the employer and the other anonymously by an independent organisation. Responses were then linked to compare differences in the number and severity of mental health symptoms reported on each questionnaire. RESULTS Comparisons of matched self-report scores indicated that employees under-reported symptoms of mental health disorders when completing screening administered by their employer, with only 76.3% of symptoms declared. Under-reporting occurred regardless of gender and symptom type. Less senior staff (p = 0.05) and those with the most severe post-traumatic stress disorder and common mental disorder symptoms (p = 0.008) were significantly more likely to under-report symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Employer-administered mental health screening is not able to accurately capture all mental health symptoms amongst first responders. The fact that the severity of symptoms predicted the level of under-reporting means that simple changes to cut-off values cannot correct this problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth E. Marshall
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052 Australia
| | - Josie Milligan-Saville
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052 Australia ,grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Hospital Rd, Randwick, 2031 Australia
| | - Katherine Petrie
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052 Australia ,grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Hospital Rd, Randwick, 2031 Australia
| | - Richard A. Bryant
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Hospital Rd, Randwick, 2031 Australia ,grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052 Australia
| | - Philip B. Mitchell
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052 Australia ,grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Hospital Rd, Randwick, 2031 Australia
| | - Samuel B. Harvey
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Hospital Rd, Randwick, 2031 Australia
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39
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Marchand WR, Andersen SJ, Smith JE, Hoopes KH, Carlson JK. Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies for Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Current State, Challenges and Future Directions. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 5:2470547021991556. [PMID: 33644617 PMCID: PMC7890715 DOI: 10.1177/2470547021991556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder is common among military Veterans. While effective treatments exist, many Veterans either do not engage in treatment or fail to achieve full remission. Thus, there is a need to develop adjunctive complementary interventions to enhance treatment engagement and/or response. Equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) are one category of animal assisted interventions that might serve this function. The aim of this article is to review the current state and challenges regarding the use of EAAT for Veterans with PTSD and provide a roadmap to move the field forward. EAAT hold promise as adjunctive complementary interventions for symptom reduction among Veterans with PTSD. Additionally, there is evidence that these approaches may enhance wellbeing in this population. At this time, many gaps in the literature exist and rigorous randomized controlled trials are needed before definitive conclusions can be drawn. The authors of this work provide recommendations as a roadmap to move the field forward. These include standardizing the EAAT nomenclature, focusing mechanism of action studies on the human-horse bond using biological metrics and using a standardized intervention model across studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- William R Marchand
- Whole Health Flagship Site Located at VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.,Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA
| | - Sarah J Andersen
- Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA
| | - Judy E Smith
- Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA
| | - Karl H Hoopes
- Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA
| | - Jennifer K Carlson
- Whole Health Flagship Site Located at VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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40
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Gharehgazlou A, Richardson JD, Jetly R, Dunkley BT. Cortical gyrification morphology in PTSD: A neurobiological risk factor for severity? Neurobiol Stress 2021; 14:100299. [PMID: 33659579 PMCID: PMC7890044 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2021.100299] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a prevalent psychiatric disorder, particularly among military personnel and veterans. Cortical gyrification, as a specific metric derived from structural MRI, is an index of the convoluted folding and patterning of the gyri and sulci, and is thought to facilitate the efficiency of local neuronal wiring. It has the potential to act as a neurobiological risk factor for emergent psychiatric disorders – to date, it has been understudied in PTSD. Here, using a local measure of the degree of gyrification (local Gyrification Index, lGI) we investigate cortical gyrification morphology in 48 adult male soldiers with (n = 23) and without (n = 25) a PTSD diagnosis. We also examine the relation between lGI and PTSD severity within the PTSD group. General linear models yielded significant between-group differences with greater lGI found in PTSD in a cluster located in the medial occipito-parietal lobe on the left hemisphere and reduced lGI in a cluster located on the lateral surface of the parietal lobe on the right hemisphere. Brain-behaviour analyses within the PTSD group yielded significant positive associations between lGI and PTSD severity in a cluster located in the frontal cortex of the left hemisphere and scattered clusters located within all lobes of the right hemisphere. After accounting for the effects of comorbid psychiatric symptoms common in PTSD, the associations in the right hemisphere reduced to clusters only located in the frontal lobe, while the cluster in the left hemisphere remained significant. Our results suggest that atypical cortical gyrification in parietal and occipital regions may be implicated in the psychopathology of PTSD diagnosis, and properties of prefrontal gyrification associated with the emergent severity of PTSD after trauma. The importance of these regions in PTSD may be attributed to a pre-existing neurobiological risk factor, or neuromorphological changes after trauma precipitating emergent psychiatric illness. Our brain-behaviour relations provide support for the existing literature by highlighting the importance of the frontal lobe in the pathogenesis of PTSD. Future large-scale longitudinal studies including female participants may infer causal implications of atypical gyrification in PTSD and shed light on the potential effect of sex on this brain metric.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avideh Gharehgazlou
- Neurosciences & Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - J Don Richardson
- The MacDonald Franklin OSI Research Centre, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Operational Stress Injury Clinic, St. Joseph's Health Care, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rakesh Jetly
- Canadian Forces Health Services Group HQ, Department of National Defence, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Benjamin T Dunkley
- Neurosciences & Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Diagnostic Imaging, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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41
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Seo JH, Kim TY, Kim SJ, Choi JH, So HS, Kang JI. Possible Association of Polymorphisms in Ubiquitin Specific Peptidase 46 Gene With Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:663647. [PMID: 34456759 PMCID: PMC8385240 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.663647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Dynamic proteolysis, through the ubiquitin-proteasome system, has an important role in DNA transcription and cell cycle, and is considered to modulate cell stress response and synaptic plasticity. We investigated whether genetic variants in the ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase 46 (USP46) would be associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in people with exposure to combat trauma using a case-control candidate gene association design. Methods: Korean male veterans exposed to the Vietnam War were grouped into those with (n = 128) and without (n = 128) PTSD. Seven tagging SNPs of USP46 were selected, and single-marker and haplotype-based association analyses were performed. All analyses were adjusted for sociodemographic factors and levels of combat exposure severity and alcohol problem. Results: One single-marker (rs2244291) showed nominal evidence of association with PTSD status and with the "re-experiencing" cluster, although the association was not significant after Bonferroni correction. No significant association with the other SNPs or the haplotypes was detected. Conclusion: The present finding suggests preliminarily that genetic vulnerability regarding the ubiquitin-proteasome system may be related to fear memory processes and the development of PTSD symptoms after trauma exposure. Further studies with a larger sample size will be needed to examine the role of the ubiquitin-proteasome system including USP46 in PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Ho Seo
- Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine and Department of Psychiatry, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Tae Yong Kim
- Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine and Department of Psychiatry, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Neuropsychiatry, Veterans Health Service Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Se Joo Kim
- Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine and Department of Psychiatry, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jin Hee Choi
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Veterans Health Service Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyung Seok So
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Veterans Health Service Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jee In Kang
- Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine and Department of Psychiatry, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
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42
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Herzog S, Fogle BM, Harpaz-Rotem I, Tsai J, DePierro J, Pietrzak RH. Dissociative symptoms predict risk for the development of PTSD: Results from the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study (NHRVS). J Psychiatr Res 2020; 131:215-219. [PMID: 32998083 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2020.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Dissociative symptoms following trauma exposure, such as derealization (i.e., feeling that one's experience is strange and unreal) and depersonalization (i.e., feeling detached from oneself) have been implicated in the development and maintenance of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In the current study, we analyzed data from a 3-year prospective cohort study of a nationally representative sample of U.S. veterans to examine whether trait dissociative symptoms, which may impair adaptive emotion regulation following trauma exposure, predict risk for the development of PTSD in trauma-exposed veterans. Results revealed that derealization symptoms predicted a nearly 5-fold increase in relative risk of incident PTSD (relative risk ratio = 4.57, 95% confidence interval = 1.55-13.52), even after adjusting for relevant sociodemographic and trauma-related factors, and severity of PTSD symptoms at baseline. To our knowledge, this study is the first to suggest that trait dissociative symptoms-specifically derealization-may be an important population-based risk factor for the development of PTSD in trauma-exposed U.S. military veterans. These findings add to a body of literature on the prediction of PTSD that largely focuses on stable or immutable risk factors such as sociodemographic and trauma characteristics, or peritraumatic emotional reactions, and underscores the potential clinical utility of assessing, monitoring, and treating derealization symptoms in trauma-exposed U.S. military veterans at risk for PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Herzog
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA.
| | - Brienna M Fogle
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, 300 George St #901, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Ilan Harpaz-Rotem
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, 300 George St #901, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Jack Tsai
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, 300 George St #901, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans, 13000 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Jonathan DePierro
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1230, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Robert H Pietrzak
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, 300 George St #901, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA; Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College St, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
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43
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Judkins JL, Moore BA, Collette TL, Hale WJ, Peterson AL, Morissette SB. Incidence Rates of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Over a 17-Year Period in Active Duty Military Service Members. J Trauma Stress 2020; 33:994-1006. [PMID: 32598575 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects approximately 8% of the general population. The prevalence of PTSD is twice as high in active duty service members and military veterans. Few studies have investigated the incidence rates of PTSD in active duty military personnel. The present study evaluated the incidence of PTSD diagnoses and the differences between demographic factors for service members between 2001 and 2017. Data on 182,400 active duty service members between 2001 and 2017 were drawn from the Defense Medical Epidemiological Database and examined by sex, age, service branch, military pay grade, marital status, and race. From 2001 to 2017, the incidence rates of PTSD in the active force (per 1,000 service members) steadily climbed, with a low of 1.24 in 2002 to a high of 12.94 in 2016. Service members most often diagnosed with PTSD were in the U.S. Army, with the enlisted pay grades of E-5-E-9, White, married, male, and between 20 and 24 years old. Statistically significant differences, ps < .001, were found between observed and expected counts across all examined demographic variables. The present study is the first to our knowledge to provide a comprehensive examination of PTSD incidence rates in an active duty military population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason L Judkins
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA.,United States Army, 187th Medical Battalion, Medical Professional Brigade, Joint Base San Antonio Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Brian A Moore
- 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
| | - Tyler L Collette
- 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
| | - Alan L Peterson
- 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.,Office of Research and Development, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Sandra B Morissette
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
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44
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Sharma R, Sahota P, Thakkar MM. Short-term sleep deprivation immediately after contextual conditioning inhibits BDNF signaling and disrupts memory consolidation in predator odor trauma mice model of PTSD. Brain Res 2020; 1750:147155. [PMID: 33069732 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2020.147155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating neuropsychiatric illness affecting > 7 million people every year in the US. Recently, we have shown that the mouse model of predator odor trauma (POT) displayed contextual conditioning and core features of PTSD including sleep disturbances (hyperarousal) and retrieval of traumatic memories following exposure to objective reminders (re-experiencing). PTSD is a disorder of memory function. Since memory consolidation requires the expression of BDNF along with an activation of MAPK/pERK signaling pathway in limbic brain structures (hippocampus and amygdala) and sleep favors memory consolidation, we hypothesized that short-term sleep deprivation (SD, 3 h), immediately after contextual conditioning will attenuate molecular correlates of memory consolidation, sleep disturbances, and memory consolidation. We performed two experiments in adult male C57BL/6J mice to test our hypothesis. Experiment 1 determined the effects of SD on contextual conditioning and changes in sleep wakefulness. Experiment 2 determined the effects of SD on contextual conditioning-induced changes in the expression of BDNF and pERK in hippocampus and amygdala. SD immediately after contextual conditioning (POT + SD group) significantly attenuated sleep disturbances, memory retrieval, and expression of pERK and BDNF in the hippocampus and amygdala as compared to POT-SD group (no SD after contextual conditioning). No significant differences were observed between POT + SD, NOC-SD (no contextual conditioning + no SD), and NOC + SD (no contextual conditioning + SD) groups. Memory consolidation requires sleep and the expression of pERK and BDNF in hippocampus and amygdala immediately after contextual conditioning in POT model of PTSD in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rishi Sharma
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital and Department of Neurology, University of Missouri-School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Pradeep Sahota
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital and Department of Neurology, University of Missouri-School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Mahesh M Thakkar
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital and Department of Neurology, University of Missouri-School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, United States.
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45
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Taylor EN, Timko C, Nash A, Owens MD, Harris AH, Finlay AK. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Justice Involvement Among Military Veterans: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Trauma Stress 2020; 33:804-812. [PMID: 32516492 PMCID: PMC8288507 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
There is evidence of an association between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and criminal justice involvement among military veterans. For this study, we systematically reviewed the literature to examine the association between PTSD and criminal justice involvement among military veterans, assess the magnitude of this association, and identify strengths and limitations of the underlying evidence. Five databases were searched for a larger scoping review, and observational studies that assessed PTSD and criminal justice involvement were selected from the scoping review database (N = 191). Meta-analyses were conducted, pooling odds ratios (ORs) via restricted maximum likelihood random-effects models. The main outcomes were criminal justice involvement (i.e., documentation of arrest) and PTSD (i.e., PTSD assessment score indicating probable PTSD). Of 143 unique articles identified, 10 studies were eligible for the meta-analysis. Veterans with PTSD had higher odds of criminal justice involvement (OR = 1.61, 95% CI [1.16, 2.23], p = .002) and arrest for violent offenses (OR = 1.59, 95% CI [1.15, 2.19], p = .002) compared to veterans without PTSD. The odds ratio of criminal justice involvement among military veterans with PTSD assessed using the PTSD Checklist was 1.98, 95% CI [1.08, 3.63], p = .014. Considerable heterogeneity was identified, but no evidence of publication bias was found. Criminal justice involvement and PTSD are linked among military veterans, highlighting an important need for clinicians and healthcare systems working with this population to prioritize PTSD treatment to reduce veterans' new and recurring risk of criminal justice involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmeline N. Taylor
- Center for Innovation to Implementation, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Palo Alto, California, USA,Department of Psychology, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
| | - Christine Timko
- Center for Innovation to Implementation, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Palo Alto, California, USA,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Amia Nash
- Center for Innovation to Implementation, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Mandy D. Owens
- Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Alex H.S. Harris
- Center for Innovation to Implementation, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Palo Alto, California, USA,Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Andrea K. Finlay
- Center for Innovation to Implementation, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Palo Alto, California, USA,U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans, Palo Alto, California, USA
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Holliday R, Borges LM, Stearns-Yoder KA, Hoffberg AS, Brenner LA, Monteith LL. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Suicidal Ideation, and Suicidal Self-Directed Violence Among U.S. Military Personnel and Veterans: A Systematic Review of the Literature From 2010 to 2018. Front Psychol 2020; 11:1998. [PMID: 32982838 PMCID: PMC7479813 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Rates of suicide and posttraumatic stress disorder remain high among United States military personnel and veterans. Building upon prior work, we conducted a systematic review of research published from 2010 to 2018 regarding: (1) the prevalence of suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, and suicide among United States military personnel and veterans diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder; (2) whether posttraumatic stress disorder was associated with suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, and suicide among United States military personnel and veterans. 2,106 titles and abstracts were screened, with 48 articles included. Overall risk of bias was generally high for studies on suicidal ideation or suicide attempt and low for studies on suicide. Across studies, rates of suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, and suicide widely varied based on study methodology and assessment approaches. Findings regarding the association between posttraumatic stress disorder diagnosis with suicidal ideation and suicide were generally mixed, and some studies reported that posttraumatic stress disorder was associated with lower risk for suicide. In contrast, most studies reported significant associations between posttraumatic stress disorder and suicide attempt. These findings suggest complex associations between posttraumatic stress disorder and suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, and suicide, which are likely influenced by other factors (e.g., psychiatric comorbidity). In addition, most samples were comprised of veterans, rather than military personnel. Further research is warranted to elucidate associations between posttraumatic stress disorder and suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, and suicide, including identification of moderators and mediators of this relationship. Addressing this among United States military personnel, by gender, and in relation to different trauma types is also necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Holliday
- Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center for Veteran Suicide Prevention, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Lauren M. Borges
- Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center for Veteran Suicide Prevention, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Kelly A. Stearns-Yoder
- Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center for Veteran Suicide Prevention, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Adam S. Hoffberg
- Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center for Veteran Suicide Prevention, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Lisa A. Brenner
- Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center for Veteran Suicide Prevention, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Lindsey L. Monteith
- Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center for Veteran Suicide Prevention, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
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Evans RW, Strutt AM. Medico‐Legal Aspects of Concussion. Headache 2020; 60:1749-1760. [DOI: 10.1111/head.13926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Adriana M. Strutt
- Department of Neurology BCM Medical Center Houston TX USA
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences BCM Medical Center Houston TX USA
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Farmer CC, Rossi FS, Michael EM, Kimerling R. Psychotherapy Utilization, Preferences, and Retention among Women Veterans with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Womens Health Issues 2020; 30:366-373. [PMID: 32680627 DOI: 10.1016/j.whi.2020.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychotherapy is the gold standard treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), yet psychotherapy use and retention among veterans is low. Little is known about the barriers to care and factors associated with women veterans' PTSD psychotherapy use and retention. Using a nationally representative sample of 986 women Veterans Health Administration primary care users with PTSD and a perceived need for mental health care, we examined 1) the proportion of women who used psychotherapy, 2) retention in psychotherapy among women who used any psychotherapy, and 3) individual factors related to psychotherapy use and retention. METHODS Women completed a survey on their mental health care experiences. Outpatient mental health care use in the year before the survey was obtained from Veterans Health Administration administrative data. RESULTS Most women (79.1%) used psychotherapy, and 41.7% of those women had a minimal therapeutic dose of psychotherapy (≥8 visits). Mental health diagnostic comorbidity and being African American/Black or identifying as neither African American/Black nor White were significantly associated with higher psychotherapy use. Mental health diagnostic comorbidity, exposure to military sexual trauma, and receiving treatment aligned with gender-related and group-related preferences were associated with higher psychotherapy retention. Being a parent was associated with lower retention. CONCLUSIONS Although a significant proportion of women veterans with PTSD are using psychotherapy, retention is enhanced when women are able to obtain treatment aligned with their preferences. Thus, efforts to promote patient-centered, shared decisions regarding mental health treatment options could increase the efficacy and efficiency of treatment for PTSD among women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney C Farmer
- PGSP-Stanford Psy.D. Consortium, Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, California
| | - Fernanda S Rossi
- Center for Innovation to Implementation, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California; Center for Primary Care and Outcomes Research and Center for Health Policy, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
| | - Elizabeth M Michael
- PGSP-Stanford Psy.D. Consortium, Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, California
| | - Rachel Kimerling
- Center for Innovation to Implementation, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California; National Center for PTSD, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California.
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Arnon S, Fisher PW, Pickover A, Lowell A, Turner JB, Hilburn A, Jacob-McVey J, Malajian BE, Farber DG, Hamilton JF, Hamilton A, Markowitz JC, Neria Y. Equine-Assisted Therapy for Veterans with PTSD: Manual Development and Preliminary Findings. Mil Med 2020; 185:e557-e564. [PMID: 32034416 PMCID: PMC7282489 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usz444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Equine-assisted therapy (EAT) for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has attracted great interest despite lacking empirical support, a manual, and a standardized protocol. Our team of experts in EAT and PTSD developed an eight-session group EAT treatment protocol for PTSD (EAT-PTSD) and administered it to two pilot groups of military veterans to assess initial effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS We describe the development of the treatment manual, which was used with two pilot groups of veterans. Protocol safety, feasibility, and acceptability were assessed by reported adverse events, treatment completion rates, and self-rated patient satisfaction. Preliminary data on PTSD, depressive, and anxiety symptoms and quality of life were collected pretreatment, midpoint, post-treatment, and at 3-month follow up. RESULTS No adverse events were recorded. All patients completed treatment, reporting high satisfaction. Preliminary data showed decreases in clinician-assessed PTSD and depressive symptoms from pre to post-treatment and follow-up (medium to large effect sizes, d = .54-1.8), with similar trends across self-report measures (d = 0.72-1.6). In our pilot sample, treatment response and remission varied; all patients showed some benefit post-treatment, but gains did not persist at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS This article presents the first standardized EAT protocol. Highly preliminary results suggest our new manualized group EAT-PTSD appears safe, well-regarded, and well-attended, yielding short-term benefits in symptomatology and quality of life if unclear length of effect. Future research should test this alternative treatment for PTSD more rigorously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shay Arnon
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10032
| | - Prudence W Fisher
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10032
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10032
| | - Alison Pickover
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10032
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10032
| | - Ari Lowell
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10032
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10032
| | - J Blake Turner
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10032
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10032
| | - Anne Hilburn
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10032
| | - Jody Jacob-McVey
- Bergen Equestrian Center, 40 Fort Lee Road, Leonia, NJ 07605
- EquiSense Solutions LLC, 33 West 93rd Street, 3B, New York, NY 10025
| | | | - Debra G Farber
- Bergen Equestrian Center, 40 Fort Lee Road, Leonia, NJ 07605
| | - Jane F Hamilton
- Rancho Bosque Equestrian Center of Excellence, House Hamilton Business Group, PLC, 8649 E Woodland Road, Tucson, AZ 85749
| | - Allan Hamilton
- Department of Surgery, University of Arizona Health Sciences Center, 1501 N. Campbell Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85724
| | - John C Markowitz
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10032
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10032
| | - Yuval Neria
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10032
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10032
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 722 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032
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50
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Exploring the prevalence of gambling harm among active duty military personnel: a systematic scoping review. J Gambl Stud 2020; 37:529-549. [PMID: 32410048 PMCID: PMC8144149 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-020-09951-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of gambling harm among active duty military personnel is a largely unexplored topic. With different forms of social gambling often found within (or in close proximity to) military bases around the world, understanding the extent of gambling activities and consequent harms occurring within military contexts warrants further attention. This review aims to identify, describe and thematically synthesise published literature on gambling harm and related issues among active duty military personnel. Scoping review methods were applied in order to understand this relatively under-researched population and understand appropriate avenues for future research. A systematic multi-database text word search, incorporating search results from Scopus, Pubmed, Web of Science, PsychInfo, and the Journal Military Medicine, was conducted. A total of 11 sources met inclusion criteria, all originating from the United States of America. The results suggest a distinct gap in the current international literature on this topic. Despite gambling’s long and colourful association with defence downtime, research into gambling harm prevalence rates in relation to what could be considered a high-risk group is limited. Findings reveal that strategies to identify and address gambling harm within this population are severely lacking from the published literature and non-existent outside North America. Implications for understanding and addressing gambling harm among active duty personnel and directions for future research are discussed.
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