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Serier KN, Magruder KM, Spiro A, Kimerling R, Frayne SM, Kilbourne AM, Pless Kaiser A, Smith BN. Associations between Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Diabetes in Vietnam-Era Women Veterans in the HealthViEWS Study. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2024; 33:926-937. [PMID: 38738844 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2023.0838] [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] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with incident diabetes. However, past studies have often included predominantly male samples, despite important sex and gender differences in diabetes. To address this limitation, this study examined the association between PTSD and diabetes in older Veteran women, a population with a high burden of PTSD. Materials and Methods: Data were collected from 4,105 women (Mage = 67.4 years), participating in the Health of Vietnam-Era Veteran Women's Study (HealthViEWS; Department of Veterans Affairs Cooperative Studies Program #579). Participants completed self-report measures of demographics, health conditions, and health behaviors. Information on military service was obtained through service records. A structured clinical interview was conducted by telephone to assess current and lifetime PTSD and other mental health disorders. Weighted descriptive and logistic regression analyses were used to examine associations between PTSD and diabetes. Results: The prevalence of diabetes was 28.4% among women with current full PTSD compared to 23.4%, 17.6%, and 17.5% for current subthreshold, remitted, and no PTSD. In unadjusted analyses, women with current full and subthreshold PTSD were 1.87 [1.49; 2.33] and 1.44 [1.11; 1.85] times more likely to have diabetes compared to women with no PTSD. Remitted PTSD was not associated with increased odds of diabetes. Effects were attenuated but remained significant after adjustment for relevant covariates. Conclusions: Vietnam-era women with current PTSD, including subthreshold symptoms, had a greater likelihood of diabetes compared to women without PTSD. These findings suggest that women with PTSD may benefit from increased diabetes prevention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey N Serier
- National Center for PTSD Women's Health Sciences Division, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kathryn M Magruder
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Public Health, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Avron Spiro
- Massachusetts Veterans Epidemiology Research and Information Center, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rachel Kimerling
- Department of Veterans Affairs, National Center for PTSD, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California, USA
- VA HSR&D Center for Innovation to Implementation (Ci2i), VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Susan M Frayne
- VA HSR&D Center for Innovation to Implementation (Ci2i), VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California, USA
- Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Amy M Kilbourne
- Department of Learning Health Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Quality Enhancement Research Initiative (QUERI), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Anica Pless Kaiser
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- National Center for PTSD Behavioral Science Division, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- VA New England Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Brian N Smith
- National Center for PTSD Women's Health Sciences Division, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Breneman CB, Valmas MM, Skalina LM, Cypel Y, Spiro A, Frayne SM, Magruder KM, Kilbourne AM, Kimerling R, Reinhard MJ. Mental Health and Cognition in Women Veterans Enrolled in the Health of Vietnam Era Veteran Women's Study (HealthViEWS). J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2024. [PMID: 38913339 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2023.0974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective: This analysis explored relationships between mental health symptoms and conditions and cognitive function in a cohort of Vietnam-era women veterans from the Health of Vietnam Era Veteran Women's Study (HealthViEWS). Methods: Vietnam-era women veterans completed a mail survey assessing self-reported symptom severity of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. A telephone-based structured interview assessed mental health conditions and cognitive function (telephone interview for cognitive status [TICS]). Participants were categorized using a TICS threshold of ≤29 to designate possible cognitive impairment versus nonimpaired. Separate logistic regression models were used to determine associations between possible cognitive impairment and each self-reported and interviewer-rated assessment of PTSD and depression while adjusting for age, education, race, marital status, and wartime service location. Results: The sample consisted of 4,077 women veterans who were ≥60 years old and completed the TICS. Of these women, 7.20% were categorized with possible cognitive impairment. Logistic regression models indicated that self-reported PTSD and depression symptom severity were each significantly associated with higher odds of possible cognitive impairment (adjusted odds ratios [aOR]: 1.03 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02-1.04] and 1.07 [95% CI: 1.04-1.09], respectively). Women veterans with a probable diagnosis of depression had higher odds of possible cognitive impairment compared to those without depression (aOR: 1.61 [95% CI: 1.07-2.42]). No association was found for probable diagnosis of PTSD. Conclusions: Although further examination remains necessary, results suggest that Vietnam-era women veterans with self-reported PTSD and depression symptom severity or a probable diagnosis of depression may benefit from screening of cognitive function to inform clinical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charity B Breneman
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs, War Related Illness and Injury Study Center (WRIISC), Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Mary M Valmas
- Department of Veterans Affairs, War Related Illness and Injury Study Center (WRIISC), Washington, District of Columbia, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington DC VA Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Lauren M Skalina
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington DC VA Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Yasmin Cypel
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Health Outcomes Military Exposures, Veterans Health Administration, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Avron Spiro
- Massachusetts Veterans Epidemiology Research and Information Center (MAVERIC), VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Departments of Epidemiology and Psychiatry, Boston University Schools of Public Health and Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Susan M Frayne
- National Center for PTSD and VA HSR&D Center for Innovation to Implementation (Ci2i), VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California, USA
- Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Kathryn M Magruder
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Public Health, Medical University of SC, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Amy M Kilbourne
- US Department of Veterans Affairs, Quality Enhancement Research Initiative (QUERI), Washington, District of Columbia, USA
- Department of Learning Health Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Rachel Kimerling
- National Center for PTSD and VA HSR&D Center for Innovation to Implementation (Ci2i), VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Matthew J Reinhard
- Department of Veterans Affairs, War Related Illness and Injury Study Center (WRIISC), Washington, District of Columbia, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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Pebole MM, Whitworth JW, Iverson KM, Currao A, Fortier CB. Traumatic Brain Injury and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Are Associated with Physical Health Burden among Post-9/11 Women Veterans. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2024. [PMID: 38873776 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2024.0147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Little research focuses on physical health outcomes of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among post-9/11 women veterans (WVs). This study examined lifetime TBI, current PTSD, and their associations with biomarkers of cardiometabolic health, sleep, pain, and functional disability among post-9/11 WVs. Methods: WVs (n = 90) from the Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders longitudinal cohort study were included in this study. Gold standard clinician administered interviews assessed lifetime TBI (Boston Assessment of TBI-Lifetime) and current PTSD symptoms (Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale-IV). Objective measures of health included waist-hip ratio (WHR) and fasted blood biomarker (high density lipoprotein [HDL], low density lipoprotein [LDL], blood glucose, triglycerides) levels. Self-reported surveys assessed sleep, pain, and functional disability. Results: Just under two-thirds (58.9%) of WVs experienced a lifetime TBI, and just over half (53.3%) of this sample had a current PTSD diagnosis at the time of testing. Lifetime TBI was significantly associated with higher WHR, triglycerides levels, and worse pain and sleep (ps = <0.01 to 0.02; ds = 0.01 to 1.12). Current PTSD was significantly associated with higher WHR, lower HDL, and worse pain and sleep (ps = <0.01 to 0.02; ds = 0.009 to 1.19). PTSD was significantly associated with lower total functioning and each of its subdomains (βs = -0.58 to 0.63; ps = <0.001 to 0.02). Lifetime TBI was significantly associated with total functioning, mobility, and life/work (βs = -0.20 to 0.30; ps = <0.01 to 0.02). Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of screening for lifetime TBI and cardiovascular disease for WVs and support transdiagnostic treatment approaches targeting physical health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle M Pebole
- The Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders (TRACTS), Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - James W Whitworth
- National Center for PTSD Behavioral Health Sciences Division at VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston Massachusetts, USA
| | - Katherine M Iverson
- The Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders (TRACTS), Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston Massachusetts, USA
- National Center for PTSD Women's Health Sciences Division, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alyssa Currao
- The Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders (TRACTS), Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Catherine B Fortier
- The Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders (TRACTS), Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Richerson JT, Wagner TH, Abrams T, Skelton K, Biswas K, Illarmo S, McSherry F, Fallon MT, Frakt A, Pizer S, Magruder KM, Groer S, Dorn PA, Huang GD, Stock EM. Therapeutic and Economic Benefits of Service Dogs Versus Emotional Support Dogs for Veterans With PTSD. Psychiatr Serv 2023; 74:790-800. [PMID: 36718602 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.20220138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This work aimed to assess the therapeutic and economic benefits of service dogs versus emotional support dogs for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). METHODS Veterans with PTSD (N=227) participating in a multicenter trial were randomly assigned to receive a service or emotional support dog; 181 veterans received a dog and were followed up for 18 months. Primary outcomes included overall functioning (assessed with World Health Organization Disability Assessment Scale II [WHODAS 2.0]) and quality of life (Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey [VR-12]). Secondary outcomes included PTSD symptoms (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5), suicidal ideation, depression, sleep quality, health care costs and utilization, medication adherence, employment, and productivity. RESULTS Participants paired with a dog had a mean±SD age of 50.6±13.6 years (range 22-79), and most were male (80%), White (66%), and non-Hispanic (91%). Adjusted linear mixed repeated-measures models indicated no difference between the two groups on WHODAS 2.0 or VR-12 scores. Participants with service dogs had a 3.7-point greater reduction in PTSD symptoms versus participants with emotional support dogs (p=0.036). No reduced health care utilization or cost was associated with receiving a service dog. Veterans with service dogs had an increase of 10 percentage points in antidepressant adherence compared with those with emotional support dogs (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Both groups appeared to benefit from having a service or emotional support dog. No significant differences in improved functioning or quality of life were observed between the groups. Those in the service dog group had a greater reduction in PTSD symptoms and better antidepressant adherence, improvements that should be explored further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan T Richerson
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Tennessee Valley Health Care System, Nashville (Richerson); VA Health Economics Resource Center, Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California (Wagner, Illarmo); Center for Access Delivery Research and Evaluation, VA Iowa City Healthcare System, and Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City (Abrams); Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta (Skelton, Fallon); Perry Point/Baltimore Coordinating Center, Cooperative Studies Program, Office of Research and Development, VA, Perry Point, Maryland (Biswas, McSherry, Stock); Partnered Evidence-Based Policy Resource Center, Research and Development, VA Boston Healthcare System, and Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston (Frakt, Pizer); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Military Sciences Division, and Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Epidemiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston (Magruder); VA Office of Research and Development, Washington, D.C. (Groer, Dorn, Huang)
| | - Todd H Wagner
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Tennessee Valley Health Care System, Nashville (Richerson); VA Health Economics Resource Center, Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California (Wagner, Illarmo); Center for Access Delivery Research and Evaluation, VA Iowa City Healthcare System, and Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City (Abrams); Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta (Skelton, Fallon); Perry Point/Baltimore Coordinating Center, Cooperative Studies Program, Office of Research and Development, VA, Perry Point, Maryland (Biswas, McSherry, Stock); Partnered Evidence-Based Policy Resource Center, Research and Development, VA Boston Healthcare System, and Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston (Frakt, Pizer); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Military Sciences Division, and Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Epidemiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston (Magruder); VA Office of Research and Development, Washington, D.C. (Groer, Dorn, Huang)
| | - Thad Abrams
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Tennessee Valley Health Care System, Nashville (Richerson); VA Health Economics Resource Center, Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California (Wagner, Illarmo); Center for Access Delivery Research and Evaluation, VA Iowa City Healthcare System, and Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City (Abrams); Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta (Skelton, Fallon); Perry Point/Baltimore Coordinating Center, Cooperative Studies Program, Office of Research and Development, VA, Perry Point, Maryland (Biswas, McSherry, Stock); Partnered Evidence-Based Policy Resource Center, Research and Development, VA Boston Healthcare System, and Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston (Frakt, Pizer); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Military Sciences Division, and Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Epidemiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston (Magruder); VA Office of Research and Development, Washington, D.C. (Groer, Dorn, Huang)
| | - Kelly Skelton
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Tennessee Valley Health Care System, Nashville (Richerson); VA Health Economics Resource Center, Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California (Wagner, Illarmo); Center for Access Delivery Research and Evaluation, VA Iowa City Healthcare System, and Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City (Abrams); Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta (Skelton, Fallon); Perry Point/Baltimore Coordinating Center, Cooperative Studies Program, Office of Research and Development, VA, Perry Point, Maryland (Biswas, McSherry, Stock); Partnered Evidence-Based Policy Resource Center, Research and Development, VA Boston Healthcare System, and Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston (Frakt, Pizer); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Military Sciences Division, and Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Epidemiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston (Magruder); VA Office of Research and Development, Washington, D.C. (Groer, Dorn, Huang)
| | - Kousick Biswas
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Tennessee Valley Health Care System, Nashville (Richerson); VA Health Economics Resource Center, Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California (Wagner, Illarmo); Center for Access Delivery Research and Evaluation, VA Iowa City Healthcare System, and Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City (Abrams); Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta (Skelton, Fallon); Perry Point/Baltimore Coordinating Center, Cooperative Studies Program, Office of Research and Development, VA, Perry Point, Maryland (Biswas, McSherry, Stock); Partnered Evidence-Based Policy Resource Center, Research and Development, VA Boston Healthcare System, and Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston (Frakt, Pizer); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Military Sciences Division, and Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Epidemiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston (Magruder); VA Office of Research and Development, Washington, D.C. (Groer, Dorn, Huang)
| | - Samantha Illarmo
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Tennessee Valley Health Care System, Nashville (Richerson); VA Health Economics Resource Center, Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California (Wagner, Illarmo); Center for Access Delivery Research and Evaluation, VA Iowa City Healthcare System, and Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City (Abrams); Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta (Skelton, Fallon); Perry Point/Baltimore Coordinating Center, Cooperative Studies Program, Office of Research and Development, VA, Perry Point, Maryland (Biswas, McSherry, Stock); Partnered Evidence-Based Policy Resource Center, Research and Development, VA Boston Healthcare System, and Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston (Frakt, Pizer); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Military Sciences Division, and Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Epidemiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston (Magruder); VA Office of Research and Development, Washington, D.C. (Groer, Dorn, Huang)
| | - Frances McSherry
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Tennessee Valley Health Care System, Nashville (Richerson); VA Health Economics Resource Center, Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California (Wagner, Illarmo); Center for Access Delivery Research and Evaluation, VA Iowa City Healthcare System, and Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City (Abrams); Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta (Skelton, Fallon); Perry Point/Baltimore Coordinating Center, Cooperative Studies Program, Office of Research and Development, VA, Perry Point, Maryland (Biswas, McSherry, Stock); Partnered Evidence-Based Policy Resource Center, Research and Development, VA Boston Healthcare System, and Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston (Frakt, Pizer); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Military Sciences Division, and Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Epidemiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston (Magruder); VA Office of Research and Development, Washington, D.C. (Groer, Dorn, Huang)
| | - Michael T Fallon
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Tennessee Valley Health Care System, Nashville (Richerson); VA Health Economics Resource Center, Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California (Wagner, Illarmo); Center for Access Delivery Research and Evaluation, VA Iowa City Healthcare System, and Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City (Abrams); Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta (Skelton, Fallon); Perry Point/Baltimore Coordinating Center, Cooperative Studies Program, Office of Research and Development, VA, Perry Point, Maryland (Biswas, McSherry, Stock); Partnered Evidence-Based Policy Resource Center, Research and Development, VA Boston Healthcare System, and Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston (Frakt, Pizer); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Military Sciences Division, and Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Epidemiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston (Magruder); VA Office of Research and Development, Washington, D.C. (Groer, Dorn, Huang)
| | - Austin Frakt
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Tennessee Valley Health Care System, Nashville (Richerson); VA Health Economics Resource Center, Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California (Wagner, Illarmo); Center for Access Delivery Research and Evaluation, VA Iowa City Healthcare System, and Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City (Abrams); Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta (Skelton, Fallon); Perry Point/Baltimore Coordinating Center, Cooperative Studies Program, Office of Research and Development, VA, Perry Point, Maryland (Biswas, McSherry, Stock); Partnered Evidence-Based Policy Resource Center, Research and Development, VA Boston Healthcare System, and Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston (Frakt, Pizer); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Military Sciences Division, and Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Epidemiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston (Magruder); VA Office of Research and Development, Washington, D.C. (Groer, Dorn, Huang)
| | - Steven Pizer
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Tennessee Valley Health Care System, Nashville (Richerson); VA Health Economics Resource Center, Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California (Wagner, Illarmo); Center for Access Delivery Research and Evaluation, VA Iowa City Healthcare System, and Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City (Abrams); Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta (Skelton, Fallon); Perry Point/Baltimore Coordinating Center, Cooperative Studies Program, Office of Research and Development, VA, Perry Point, Maryland (Biswas, McSherry, Stock); Partnered Evidence-Based Policy Resource Center, Research and Development, VA Boston Healthcare System, and Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston (Frakt, Pizer); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Military Sciences Division, and Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Epidemiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston (Magruder); VA Office of Research and Development, Washington, D.C. (Groer, Dorn, Huang)
| | - Kathryn M Magruder
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Tennessee Valley Health Care System, Nashville (Richerson); VA Health Economics Resource Center, Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California (Wagner, Illarmo); Center for Access Delivery Research and Evaluation, VA Iowa City Healthcare System, and Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City (Abrams); Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta (Skelton, Fallon); Perry Point/Baltimore Coordinating Center, Cooperative Studies Program, Office of Research and Development, VA, Perry Point, Maryland (Biswas, McSherry, Stock); Partnered Evidence-Based Policy Resource Center, Research and Development, VA Boston Healthcare System, and Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston (Frakt, Pizer); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Military Sciences Division, and Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Epidemiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston (Magruder); VA Office of Research and Development, Washington, D.C. (Groer, Dorn, Huang)
| | - Shirley Groer
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Tennessee Valley Health Care System, Nashville (Richerson); VA Health Economics Resource Center, Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California (Wagner, Illarmo); Center for Access Delivery Research and Evaluation, VA Iowa City Healthcare System, and Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City (Abrams); Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta (Skelton, Fallon); Perry Point/Baltimore Coordinating Center, Cooperative Studies Program, Office of Research and Development, VA, Perry Point, Maryland (Biswas, McSherry, Stock); Partnered Evidence-Based Policy Resource Center, Research and Development, VA Boston Healthcare System, and Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston (Frakt, Pizer); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Military Sciences Division, and Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Epidemiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston (Magruder); VA Office of Research and Development, Washington, D.C. (Groer, Dorn, Huang)
| | - Patricia A Dorn
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Tennessee Valley Health Care System, Nashville (Richerson); VA Health Economics Resource Center, Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California (Wagner, Illarmo); Center for Access Delivery Research and Evaluation, VA Iowa City Healthcare System, and Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City (Abrams); Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta (Skelton, Fallon); Perry Point/Baltimore Coordinating Center, Cooperative Studies Program, Office of Research and Development, VA, Perry Point, Maryland (Biswas, McSherry, Stock); Partnered Evidence-Based Policy Resource Center, Research and Development, VA Boston Healthcare System, and Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston (Frakt, Pizer); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Military Sciences Division, and Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Epidemiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston (Magruder); VA Office of Research and Development, Washington, D.C. (Groer, Dorn, Huang)
| | - Grant D Huang
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Tennessee Valley Health Care System, Nashville (Richerson); VA Health Economics Resource Center, Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California (Wagner, Illarmo); Center for Access Delivery Research and Evaluation, VA Iowa City Healthcare System, and Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City (Abrams); Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta (Skelton, Fallon); Perry Point/Baltimore Coordinating Center, Cooperative Studies Program, Office of Research and Development, VA, Perry Point, Maryland (Biswas, McSherry, Stock); Partnered Evidence-Based Policy Resource Center, Research and Development, VA Boston Healthcare System, and Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston (Frakt, Pizer); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Military Sciences Division, and Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Epidemiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston (Magruder); VA Office of Research and Development, Washington, D.C. (Groer, Dorn, Huang)
| | - Eileen M Stock
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Tennessee Valley Health Care System, Nashville (Richerson); VA Health Economics Resource Center, Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California (Wagner, Illarmo); Center for Access Delivery Research and Evaluation, VA Iowa City Healthcare System, and Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City (Abrams); Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta (Skelton, Fallon); Perry Point/Baltimore Coordinating Center, Cooperative Studies Program, Office of Research and Development, VA, Perry Point, Maryland (Biswas, McSherry, Stock); Partnered Evidence-Based Policy Resource Center, Research and Development, VA Boston Healthcare System, and Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston (Frakt, Pizer); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Military Sciences Division, and Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Epidemiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston (Magruder); VA Office of Research and Development, Washington, D.C. (Groer, Dorn, Huang)
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5
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Moye J, Kaiser AP, Cook J, Pietrzak RH. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in Older U.S. Military Veterans: Prevalence, Characteristics, and Psychiatric and Functional Burden. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2022; 30:606-618. [PMID: 34823979 PMCID: PMC8983567 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2021.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize the prevalence, characteristics, and comorbidities of subthreshold and full post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in older U.S. military veterans. DESIGN AND SETTING A nationally representative web-based survey of older U.S. military veterans who participated in the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study (NHRVS) between November 18, 2019 and March 8, 2020. PARTICIPANTS U.S. veterans aged 60 and older (n = 3,001; mean age = 73.2, SD: 7.9, range: 60-99). MEASUREMENTS PTSD was assessed using the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5. Self-report measures assessed sociodemographic characteristics, trauma exposures, suicidal behaviors, psychiatric and substance use disorders, as well as mental, cognitive, and physical functioning. Multivariable analyses examined correlates of subthreshold and full PTSD. RESULTS The vast majority of the sample (n = 2,821; 92.7%) reported exposure to one or more potentially traumatic events. Of those exposed to such events, 262 (9.6%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.4%-10.9%) and 68 (1.9%, 95% CI: 1.3%-2.6%) screened positive for subthreshold and full PTSD, respectively. The prevalence of subthreshold and full PTSD was significantly higher in female veterans and veterans who use VA as their primary healthcare. Subthreshold and full PTSD groups endorsed more adverse childhood experiences and total traumas than the no/minimal PTSD symptom group, the most common traumatic experiences endorsed were combat exposure, physical or sexual assault, and life-threatening illness or injury. Veterans with subthreshold and full PTSD were also more likely to screen positive for depression, substance use disorders, suicide attempts, nonsuicidal self-injury, and suicidal ideation, and reported lower mental, cognitive, and physical functioning. CONCLUSION Subthreshold PTSD and full PTSD are prevalent and associated with substantial clinical burden in older U.S. veterans. Results underscore the importance of assessing both subthreshold and full PTSD in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Moye
- VA New England Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC) (JM), Boston, MA; VA Boston Healthcare System (JM, APK), Boston, MA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School (JM), Boston, MA.
| | - Anica Pless Kaiser
- VA Boston Healthcare System (JM, APK), Boston, MA; National Center for PTSD (APK), Boston MA; Boston University School of Medicine (APK), Boston, MA
| | - Joan Cook
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for PTSD, VA Connecticut Healthcare System (JC, RHP), West Haven, CT; Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine (JC, RHP), New Haven, CT
| | - Robert H Pietrzak
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for PTSD, VA Connecticut Healthcare System (JC, RHP), West Haven, CT; Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine (JC, RHP), New Haven, CT; Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health (RHP), New Haven, CT
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6
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Cypel Y, Schnurr PP, Schneiderman AI, Culpepper WJ, Akhtar FZ, Morley SW, Fried DA, Ishii EK, Davey VJ. The mental health of Vietnam theater veterans-the lasting effects of the war: 2016-2017 Vietnam Era Health Retrospective Observational Study. J Trauma Stress 2022; 35:605-618. [PMID: 35290689 PMCID: PMC9310606 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Mental health data from the 2016-2017 Vietnam Era Health Retrospective Observational Study (VE-HEROeS) were analyzed by cohort, represented by United States Vietnam theater veterans (VTs) who served in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos; nontheater veterans (NTs) without theater service; and age- and sex-matched nonveterans (NVs) without military service. The exposure of interest was Vietnam theater service. Surveys mailed to random samples of veterans (n = 42,393) and nonveterans (n = 6,885) resulted in response rates of 45.0% for veterans (n = 6,735 VTs, Mage = 70.09, SE = 0.04; n = 12,131 NTs) and 67.0% for NVs (n = 4,530). We examined self-report data on four mental health outcomes: probable posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, psychological distress, and overall mental health functioning. Weighted adjusted odds ratios (aORs) between each outcome and cohort were estimated, controlling for covariates in four models: cohort plus sociodemographic variables (Model 1), Model 1 plus physical health variables (Model 2), Model 2 plus potentially traumatic events (PTEs; Model 3), and Model 3 plus other military service variables (Model 4). Mental health outcome prevalence was highest for VTs versus other cohorts, with the largest aOR, 2.88, for PTSD, 95% CI [2.46, 3.37], p < .001 (Model 4, VT:NT). Physical health and PTEs contributed most to observed effects; other service variables contributed least to aORs overall. Mental health dysfunction persists among VTs years after the war's end. The present results reaffirm previous findings and highlight the need for continued mental health surveillance in VTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin Cypel
- Epidemiology Program, Health Outcomes of Military Exposures (12POP5)U.S. Department of Veterans AffairsWashingtonD.C.USA
| | - Paula P. Schnurr
- National Center for PTSDU.S. Department of Veterans AffairsWhite River JunctionVermontUSA,Department of PsychiatryGeisel School of Medicine at DartmouthHanoverNew HampshireUSA
| | - Aaron I. Schneiderman
- Epidemiology Program, Health Outcomes of Military Exposures (12POP5)U.S. Department of Veterans AffairsWashingtonD.C.USA
| | - William J. Culpepper
- Epidemiology Program, Health Outcomes of Military Exposures (12POP5)U.S. Department of Veterans AffairsWashingtonD.C.USA
| | - Fatema Z. Akhtar
- Epidemiology Program, Health Outcomes of Military Exposures (12POP5)U.S. Department of Veterans AffairsWashingtonD.C.USA
| | - Sybil W. Morley
- VISN 2 Center of Excellence for Suicide PreventionU.S. Department of Veterans AffairsCanandaiguaNew YorkUSA
| | - Dennis A. Fried
- War Related Injury & Illness Study CenterU.S. Department of Veterans AffairsEast OrangeNew JerseyUSA
| | - Erick K. Ishii
- Population Health Services (10P4V)U.S. Department of Veterans AffairsWashingtonD.C.USA
| | - Victoria J. Davey
- Office of Research & Development (14RD)U.S. Department of Veterans AffairsWashingtonD.C.USA
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7
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Karel MJ, Wray LO, Adler G, Hannum AOR, Luci K, Brady LA, McGuire MH. Mental Health Needs of Aging Veterans: Recent Evidence and Clinical Recommendations. Clin Gerontol 2022; 45:252-271. [PMID: 31971092 DOI: 10.1080/07317115.2020.1716910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: Large numbers of older Americans have a history of military service, which may be positively or negatively associated with mental health in late life. We reviewed literature with the aim of better understanding the mental health needs of older Veterans.Methods: Articles included those published in 2009-2018 and focused on prevalence/risk for mental illness and suicide among older Veterans; utilization of mental health services; effectiveness of evidence-based behavioral treatments; and pertinent care delivery models.Results: Older Veterans are generally resilient. A significant minority experience mental health concerns that are associated with poor outcomes including a substantial number of suicides. Most published research is based on the approximately one third of Veterans who use the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) for care. Older Veterans with mental health diagnoses are less likely to utilize mental health services compared to younger Veterans, but as likely to benefit once engaged. Integrated care models in primary and geriatric care settings are promising.Conclusions: Aging Veterans are a large subset of Americans whose mental health needs are complex and deserve attention.Clinical Implications: Clinicians should ask about history of military service (i.e., Veteran status) and utilize available resources when providing care for older Veterans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele J Karel
- Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Central Office, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Laura O Wray
- VA Center for Integrated Healthcare, VA Western New York Health Care System, Buffalo, New York, United States.,Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, SUNY University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, United States
| | - Geri Adler
- VA South Central Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Alisa O' Riley Hannum
- Mental Health Service, VA Eastern Colorado Healthcare System, Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States
| | - Katherine Luci
- Center for Aging and Neurocognitive Services, Salem VA Medical Center, Salem, Virginia, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States
| | - Laura A Brady
- Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, SUNY University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, United States
| | - Marsden H McGuire
- Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Central Office, Washington, DC, United States
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8
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Wolde A, Dessalegn N. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Suicidal Behavior, Substance Use, and Sexual Victimization Among Adolescent Girls Aged 10-19 Years Living Under Ethnic-Based Civil War in Ethiopia. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2022; 18:2239-2250. [PMID: 36254143 PMCID: PMC9569158 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s381461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a chronic, impairing mental disorder that develops after exposure to a traumatic event. Despite many factors putting adolescent girls at risk of PTSD, little is known about the prevalence and how adolescent girls cope with the PTSD burden. So, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of PTSD and associated factors among adolescent girls in three selected towns in Southwest Ethiopia. METHODS A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 397 adolescent girls from May 27 to July 27, 2021. The participants were selected by a systematic random sampling method. PTSD and substance use disorder were assessed by DSM V criteria for mental disorders. The data was entered into Epi Data Manager Version 4.0.2 before being exported to SPSS Version 25 for analysis. A logistic regression model was used, and variables with a p-value less than 0.05 in the final fitting model were stated as independent predictors of PTSD. RESULTS The prevalence of PTSD among the adolescent girls was 22%, and about three in four (72.7%) of the adolescent girls developed PTSD after exposure to sexual violence. Furthermore, PTSD was associated with Khat use disorder (AOR, 95% CI: 2.79 (1.47-5.30), alcohol use disorder (AOR, 95% CI: 5.27 (2.21-12.60), and suicidal behavior (AOR, 95% CI: 2.12 (1.20-3.74)). CONCLUSION The prevalence of PTSD was high among adolescent girls, and suicidal ideation or attempt, khat use disorder, and alcohol use disorder were risk factors for PTSD. Therefore, early screening for PTSD and comorbid risk factors among this particular age group and managing accordingly is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asrat Wolde
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Mizan Tepi University, Mizan Aman, Ethiopia
| | - Nigatu Dessalegn
- Department of Pediatric Health Nursing, Mizan Tepi University, Mizan Aman, Ethiopia
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9
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Cazares PT, Caporaso E, Rumsey D, Segovia F, Yablonsky A, Anderson L, Weits G. Women's Mental Health in the U.S. Military - Where Are We Now? A Review of Recent Research. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2021; 23:67. [PMID: 34586518 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-021-01276-2] [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] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The field of women's mental health has grown in the military healthcare system, which has begun to acknowledge and address the sex-specific differences in mental health for service women. The purpose of this review is to examine recent research in active duty populations addressing perinatal mental health, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and gender isolation. RECENT FINDINGS Within the examined literature focused on active duty populations, analyses by sex and gender continue to exist as notable gaps, and a majority of studies reviewed either do not aim to examine sex or gender-based differences, and/or do not analyze data with an eye towards these paradigms. Within perinatal mental health, the lack of studies led to an inability to make any notable conclusions. PTSD was the area with the most robust publications focused on active duty women, studies of major depression showed significant occupational impact, and the area of gender isolation continues to grow as a promising field with practical implications. We discuss current promising research and advance ideas for future research trajectories that will provide clinicians, policy makers, and scientists with more data to support improved mental healthcare for both military women and men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulette T Cazares
- Naval Medical Readiness and Training Center (NMRTC), PSC 482, Box 1600 FPO AP 96362, Okinawa, Japan.
| | - Evan Caporaso
- 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, Hawaii, USA
| | - Danielle Rumsey
- Naval Medical Readiness and Training Center San Diego, San Diego, USA
| | - Francine Segovia
- Naval Medical Readiness and Training Center Pearl Harbor, Pearl Harbor, USA
| | | | - Lyndse Anderson
- Naval Medical Readiness and Training Center San Diego, San Diego, USA
| | - Genelle Weits
- Naval Medical Readiness and Training Center San Diego, San Diego, USA
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10
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Sekoni O, Mall S, Christofides N. Prevalence and factors associated with PTSD among female urban slum dwellers in Ibadan, Nigeria: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1546. [PMID: 34384401 PMCID: PMC8359091 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11508-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about the prevalence of and factors associated with PTSD among adult females in Nigeria, particularly those who live in slums. PTSD is a mental health condition that develops among some individuals who experience or witness a traumatic event. Several other factors could place individuals at heightened risk of PTSD including stress and comorbid mental disorders. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the prevalence and factors associated with PTSD among female urban slum dwellers in Ibadan, Nigeria. METHODS We conducted a cross sectional survey using multistage sampling of 550 women aged 18 and above from selected slums. Interviewer administered questionnaires were used to elicit information on experience of childhood trauma, recent stressors, intimate partner violence, other mental disorders, sociodemographic characteristics and PTSD. PTSD was measured using the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ) which is based on DSM IV. A multivariable linear regression model was built to test associations between PTSD and independent variables. RESULTS The prevalence for PTSD was found to be 4.18% and the mean PTSD score was 5.80 ± 7.11. Sexual abuse in childhood, past year intimate partner violence and anxiety were significantly associated with higher PTSD scores. PTSD was not significantly associated with a history of recent stressors. Education, employment and marital status were not associated with PTSD however, age and wealth index showed marginal association with PTSD. CONCLUSION The prevalence of PTSD among women living in Ibadan slums was relatively low. Both child sexual abuse and intimate partner violence can be prevented. We also recommend longitudinal studies to better understand risk and protective factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olutoyin Sekoni
- Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Queen Elizabeth Road, Ibadan, Nigeria.
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, 27 St Andrews Road, Parktown, 2193, South Africa.
| | - Sumaya Mall
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, 27 St Andrews Road, Parktown, 2193, South Africa
| | - Nicola Christofides
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, 27 St Andrews Road, Parktown, 2193, South Africa
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11
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Ebrahimi R, Lynch KE, Beckham JC, Dennis PA, Viernes B, Tseng CH, Shroyer ALW, Sumner JA. Association of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Incident Ischemic Heart Disease in Women Veterans. JAMA Cardiol 2021; 6:642-651. [PMID: 33729463 DOI: 10.1001/jamacardio.2021.0227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Importance Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with greater risk of ischemic heart disease (IHD) in predominantly male populations or limited community samples. Women veterans represent a growing, yet understudied, population with high levels of trauma exposure and unique cardiovascular risks, but research on PTSD and IHD in this group is lacking. Objective To determine whether PTSD is associated with incident IHD in women veterans. Design, Setting, and Participants In this retrospective, longitudinal cohort study of the national Veterans Health Administration (VHA) electronic medical records, the a priori hypothesis that PTSD would be associated with greater risk of IHD onset was tested. Women veterans 18 years or older with and without PTSD who were patients in the VHA from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2017, were assessed for study eligibility. Exclusion criteria consisted of no VHA clinical encounters after the index visit, IHD diagnosis at or before the index visit, and IHD diagnosis within 90 days of the index visit. Propensity score matching on age at index visit, number of prior visits, and presence of traditional and female-specific cardiovascular risk factors and mental and physical health conditions was conducted to identify women veterans ever diagnosed with PTSD, who were matched in a 1:2 ratio to those never diagnosed with PTSD. Data were analyzed from October 1, 2018, to October 30, 2020. Exposures PTSD, defined by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9), or International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision (ICD-10), diagnosis codes from inpatient or outpatient encounters. Main Outcomes and Measures Incident IHD, defined as new-onset coronary artery disease, angina, or myocardial infarction, based on ICD-9 and ICD-10 diagnosis codes from inpatient or outpatient encounters, and/or coronary interventions based on Current Procedural Terminology codes. Results A total of 398 769 women veterans, 132 923 with PTSD and 265 846 never diagnosed with PTSD, were included in the analysis. Baseline mean (SD) age was 40.1 (12.2) years. During median follow-up of 4.9 (interquartile range, 2.1-9.2) years, 4381 women with PTSD (3.3%) and 5559 control individuals (2.1%) developed incident IHD. In a Cox proportional hazards model, PTSD was significantly associated with greater risk of developing IHD (hazard ratio [HR], 1.44; 95% CI, 1.38-1.50). Secondary stratified analyses indicated that younger age identified women veterans with PTSD who were at greater risk of incident IHD. Effect sizes were largest for those younger than 40 years at baseline (HR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.55-1.93) and decreased monotonically with increasing age (HR for ≥60 years, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.12-1.38). Conclusions and Relevance This cohort study found that PTSD was associated with increased risk of IHD in women veterans and may have implications for IHD risk assessment in vulnerable individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramin Ebrahimi
- Department of Medicine, Cardiology Section, Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Health Care System, Los Angeles, California.,Department of Medicine, UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles)
| | - Kristine E Lynch
- Department of Medicine, Veterans Affairs Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, Utah.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City
| | - Jean C Beckham
- Department of Psychiatry, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina.,Department of Psychology, Duke School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Paul A Dennis
- Department of Psychiatry, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina.,Department of Psychology, Duke School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Benjamin Viernes
- Department of Medicine, Veterans Affairs Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, Utah.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City
| | - Chi-Hong Tseng
- Department of Medicine, UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles)
| | - A Laurie W Shroyer
- Department of Surgery, Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Northport, New York.,Department of Surgery, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York
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12
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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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13
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Impact of Wartime Stress Exposures and Mental Health on Later-Life Functioning and Disability in Vietnam-Era Women Veterans: Findings From the Health of Vietnam-Era Women's Study. Psychosom Med 2020; 82:147-157. [PMID: 31714370 PMCID: PMC8845064 DOI: 10.1097/psy.0000000000000762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The effect of stress exposures and mental health sequelae on health-related outcomes is understudied among older women veterans. We examined a) the impact of wartime stress exposures on later-life functioning and disability in Vietnam-era women veterans and b) the extent to which mental health conditions known to be associated with stress-posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive disorder (MDD), and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)-are associated with additional later-life functioning and disability. METHODS Data were collected in 2011 to 2012 using a mail survey and telephone interview of 4219 women veterans who were active duty during the Vietnam Era. Health functioning was assessed using the Veterans RAND 36-Item Health Survey, and disability was assessed using the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0. Wartime exposures were assessed using the Women's War-Zone Stressor Scale-Revised; the Composite International Diagnostic Interview, version 3.0 was used to assess PTSD, MDD, and GAD. RESULTS Several wartime stress exposures-including job-related pressures, dealing with death, and sexual discrimination and harassment-were associated with worse later-life health (β ranges, -0.04 to -0.26 for functioning, 0.05 to 0.30 for disability). Current PTSD was linked with lower health functioning (physical, β = -0.06; mental, β = -0.15) and greater disability (β = 0.14). Current MDD and GAD were also associated with lower mental health functioning (MDD, β = -0.29; GAD, β = -0.10) and greater disability (MDD, β = 0.16; GAD, β = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS Results underscore the importance of detection and treatment of the potential long-term effects of wartime stressors and mental health conditions among women veterans.
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14
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Lijffijt M, Green CE, Balderston N, Iqbal T, Atkinson M, Vo-Le B, Vo-Le B, O’Brien B, Grillon C, Swann AC, Mathew SJ. A Proof-of-Mechanism Study to Test Effects of the NMDA Receptor Antagonist Lanicemine on Behavioral Sensitization in Individuals With Symptoms of PTSD. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:846. [PMID: 31920733 PMCID: PMC6923195 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have a heightened sensitivity to subsequent stressors, addictive drugs, and symptom recurrence, a form of behavioral sensitization. N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are involved in the establishment and activation of sensitized behavior. Objective: We describe a protocol of a randomized placebo-controlled Phase 1b proof-of-mechanism trial to examine target engagement, safety, tolerability, and possible efficacy of the NMDAR antagonist lanicemine in individuals with symptoms of PTSD (Clinician Administered PTSD Scale [CAPS-5] score ≥ 25) and evidence of behavioral sensitization measured as enhanced anxiety-potentiated startle (APS; T-score ≥ 2.8). Methods: Subjects (n = 24; age range 21-65) receive three 60-min intravenous infusions of placebo or 100 mg lanicemine over 5 non-consecutive days. Primary endpoint is change in APS from pre-treatment baseline to after the third infusion. NMDAR engagement is probed with resting state EEG gamma band power, 40 Hz auditory steady state response, the mismatch negativity amplitude, and P50 sensory gating. Change in CAPS-5 scores is an exploratory clinical endpoint. Bayesian statistical methods will evaluate endpoints to determine suitability of this agent for further study. Conclusion: In contrast to traditional early-phase trials that use symptom severity to track treatment efficacy, this study tracks engagement of the study drug on expression of behavioral sensitization, a functional mechanism likely to cut across disorders. This experimental therapeutics design is consistent with recent NIMH-industry collaborative studies, and could serve as a template for testing novel pharmacological agents in psychiatry. Clinical Trial Registration: www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT03166501.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marijn Lijffijt
- Research Service Line, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, United States
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Charles E. Green
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UTHealth McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Pediatrics - Center for Evidence Based Medicine, UTHealth McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Nicholas Balderston
- Section on Neurobiology of Fear and Anxiety, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Tabish Iqbal
- Research Service Line, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, United States
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Megan Atkinson
- Department of Anesthesiology, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Brittany Vo-Le
- Research Service Line, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, United States
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Bylinda Vo-Le
- Research Service Line, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, United States
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Brittany O’Brien
- Research Service Line, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, United States
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Christian Grillon
- Department of Pediatrics - Center for Evidence Based Medicine, UTHealth McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Alan C. Swann
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Mental Health Care Line, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Sanjay J. Mathew
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Mental Health Care Line, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, United States
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15
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Weitlauf JC, Ortiz A, Kroll-Desrosiers AR, Quiñones Vázquez ME, Cannell B, Hernandez MNB, Brandt C, Mattocks K. Characterization and Comparison of Physical and Mental Health Profiles and Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Utilization Patterns among Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom Women Veterans in Puerto Rico versus the United States. Womens Health Issues 2019; 30:49-56. [PMID: 31796346 DOI: 10.1016/j.whi.2019.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research on the physical and mental health profiles and patterns of health care use among women veterans receiving health care from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on the island of Puerto Rico is lacking. METHODS This cross-sectional study examines differences in physical and mental health conditions, and patterns of VA health care use, between women veterans of the Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom (OIF/OEF) era who were using VA facilities in Puerto Rico (n = 897) and those using U.S.-based VA facilities (n = 117,216) from 2002 to 2015. RESULTS Results of fully adjusted logistic regression models revealed that OIF/OEF women in Puerto Rico had heightened risk for global pain-related disorders (i.e., any pain) (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.22-1.71), back pain (AOR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.56-2.14), diabetes (AOR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.03-1.95), hyperlipidemia (AOR, 3.34; 95% CI, 2.80-3.98), major depression (AOR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.53-2.06), and bipolar depression (AOR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.34-2.04). They also evidenced greater risk for a host of reproductive health conditions and had higher average annual use of VA health care than their U.S. counterparts. CONCLUSIONS OIF/OEF women receiving VA health care in Puerto Rico evidenced a greater burden of physical illness, depression, and heightened use of VA health care services relative to their U.S. counterparts. Providers' increased awareness of the physical and mental health care needs of this population is warranted. Research efforts that help to identify efficient and effective strategies to provide culturally tailored and/or personalized health care for this population could also be useful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie C Weitlauf
- Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Center for Innovation to Implementation (CI2I), Menlo Park, California; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California.
| | - Ana Ortiz
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico & University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Aimee R Kroll-Desrosiers
- Departments of Quantitative Health Sciences, Psychiatry and Family Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | | | - Brad Cannell
- School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Dallas, Dallas, Texas
| | | | - Cynthia Brandt
- Veterans Affairs Connecticut Health Care System, West Haven, Connecticut; Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Kristin Mattocks
- Departments of Quantitative Health Sciences, Psychiatry and Family Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts; Veterans Affairs Central Western Massachusetts Health Care System, Leeds, Massachusetts
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16
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Schmidt EM, Magruder K, Kilbourne AM, Stock EM, Cypel Y, El Burai Félix S, Serpi T, Kimerling R, Cohen B, Spiro A, Furey J, Huang GD, Frayne SM. Four Decades after War: Incident Diabetes among Women Vietnam-Era Veterans in the HealthViEWS Study. Womens Health Issues 2019; 29:471-479. [PMID: 31519465 DOI: 10.1016/j.whi.2019.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We analyzed long-term differences in incident diabetes associated with military service in a warzone among women who served during the Vietnam War era. METHODS For HealthViEWS, the largest later-life study of women Vietnam War-era U.S. veterans, a population-based retrospective cohort who served during 1965-1973 completed a health interview in 2011-2012. This cohort included women deployed to Vietnam, near Vietnam, or who served primarily in the United States. We hypothesized a warzone exposure gradient: Vietnam (highest exposure), near Vietnam, and the United States (lowest exposure). We used an extended Cox regression to test for differences in incident diabetes by location of wartime service. RESULTS Of 4,503 women in the analysis, 17.7% developed diabetes. Adjusting for demographics and military service characteristics, hazard of incident diabetes was significantly lower initially in the Vietnam group compared with the U.S. group (hazard ratio, 0.33; 95% confidence interval, 0.15-0.69). However, lower diabetes hazard in the Vietnam group was not constant over time; rather, hazard accumulated faster over time in the Vietnam group compared with the U.S. group (hazard ratio, 1.38; 95% confidence interval, 1.11-1.72). No significant difference in diabetes hazard was found between the near Vietnam and U.S. groups. Older age during military service, minority race/ethnicity, and lower military rank were associated with a higher diabetes hazard. CONCLUSIONS Women deployed to a warzone might have protective health factors that lower risk for diabetes early in their military career, but delivery systems for long-term health should consider that a lower risk for chronic diseases like diabetes can wane quickly in the decades that follow warzone service.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric M Schmidt
- Veterans Affairs Health Services Research and Development Center for Innovation to Implementation, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California; Program Evaluation Resource Center, Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Veterans Affairs Central Office, Menlo Park, California.
| | - Kathryn Magruder
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Amy M Kilbourne
- Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Eileen M Stock
- Perry Point/Baltimore Coordinating Center, Cooperative Studies Program, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Perry Point, Maryland
| | - Yasmin Cypel
- Epidemiology Program Post-Deployment Health Services, Office of Patient Care Services, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Suad El Burai Félix
- Perry Point/Baltimore Coordinating Center, Cooperative Studies Program, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Perry Point, Maryland
| | - Tracey Serpi
- Perry Point/Baltimore Coordinating Center, Cooperative Studies Program, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Perry Point, Maryland
| | - Rachel Kimerling
- Veterans Affairs Health Services Research and Development Center for Innovation to Implementation, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California; National Center for PTSD, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California
| | - Beth Cohen
- General Internal Medicine, San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, California; School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Avron Spiro
- Massachusetts Veterans Epidemiology Research and Information Center, VA Boston Health Care System, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Grant D Huang
- Cooperative Studies Program Central Office, VA Office of Research and Development, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Susan M Frayne
- Veterans Affairs Health Services Research and Development Center for Innovation to Implementation, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California; Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
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17
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Dodds CD, Kiernan MD. Hidden Veterans: A Review of the Literature on Women Veterans in Contemporary Society. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1177/1054137319834775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christina D. Dodds
- Department of Social Work, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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18
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Gender Differences in Cardiovascular Risk Related to Diabetes and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2018; 26:1268-1272. [PMID: 30314941 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2018.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine relationships between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), diabetes, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) among older men and women. METHODS In a national retrospective cohort study of Veterans aged ≥55 (n=2,789,264, 6% female), associations between PTSD and diabetes (2008-2011) and incident CVD (2012-2015) were assessed with gender-stratified Fine-Gray proportional hazard models, adjusted for demographics and medical comorbidities. RESULTS Incident CVD was observed in 22% of men and 12% of women, and related to PTSD (men HR=1.05, 95% CI=1.04-1.06, Wald χ2=80.46, df=1, p<.001; women HR=1.47, 95% CI=1.38-1.57, Wald χ2=148.60, df=1, p<.001), diabetes (men HR=1.34, 95% CI=1.34-1.35, Wald χ2=9177.64, df=1, p<.001; women HR=1.49, 95% CI=1.44-1.55, Wald χ2=419.02, df=1, p<.001), and comorbid PTSD-diabetes (men HR=1.50, 95% CI=1.48-1.52, Wald χ2=4180.92, df=1, p<.001; women HR=1.96, 95% CI=1.80-2.12, Wald χ2=257.28, df=1, p<.001). CONCLUSIONS CVD risk was increased with PTSD and diabetes, and strongly increased with comorbid PTSD-diabetes. Among women, PTSD and diabetes conferred equivalent CVD risk.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim of this paper is to present a succinct summary of the major scientific findings on trauma, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and aging over the past few years. RECENT FINDINGS There have been several reports from longitudinal investigations using representative samples of veterans regarding traumatic exposure and subsequent effects on health and functioning. There has also been further documentation of the significant association between PTSD and dementia as well as accelerated aging in late life. Several studies indicate that older adults with PTSD are at risk of not receiving timely and appropriate mental health treatment, indicating that targeted outreach could be helpful in increasing service use and improving care. The current knowledge base would benefit from more research on traumatized older adults from non-industrialized countries, as well as those in North America from diverse backgrounds, including ethnic and racial minorities, women, and those with cognitive impairments. Studies limited to adults aged 65 and over as well as those addressing disparities in the availability of mental health-related services within this population are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan M Cook
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA. .,National Center for PTSD, Evaluation Division, West Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Vanessa Simiola
- Kaiser Permanente, Center for Health Research, Honolulu, HI, USA
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20
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Cushing RE, Braun KL, Alden C-Iayt SW, Katz AR. Military-Tailored Yoga for Veterans with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Mil Med 2018; 183:e223-e231. [PMID: 29415222 PMCID: PMC6086130 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usx071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Revised: 07/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Among veterans of post-9/11 conflicts, estimates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) range from 9% shortly after returning from deployment to 31% a year after deployment. Clinical and pharmaceutically based treatments are underutilized. This could be due to concerns related to lost duty days, as well as PTSD patients' fears of stigma of having a mental health condition. Yoga has been shown to reduce PTSD symptoms in the civilian population, but few studies have tested the impact of yoga on veterans of post-9/11 conflicts. The purpose of this study is to test the impact of yoga on post-9/11 veterans diagnosed with PTSD. Materials and Methods Participants were 18 yr of age or older and veterans of post-9/11 conflicts. They had subthreshold or diagnostic-level PTSD related to their combat military service, as determined by a score of 30 or higher on the PTSD Checklist-Military version (PCL-M). Veterans participated in 60-min weekly yoga sessions for 6 wk taught by a Warriors at Ease-trained yoga instructor who is a, post-9/11 veteran. The yoga sessions incorporated Vinyasa-style yoga and a trauma-sensitive, military-culture informed approach advocated by two separate organizations: Warriors at Ease and Meghan's Foundation. Data were collected at baseline and again after 7 wk. The primary outcome was PCL-M score. Participants also completed the Patient Health Questionnaire, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale at both time points. Results Eighteen Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Dawn veterans completed the pre- and post-intervention self-report questionnaires. Age ranged from 26 to 62 yr (median = 43 yr), length of service ranged from 2 to 34 yr (median = 18.8 yr), and 13 (72.2%) had completed college. Decreased PTSD symptomatology was demonstrated in the three-symptom clusters represented in the PCL-M (i.e., hyperarousal, re-experiencing, and avoidance). In addition, the total score on the PCL-M decreased significantly, by both statistical and clinical measures. The participants also demonstrated improved mindfulness scores and reported decreased insomnia, depression, and anxiety symptoms. Conclusion This study demonstrates that a trauma-sensitive yoga intervention may be effective for veterans with PTSD symptoms, whether as stand-alone or adjunctive therapy. The impressive decrease in PTSD symptomatology may be due to the tailored military-specific nature of this intervention and the fact that it was led by a veteran of post-9/11 conflicts. More research is needed with a larger sample and a more diverse veteran population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin E Cushing
- 1st Infantry Division, Attn. DIV SURG Office Bld. 580, 1st Division Rd., Fort Riley, KS 66442
| | - Kathryn L Braun
- Office of Public Health Studies, University of Hawai'i at Manoa, 1960 East-West Road, Biomed D209, Honolulu, HI 96822
| | | | - Alan R Katz
- Office of Public Health Studies, University of Hawai'i at Manoa, 1960 East-West Road, Biomed D209, Honolulu, HI 96822
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21
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Schreurs BG, Smith-Bell C, Burhans LB. Sex differences in a rabbit eyeblink conditioning model of PTSD. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2018; 155:519-527. [PMID: 29702205 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2018.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Revised: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
We have developed a rabbit model of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) which recapitulates several core features of PTSD, particularly hyperarousal and conditioned responding to trauma-associated cues. The work conducted with this model has all been done in male rabbits and, given sex differences in PTSD prevalence, it is important to expand our animal model of PTSD to include female rabbits to determine if they develop core features of PTSD, and if those core features can be treated. This is particularly important because, contrary to human studies, nearly all animal studies have found that males are consistently more vulnerable to various forms of acute and chronic stress than females. Using eyeblink conditioning in which we paired tone with a brief periorbital shock, we found that although both male and female rabbits acquired identical levels of conditioning, females showed more hyperarousal after conditioning but seemed to respond somewhat better to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard G Schreurs
- Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute, West Virginia University, United States; Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, West Virginia University, United States.
| | - Carrie Smith-Bell
- Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute, West Virginia University, United States; Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, West Virginia University, United States
| | - Lauren B Burhans
- Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute, West Virginia University, United States; Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, West Virginia University, United States
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22
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Schreurs BG, Smith-Bell CA, Burhans LB. Delayed unpaired extinction as a treatment for hyperarousal of the rabbit nictitating membrane response and its implications for treating PTSD. J Psychiatr Res 2018; 99:1-9. [PMID: 29407282 PMCID: PMC5849523 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2018.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Revised: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Treatment for PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder) is rarely available immediately after trauma and often delayed for weeks or months after an event. In a rabbit eyeblink conditioning model of PTSD, we have previously shown that presentations of a tone conditioned stimulus (CS) and shock unconditioned stimulus (US) in an explicitly unpaired manner known as unpaired extinction is effective in reducing CS responding and US hyperarousal even if shock intensity is reduced eight-fold and elicits only minimal responding. Here we determined if delayed delivery of unpaired extinction would still be effective in extinguishing hyperarousal. Rabbits were tested for sensitivity to shock before CS-US pairings and after six days of unpaired extinction presented a day, a week or a month after CS-US pairings. Hyperarousal was extinguished a day and a week after conditioning but not after a month suggesting a significant delay in "treatment" can make hyperarousal persist. We next assessed if this persistence of hyperarousal was associative by comparing rabbits given CS-US pairings to those given explicitly unpaired CS and US presentations, measuring hyperarousal a day and a month later, followed by unpaired extinction and hyperarousal assessment. After four weeks, there was an increase in responding for all rabbits but only rabbits receiving CS-US pairings showed a significant increase in associatively-mediated hyperarousal. Importantly, both paired and unpaired groups showed increased levels of responding after unpaired extinction suggesting treatment delayed for too long may no longer be effective and could cause generalized hyperarousal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard G. Schreurs
- Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute, West Virginia University,Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, West Virginia University,Corresponding author: Bernard G. Schreurs, 1024 BRNI Building, 8 Medical Center Drive, Morgantown, WV 26505
| | - Carrie A. Smith-Bell
- Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute, West Virginia University,Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, West Virginia University
| | - Lauren B. Burhans
- Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute, West Virginia University,Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, West Virginia University
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23
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Pless Kaiser A, Kabat DH, Spiro A, Davison EH, Stellman JM. Women at war: The crucible of Vietnam. SSM Popul Health 2018; 3:236-244. [PMID: 29349221 PMCID: PMC5769013 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2017.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Revised: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Relatively little has been written about the military women who served in Vietnam, and there is virtually no literature on deployed civilian women (non-military). We examined the experiences of 1285 American women, military and civilian, who served in Vietnam during the war and responded to a mail survey conducted approximately 25 years later in which they were asked to report and reflect upon their experiences and social and health histories. We compare civilian women, primarily American Red Cross workers, to military women stratified by length of service, describe their demographic characteristics and warzone experiences (including working conditions, exposure to casualties and sexual harassment), and their homecoming following Vietnam. We assess current health and well-being and also compare the sample to age- and temporally-comparable women in the General Social Survey (GSS), with which our survey shared some measures. Short-term (<10 years) military service women (28%) were more likely to report their Vietnam experience as “highly stressful” than were career (>20 years; 12%) and civilian women (13%). Additional differences regarding warzone experiences, homecoming support, and health outcomes were found among groups. All military and civilian women who served in Vietnam were less likely to have married or have had children than women from the general population, χ2 (8) = 643.72, p < .001. Career military women were happier than women in the general population (48% were “very happy”, as compared to 38%). Civilian women who served in Vietnam reported better health than women in the other groups. Regression analyses indicated that long-term physical health was mainly influenced by demographic characteristics, and that mental health and PTSD symptoms were influenced by warzone and homecoming experiences. Overall, this paper provides insight into the experiences of the understudied women who served in Vietnam, and sheds light on subgroup differences within the sample. Physical health of women deployed to Vietnam was influenced by warzone experiences. Career military women Vietnam veterans are happier than women in general population. Military and non-military Vietnam service women less likely to marry or have kids. Paper provides insight to mostly unstudied lives of American women of Vietnam War.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anica Pless Kaiser
- VA National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System and Boston University School of Medicine, 150 S. Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02130, United States
| | - Daniel H Kabat
- Gold Health Strategies, Inc., 250 Park Ave. Suite 2020, New York, NY 10177, United States
| | - Avron Spiro
- Massachusetts Veterans Epidemiology Research and Information Center, VA Boston Healthcare System and Boston University Schools of Public Health and Medicine, 150 S. Huntington Ave (151N), Boston, MA 02130, United States
| | - Eve H Davison
- VA National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System and Boston University School of Medicine, 150 S. Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02130, United States
| | - Jeanne Mager Stellman
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, United States
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24
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Danan ER, Krebs EE, Ensrud K, Koeller E, MacDonald R, Velasquez T, Greer N, Wilt TJ. An Evidence Map of the Women Veterans' Health Research Literature (2008-2015). J Gen Intern Med 2017; 32:1359-1376. [PMID: 28913683 PMCID: PMC5698220 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-017-4152-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2017] [Revised: 06/08/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women comprise a growing proportion of Veterans seeking care at Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare facilities. VA initiatives have accelerated changes in services for female Veterans, yet the corresponding literature has not been systematically reviewed since 2008. In 2015, VA Women's Health Services and the VA Women's Health Research Network requested an updated literature review to facilitate policy and research planning. METHODS The Minneapolis VA Evidence-based Synthesis Program performed a systematic search of research related to female Veterans' health published from 2008 through 2015. We extracted study characteristics including healthcare topic, design, sample size and proportion female, research setting, and funding source. We created an evidence map by organizing and presenting results within and across healthcare topics, and describing patterns, strengths, and gaps. RESULTS We identified 2276 abstracts and assessed each for relevance. We excluded 1092 abstracts and reviewed 1184 full-text articles; 750 were excluded. Of 440 included articles, 208 (47%) were related to mental health, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (71 articles), military sexual trauma (37 articles), and substance abuse (20 articles). The number of articles addressing VA priority topic areas increased over time, including reproductive health, healthcare organization and delivery, access and utilization, and post-deployment health. Three or fewer articles addressed each of the common chronic diseases: diabetes, hypertension, depression, or anxiety. Nearly 400 articles (90%) used an observational design. Eight articles (2%) described randomized trials. CONCLUSIONS Our evidence map summarizes patterns, progress, and growth in the female Veterans' health and healthcare literature. Observational studies in mental health make up the majority of research. A focus on primary care delivery over clinical topics in primary care and a lack of sex-specific results for studies that include men and women have contributed to research gaps in addressing common chronic diseases. Interventional research using randomized trials is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisheva R Danan
- VA HSR&D Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, 1 Veterans Drive (152), Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA. .,Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
| | - Erin E Krebs
- VA HSR&D Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, 1 Veterans Drive (152), Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Kristine Ensrud
- VA HSR&D Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, 1 Veterans Drive (152), Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Eva Koeller
- VA HSR&D Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, 1 Veterans Drive (152), Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA
| | - Roderick MacDonald
- VA HSR&D Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, 1 Veterans Drive (152), Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA
| | - Tina Velasquez
- VA HSR&D Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, 1 Veterans Drive (152), Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA
| | - Nancy Greer
- VA HSR&D Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, 1 Veterans Drive (152), Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA
| | - Timothy J Wilt
- VA HSR&D Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, 1 Veterans Drive (152), Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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25
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Kilbourne AM, Schumacher K, Frayne SM, Cypel Y, Barbaresso MM, Nord KM, Perzhinsky J, Lai Z, Prenovost K, Spiro A, Gleason TC, Kimerling R, Huang GD, Serpi TB, Magruder KM. Physical Health Conditions Among a Population-Based Cohort of Vietnam-Era Women Veterans: Agreement Between Self-Report and Medical Records. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2017; 26:1244-1251. [DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2016.6069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Amy M. Kilbourne
- VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System and Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Karen Schumacher
- VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System and Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Susan M. Frayne
- Center for Innovation to Implementation (Ci2i), VA Palo Alto Health Care System and Stanford University School of Medicine, Menlo Park, California
| | - Yasmin Cypel
- Post Deployment Health Services (10P4Q), Epidemiology Program, Office of Patient Care Services, Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Michelle M. Barbaresso
- VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System and Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Kristina M. Nord
- Office of Research and Development, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Juliette Perzhinsky
- Aleda E. Lutz VAMC and Central Michigan University College of Medicine, Saginaw, Michigan
| | - Zongshan Lai
- Department of Pathology, Beaumont Health System, Troy, Michigan
| | - Katherine Prenovost
- VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System and Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Avron Spiro
- Massachusetts Veterans Epidemiology Research and Information Center (MAVERIC), VA Boston Healthcare System and Departments of Epidemiology and Psychiatry, Boston University Schools of Public Health and Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Theresa C. Gleason
- Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, Clinical Effectiveness & Decision Science, Washington DC
| | - Rachel Kimerling
- Center for Innovation to Implementation (Ci2i), VA Palo Alto Health Care System and Stanford University School of Medicine, Menlo Park, California
| | - Grant D. Huang
- Cooperative Studies Program Central Office, VHA Office of Research and Development, Washington, DC
| | - Tracey B. Serpi
- VA Cooperative Studies Program, Veterans Health Administration, Perry Point, Maryland
| | - Kathryn M. Magruder
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
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26
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Saunders GH, Biswas K, Serpi T, McGovern S, Groer S, Stock EM, Magruder KM, Storzbach D, Skelton K, Abrams T, McCranie M, Richerson J, Dorn PA, Huang GD, Fallon MT. Design and challenges for a randomized, multi-site clinical trial comparing the use of service dogs and emotional support dogs in Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Contemp Clin Trials 2017; 62:105-113. [PMID: 28844986 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2017.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Revised: 06/13/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a leading cause of impairments in quality of life and functioning among Veterans. Service dogs have been promoted as an effective adjunctive intervention for PTSD, however published research is limited and design and implementation flaws in published studies limit validated conclusions. This paper describes the rationale for the study design, a detailed methodological description, and implementation challenges of a multisite randomized clinical trial examining the impact of service dogs on the on the functioning and quality of life of Veterans with PTSD. Trial design considerations prioritized participant and intervention (dog) safety, selection of an intervention comparison group that would optimize enrollment in all treatment arms, pragmatic methods to ensure healthy well-trained dogs, and the selection of outcomes for achieving scientific and clinical validity in a Veteran PTSD population. Since there is no blueprint for conducting a randomized clinical trial examining the impact of dogs on PTSD of this size and scope, it is our primary intent that the successful completion of this trial will set a benchmark for future trial design and scientific rigor, as well as guiding researchers aiming to better understand the role that dogs can have in the management of Veterans experiencing mental health conditions such as PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle H Saunders
- National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR 97239, United States.
| | - Kousick Biswas
- Cooperative Studies Program Coordinating Center, VA Maryland Health Care System, Perry Point, MD 21902, United States
| | - Tracey Serpi
- Cooperative Studies Program Coordinating Center, VA Maryland Health Care System, Perry Point, MD 21902, United States
| | | | - Shirley Groer
- VA Office of Research and Development, Washington, DC 20420, United States
| | - Eileen M Stock
- Cooperative Studies Program Coordinating Center, VA Maryland Health Care System, Perry Point, MD 21902, United States
| | - Kathryn M Magruder
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, United States
| | - Daniel Storzbach
- VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR 97239, Unites States
| | - Kelly Skelton
- Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Thad Abrams
- Iowa City Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Iowa City, IA 52246, United States; University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52246, United States
| | - Mark McCranie
- National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR 97239, United States
| | - Joan Richerson
- VA Tennessee Valley Health Care System, Nashville, TN 37212, United States
| | - Patricia A Dorn
- VA Office of Research and Development, Washington, DC 20420, United States
| | - Grant D Huang
- Cooperative Studies Program Central Office, VA Office of Research and Development, Washington, DC 20420, United States
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27
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Hernandez-Tejada MA, Hamski S, Sánchez-Carracedo D. Incorporating peer support during in vivo exposure to reverse dropout from prolonged exposure therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder: Clinical outcomes. Int J Psychiatry Med 2017; 52:366-380. [PMID: 29179664 DOI: 10.1177/0091217417738938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Objective Prolonged exposure is characterized by reported dropout rates ranging from 25% to 40%. This premature attrition is also observed in other evidence-based treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder. While home-based telehealth delivery of prolonged exposure resolves logistical barriers to care such as travel time and cost, dropout appears unaffected. A previous study on dropouts from prolonged exposure delivered via telehealth found that Veterans, particularly those receiving care via telehealth, reported problems with in vivo exposure and that having a peer to offer support during in vivo exposure assignments might have prevented their attrition from treatment. Methods The present pilot study treatment was designed in a manner consistent with the aforementioned Veteran suggestions, specifically to involve peers offering verbal support and encouragement during in vivo exposure homework. Such a treatment modification might be particularly useful for those receiving care via telehealth, given increased difficulties with exposure reported when this treatment delivery modality is used. It was hypothesized that dropouts would agree to reengage in treatment with a peer and would subsequently evince improvement in posttraumatic stress disorder and depression scores as a result of this treatment reengagement. Results Of 82 dropouts from prolonged exposure, 29 reentered treatment when offered peer support during exposure (12 in telehealth and 17 in person). Conclusion Treatment reentry was effective insofar as indices of both posttraumatic stress disorder and depression were significantly reduced in both telehealth and in person groups, indicating that using peers in this way may be an effective means by which to return Veterans to care, and ultimately reduce symptomatology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melba A Hernandez-Tejada
- 1 Department of Health and Clinical Psychology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- 2 Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA
- 3 College of Nursing, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Stephanie Hamski
- 2 Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - David Sánchez-Carracedo
- 1 Department of Health and Clinical Psychology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Sternke LM, Serpi T, Spiro A, Kimerling R, Kilbourne AM, Cypel Y, Frayne SM, Furey J, Huang GD, Reinhard MJ, Magruder K. Assessment of a Revised Wartime Experiences Scale for Vietnam-Era Women: The Health of Vietnam-Era Women's Study (HealthViEWS). Womens Health Issues 2017; 27:471-477. [PMID: 28438646 DOI: 10.1016/j.whi.2017.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Revised: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Few wartime experiences scales capture unique issues related to women's service, address their military roles, or have been validated with women. The Women's Wartime Stressor Scale was developed for use with women who served during the Vietnam era, primarily as nurses in Vietnam. We revised this measure by modifying existing items, adding new items, and revising response formats to create a scale less nursing specific and nondeployment specific, and conducted a preliminary assessment of the revised scale. METHODS The Women's Wartime Exposure Scale-Revised (WWES-R) was included in a mail survey as part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Health of Vietnam-Era Women's Study (HealthViEWS) study. Construct and criterion validity, and internal consistency, were assessed with a sample of 4,839 women veterans using exploratory factor analysis, analysis of variance, and multiple linear regression. RESULTS Six wartime experience factors consistent with previous research were identified and scales were created based on salient item loadings. Compared with women serving in the United States, women serving in Vietnam had higher mean scores on all scales, and nurses had significantly higher scores on three scales than non-nurses. CONCLUSIONS Evaluation of the WWES-R suggests service and/or deployment location and service in a military health care versus a non-health care role may predict women veterans' reports of certain wartime experiences. Further psychometric evaluation of the WWES-R is recommended with later era veterans and through comparisons to other wartime exposure measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Marie Sternke
- Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, South Carolina; Charleston Health Equity and Rural Outreach Innovation Center (HEROIC), HSR&D Center of Innovation (COIN), Charleston, South Carolina; College of Nursing, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina.
| | - Tracey Serpi
- Perry Point Cooperative Studies Program Coordinating Center, VA Maryland Health Care System, Perry Point, Maryland
| | - Avron Spiro
- MAVERIC, VA Boston Healthcare System, Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts; Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Rachel Kimerling
- HSR&D Center for Innovation to Implementation (Ci2i), VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California; National Center for PTSD, Dissemination and Training Division, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California
| | - Amy M Kilbourne
- Quality Enhancement Research Initiative (QUERI), US Department of Veterans Affairs, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Yasmin Cypel
- Post-Deployment Health Services, Office of Patient Care Services, Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Susan M Frayne
- HSR&D Center for Innovation to Implementation (Ci2i), VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California; Division of General Medical Disciplines, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | | | - Grant D Huang
- VA Cooperative Studies Program Central Office, Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Research and Development, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Matthew J Reinhard
- War Related Illness and Injury Center (WRIISC-DC), Washington, District of Columbia; Department of Psychiatry, Georgetown University Medical School, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Kathryn Magruder
- Charleston Health Equity and Rural Outreach Innovation Center (HEROIC), HSR&D Center of Innovation (COIN), Charleston, South Carolina; Mental Health Service, Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, South Carolina; Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
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Reisman M. PTSD Treatment for Veterans: What's Working, What's New, and What's Next. P & T : A PEER-REVIEWED JOURNAL FOR FORMULARY MANAGEMENT 2016; 41:623-634. [PMID: 27757001 PMCID: PMC5047000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
More than a decade of war in the Middle East has pushed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to the forefront of public health concerns. The author defines the disorder and discusses risk factors, treatments, and the barriers to effective care.
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30
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Trauma and PTSD in older adults: Prevalence, course, concomitants and clinical considerations. Curr Opin Psychol 2016; 14:1-4. [PMID: 28813305 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2016.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Revised: 08/17/2016] [Accepted: 08/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
This review presents recent empirical developments on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in older adults, highlighting some of the most interesting lines of investigation that have taken place over the past few years. The majority of the extant literature has focused on male veterans or former prisoners of war, Caucasians, and those from the United States. Major advances have taken place in terms longitudinal investigations of representative samples of veterans and their health and functioning in relation to traumatic exposure. The current review explores the prevalence and impact, course and associated consequences, as well as available treatment for older adult survivors of traumatic experiences in an effort to increase education and awareness to improve overall health and functioning among this population.
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31
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Reiber GE, LaCroix AZ. Older Women Veterans in the Women's Health Initiative. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2016; 56 Suppl 1:S1-5. [PMID: 26768382 PMCID: PMC5881618 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnv673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gayle E Reiber
- VA Puget Sound and VA Salt Lake City Health Care Systems, Departments of Health Services and Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Andrea Z LaCroix
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla
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32
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Magruder KM, Kassam-Adams N, Thoresen S, Olff M. Prevention and public health approaches to trauma and traumatic stress: a rationale and a call to action. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2016; 7:29715. [PMID: 26996536 PMCID: PMC4800286 DOI: 10.3402/ejpt.v7.29715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2015] [Revised: 01/01/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The field of trauma and traumatic stress is dominated by studies on treatments for those who experience adversity from traumatic experiences. While this is important, we should not neglect the opportunity to consider trauma in a public health perspective. Such a perspective will help to develop prevention approaches as well as extend the reach of early interventions and treatments. The purpose of this paper is to provide an introduction to a public health approach to trauma and traumatic stress and identify key opportunities for trauma professionals and our professional societies (such as the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies [ISTSS] and the European Society for Traumatic Stress Studies [ESTSS]) to increase our societal impact by adopting such an approach. METHOD This paper reviews and summarizes key findings related to the public health impact of trauma. The special case of children is explored, and a case example of the Norwegian terrorist attacks in 2011 illustrates the potential for improving our response to community level traumatic events. We also discuss how professional organizations such as ESTSS and ISTSS, as well as individual trauma professionals, can and should play an important role in promoting a public health approach. RESULTS Trauma is pervasive throughout the world and has negative impacts at the personal, family, community, and societal levels. A public health perspective may help to develop prevention approaches at all of these levels, as well as extend the reach of early interventions and treatments. CONCLUSIONS Professional organizations such as ESTSS and ISTSS can and should play an important role in promoting a public health approach. They should promote the inclusion of trauma in the global public health agenda and include public health in their activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn M Magruder
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Military Science Division, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.,Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Epidemiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA;
| | - Nancy Kassam-Adams
- Center for Injury Research and Prevention, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Siri Thoresen
- Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, Oslo, Norway
| | - Miranda Olff
- Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Arq Psychotrauma Expert Group, Diemen, The Netherlands
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