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French LM, Brickell TA, Lippa SM, Rogers AA, Cristaudo KE, Walker TT, Higgins M, Bailie JM, Kennedy J, Hungerford L, Lange RT. Clinical relevance of subthreshold PTSD versus full criteria PTSD following traumatic brain injury in U.S. service members and veterans. J Affect Disord 2024; 358:408-415. [PMID: 38705525 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine the influence of subthreshold posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and full PTSD on quality of life following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). METHODS Participants were 734 service members and veterans (SMV) classified into two injury groups: uncomplicated mild TBI (MTBI; n = 596) and injured controls (IC, n = 139). Participants completed a battery of neurobehavioral measures, 12-or-more months post-injury, that included the PTSD Checklist Civilian version, Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory, and select scales from the TBI-QOL and MPAI. The MTBI group was divided into three PTSD subgroups: No-PTSD (n = 266), Subthreshold PTSD (n = 139), and Full-PTSD (n = 190). RESULTS There was a linear relationship between PTSD severity and neurobehavioral functioning/quality of life in the MTBI sample. As PTSD severity increased, significantly worse scores were found on 11 of the 12 measures (i.e. , MTBI Full-PTSD > Sub-PTSD > No-PTSD). When considering the number of clinically elevated scores, a linear relationship between PTSD severity and neurobehavioral functioning/quality of life was again observed in the MTBI sample (e.g., 3-or-more elevated scores: Full-PTSD = 92.1 %, Sub-PTSD = 61.9 %, No-PTSD = 19.9 %). LIMITATIONS Limitations included the use of a self-report measure to determine diagnostic status that may under/overcount or mischaracterize individuals. CONCLUSION PTSD symptoms, whether at the level of diagnosable PTSD, or falling short of that because of the intensity or characterization of symptoms, have a significant negative impact on one's quality of life following MTBI. Clinicians' treatment targets should focus on the symptoms that are most troubling for an individual and the individual's perception of quality of life, regardless of the diagnosis itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis M French
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, MD, USA; Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA; National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Bethesda, MD, USA; Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Tracey A Brickell
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, MD, USA; Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA; National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Bethesda, MD, USA; Contractor, General Dynamics Information Technology, Silver Spring, MD, USA; Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sara M Lippa
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA; National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Bethesda, MD, USA; Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Alicia A Rogers
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, MD, USA; Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA; National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Bethesda, MD, USA; CICONIX, Annapolis, MD, USA
| | - Kendal E Cristaudo
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, MD, USA; Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA; National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Bethesda, MD, USA; CICONIX, Annapolis, MD, USA
| | - Thomas T Walker
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, MD, USA; Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA; National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Bethesda, MD, USA; CICONIX, Annapolis, MD, USA
| | - Molly Higgins
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, MD, USA; University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, CO, USA
| | - Jason M Bailie
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, MD, USA; Contractor, General Dynamics Information Technology, Silver Spring, MD, USA; 33 Area Branch Clinic Camp Pendleton, CA, USA
| | - Jan Kennedy
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, MD, USA; Contractor, General Dynamics Information Technology, Silver Spring, MD, USA; Brooke Army Medical Center, Joint Base San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Lars Hungerford
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, MD, USA; Contractor, General Dynamics Information Technology, Silver Spring, MD, USA; Naval Medical Center San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Rael T Lange
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, MD, USA; Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA; National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Bethesda, MD, USA; Contractor, General Dynamics Information Technology, Silver Spring, MD, USA; University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Ozturk ED, Zhang Y, Lai MHC, Sakamoto MS, Chanfreau-Coffinier C, Merritt VC. Measurement Invariance of the Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory in Male and Female Million Veteran Program Enrollees Completing the Comprehensive Traumatic Brain Injury Evaluation. Assessment 2024; 31:967-979. [PMID: 37710416 DOI: 10.1177/10731911231198214] [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: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluated measurement invariance across males and females on the Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory (NSI) in U.S. military veterans enrolled in the VA Million Veteran Program. Participants (N = 17,059; males: n = 15,450; females: n = 1,609) included Veterans who took part in the VA Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Screening and Evaluation Program and completed the NSI. Multiple-group confirmatory factor analyses investigated measurement invariance of the NSI 4-factor model. The configural (comparative fit index [CFI] = 0.948, root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.060) and metric (CFI = 0.948, RMSEA = 0.058) invariance models showed acceptable fit. There was a minor violation of scalar invariance (Δχ2 = 232.50, p < .001); however, the degree of noninvariance was mild (ΔCFI = -0.002, Δ RMSEA = 0 . 000 ). Our results demonstrate measurement invariance across sex, suggesting that the NSI 4-factor model can be used to accurately assess symptoms in males and females following TBI. Findings highlight the importance of considering validity of measurement across study groups to increase confidence that a measure is interpreted similarly by respondents from different subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin D Ozturk
- VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), San Diego, CA, USA
- San Diego State University and University of California San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Yichi Zhang
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mark H C Lai
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - McKenna S Sakamoto
- VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), San Diego, CA, USA
- Penn State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | | | - Victoria C Merritt
- VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), San Diego, CA, USA
- University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Brickell TA, Wright MM, Sullivan JK, Varbedian NV, Rogers-Yosebashvili AA, French LM, Lange RT. Low resilience is associated with worse health-related quality of life in caregivers of service members and veterans with traumatic brain injury: a longitudinal study. Qual Life Res 2024:10.1007/s11136-024-03680-6. [PMID: 38842645 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-024-03680-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine [a] the association of caregiver health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and service member/veteran (SMV) neurobehavioral outcomes with caregiver resilience; [b] longitudinal change in resilience at the group and individual level; and [c] the magnitude of change at the individual level. METHODS Caregivers (N = 232) of SMVs with traumatic brain injury completed a resilience measure, and 18 caregiver HRQOL and SMV neurobehavioral outcome measures at a baseline evaluation and follow-up evaluation three years later. Caregivers were divided into two resilience groups at baseline and follow-up: [1] Low Resilience (≤ 45 T, baseline n = 99, follow-up n = 93) and [2] High Resilience (> 45 T, baseline n = 133, follow-up n = 139). RESULTS At baseline and follow-up, significant effects were found between Low and High Resilience groups for the majority of outcome measures. There were no significant differences in resilience from baseline to follow-up at the group-mean level. At the individual level, caregivers were classified into four longitudinal resilience groups: [1] Persistently Low Resilience (Baseline + Follow-up = Low Resilience, n = 60), [2] Reduced Resilience (Baseline = High Resilience + Follow-up = Low Resilience, n = 33), [3] Improved Resilience (Baseline = Low Resilience + Follow-up = High Resilience, n = 39), and [4] Persistently High Resilience (Baseline + Follow-up = High Resilience, n = 100). From baseline to follow-up, approximately a third of the Reduced and Improved Resilience groups reported a meaningful change in resilience (≥ 10 T). Nearly all of the Persistently High and Persistently Low Resilience groups did not report meaningful change in resilience (< 10 T). CONCLUSION Resilience was not a fixed state for all caregivers. Early intervention may stall the negative caregiving stress-health trajectory and improve caregiver resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracey A Brickell
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA.
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA.
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA.
- General Dynamics Information Technology, Silver Spring, MD, USA.
| | - Megan M Wright
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
- CICONIX, Annapolis, MD, USA
| | - Jamie K Sullivan
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
- General Dynamics Information Technology, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Nicole V Varbedian
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
- CICONIX, Annapolis, MD, USA
| | - Alicia A Rogers-Yosebashvili
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
- CICONIX, Annapolis, MD, USA
| | - Louis M French
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Rael T Lange
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
- General Dynamics Information Technology, Silver Spring, MD, USA
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Schafer KM, Wallace KF, Kroll-Desrosiers A, Mattocks K. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Military Sexual Trauma, and Birth Experiences at the Veterans Health Administration. Womens Health Issues 2024; 34:303-308. [PMID: 38123426 DOI: 10.1016/j.whi.2023.11.006] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women are a growing portion of the U.S. veteran population, and every year the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) serves an increasing number of women seeking obstetrics services. Women veterans experience elevated rates of anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and traumatic events, including military sexual trauma, as compared with women in the general population. It is possible that mental health disorders may be associated with birth experiences. OBJECTIVES We investigated the link between anxiety, depression, PTSD, and military sexual trauma (MST; i.e., rape and sexual harassment) with perceived birth experience (i.e., Negative or Neutral vs. Positive). METHODS Participants included 1,005 veterans who had recently given birth and were enrolled in the multisite, mixed methods study known as the Center for Maternal and Infant Outcomes Research in Translation study (COMFORT). Using χ2 tests, we investigated the relationship between mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, and PTSD and MST with birth experience (coded as Negative/Neutral vs. Positive). RESULTS Findings indicated that participants who endorsed PTSD (39.5%), MST-rape (32.1%), or MST-harassment (51.4%; all p < .05) were significantly more likely to report a Negative/Neutral birth experience (14.7%) versus a Positive birth experience (85.3%). Anxiety and depression were not associated with birth experience. CONCLUSIONS Veterans with PTSD and/or who experienced MST were more likely to report a negative or neutral birth experience. Thus, screening for PTSD and MST during obstetrics services as well as providing trauma-informed obstetrics care during pregnancy, labor, birth, and recovery may be important among veterans seeking obstetric services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Musacchio Schafer
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, Tennessee.
| | - Kate F Wallace
- VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System, Leeds, Massachusetts
| | - Aimee Kroll-Desrosiers
- VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System, Leeds, Massachusetts; UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Kristin Mattocks
- VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System, Leeds, Massachusetts; UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
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Lange RT, Gill JM, Lippa SM, Hungerford L, Walker T, Kennedy J, Brickell TA, French LM. Elevated Serum Tau and UCHL-1 Concentrations Within 12 Months of Injury Predict Neurobehavioral Functioning 2 or More Years Following Traumatic Brain Injury: A Longitudinal Study. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2024; 39:196-206. [PMID: 37335195 DOI: 10.1097/htr.0000000000000877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Blood-based biomarkers have received considerable attention for their diagnostic and prognostic value in the acute and postacute period following traumatic brain injury (TBI). The purpose of this study was to examine whether blood-based biomarker concentrations within the first 12 months of TBI can predict neurobehavioral outcome in the chronic phase of the recovery trajectory. SETTING Inpatient and outpatient wards from 3 military medical treatment facilities. PARTICIPANTS A total of 161 service members and veterans classified into 3 groups: ( a ) uncomplicated mild TBI (MTBI; n = 37), ( b ) complicated mild, moderate, severe, penetrating TBI combined (STBI; n = 46), and ( c ) controls (CTRL; n = 78). DESIGN Prospective longitudinal. MAIN MEASURES Participants completed 6 scales from the Traumatic Brain Injury Quality of Life (ie, Anger, Anxiety, Depression, Fatigue, Headaches, and Cognitive Concerns) within 12 months (baseline) and at 2 or more years (follow-up) post-injury. Serum concentrations of tau, neurofilament light, glial fibrillary acidic protein, and UCHL-1 at baseline were measured using SIMOA. RESULTS Baseline tau was associated with worse anger, anxiety, and depression in the STBI group at follow-up ( R2 = 0.101-0.127), and worse anxiety in the MTBI group ( R2 = 0.210). Baseline ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL-1) was associated with worse anxiety and depression at follow-up in both the MTBI and STBI groups ( R2 Δ = 0.143-0.207), and worse cognitive concerns in the MTBI group ( R2 Δ = 0.223). CONCLUSIONS A blood-based panel including these biomarkers could be a useful tool for identifying individuals at risk of poor outcome following TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rael T Lange
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, Maryland (Drs Lange, Hungerford, Kennedy, Brickell, and French and Mr Walker); Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland (Drs Lange, Lippa, Brickell, and French); National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Bethesda, Maryland (Drs Lange, Lippa, Brickell, and French); General Dynamics Information Technology, Falls Church, Virginia (Drs Lange, Hungerford, Kennedy, and Brickell); Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada (Dr Lange); Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland (Drs Lange, Brickell, and French); Department of Neuroscience, University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland (Dr Lippa); San Antonio Military Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas (Dr Kennedy); Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, California (Dr Hungerford and Mr Walker); and Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland (Dr Gill)
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Malhotra B, Jones LC, Spooner H, Levy C, Kaimal G, Williamson JB. A conceptual framework for a neurophysiological basis of art therapy for PTSD. Front Hum Neurosci 2024; 18:1351757. [PMID: 38711802 PMCID: PMC11073815 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2024.1351757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a heterogeneous condition that affects many civilians and military service members. Lack of engagement, high dropout rate, and variable response to psychotherapy necessitates more compelling and accessible treatment options that are based on sound neuroscientific evidence-informed decision-making. Art therapy incorporates elements proven to be effective in psychotherapy, such as exposure, making it a potentially valuable treatment option. This conceptual paper aims to inform the neurophysiological rationale for the use of art therapy as a therapeutic approach for individuals with PTSD. A narrative synthesis was conducted using literature review of empirical research on the neurophysiological effects of art therapy, with supporting literature on neuroaesthetics and psychotherapies to identify art therapy factors most pertinent for PTSD. Findings were synthesized through a proposed framework based on the triple network model considering the network-based dysfunctions due to PTSD. Art therapy's active components, such as concretization and metaphor, active art engagement, emotion processing and regulation, perspective taking and reframing, and therapeutic alliance, may improve symptoms of PTSD and prompt adaptive brain functioning. Given the scarcity of rigorous studies on art therapy's effectiveness and mechanisms of alleviating PTSD symptoms, the suggested framework offers a neurophysiological rationale and a future research agenda to investigate the impact of art therapy as a therapeutic approach for individuals with PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bani Malhotra
- Department of Creative Arts Therapies, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Laura C. Jones
- Brain Rehabilitation Research Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Heather Spooner
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc. in support of Creative Forces: NEA Military Healing Arts Network, Bethesda, MD, United States
- Center of Arts in Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Charles Levy
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc. in support of Creative Forces: NEA Military Healing Arts Network, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Girija Kaimal
- Department of Creative Arts Therapies, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - John B. Williamson
- Brain Rehabilitation Research Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Center for OCD, Anxiety and Related Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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Juengst SB, Wright B, DeMello A, Vos L, Biney F, Novelo LL, Williams M. Neurobehavioral Symptom Profiles for the Behavioral Assessment Screening Tool in Chronic Traumatic Brain Injury. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2024:00001199-990000000-00144. [PMID: 38652671 DOI: 10.1097/htr.0000000000000950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify neurobehavioral symptom profiles among persons with chronic traumatic brain injury (TBI) using the Behavioral Assessment Screening Tool (BAST) and to consider participant characteristics that differ between profile groups. SETTING Community. PARTICIPANTS Participants (n = 615) were English-speaking adults (≥18) and had a self-reported history of at least one TBI of any severity. DESIGN Secondary analysis of cross-sectional data. MAIN MEASURES The BAST measures neurobehavioral symptoms in the domains of Negative Affect, Fatigue, Executive Dysfunction, Impulsivity, and Substance Misuse. RESULTS Using latent profile analysis (LPA), we identified 3 different neurobehavioral profiles. Overall symptom frequency and differences in the pattern of symptom frequency across domains differentiated the profile groups. Average domain scores differed significantly across the profiles (P < .001) for all domains except Fatigue (P = .076). Those in profile 3 (High-Risk group) reported the most frequent symptoms across all domains (similar Negative Affect frequency as profile 1). Substance Misuse was especially high in this group. Compared to profile 2 (High Negative Affect group), participants in profile 1 (Moderate-Risk group) endorsed significantly more frequent (and more variable) symptoms across all BAST domains, particularly Impulsivity and Substance Misuse. Participants in profile 2 endorsed the least frequent symptoms across all domains. Demographic comparison showed that groups differed based on gender, age, and injury severity (mild vs moderate-severe), with profile 3 composed of the most men and the most persons in early adulthood, and profile 2 composed of the most women and those with mild TBI. CONCLUSIONS We differentiated 3 neurobehavioral symptom profiles among persons with chronic TBI and determined differences in sociodemographic factors between the groups. Future research should focus on validating these profiles in another sample of individuals with chronic TBI. Characterizing persons according to multidimensional symptom profiles could allow for more tailored approaches to predict and prevent long-term negative outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon B Juengst
- Author Affiliations: TIRR Memorial Hermann (Dr Juengst), Houston, TX; Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Dr Juengst), Department of Biostatistics and Data Science (Dr Novelo), University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston, Houston, TX; Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Drs Juengst and Wright), University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX; School of Nursing (Dr DeMello), University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX; Spectrum Health Medical Group, Neurosciences (Dr Vos), Grand Rapids, MI; Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Dr Biney), University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL; and Department of Psychology (Dr Williams), University of Houston, Houston, TX
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Lange RT, French LM, Lippa SM, Gillow K, Tippett CE, Barnhart EA, Glazer ME, Bailie JM, Hungerford L, Brickell TA. High Lifetime Blast Exposure Using the Blast Exposure Threshold Survey Is Associated With Worse Warfighter Brain Health Following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. J Neurotrauma 2024; 41:186-198. [PMID: 37650835 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2023.0133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to extend previous research by examining the relationship between lifetime blast exposure and neurobehavioral functioning after mild TBI (MTBI) by (a) using a comprehensive measure of lifetime blast exposure, and (b) controlling for the influence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Participants were 103 United States service members and veterans (SMVs) with a medically documented diagnosis of MTBI, recruited from three military treatment facilities (74.8%) and community-based recruitment initiatives (25.2%, e.g., social media, flyers). Participants completed a battery of neurobehavioral measures 12 or more months post-injury (Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory, PTSD-Checklist PCLC, TBI-Quality of Life), including the Blast Exposure Threshold Survey (BETS). The sample was classified into two lifetime blast exposure (LBE) groups: High (n = 57) and Low (n = 46) LBE. In addition, the sample was classified into four LBE/PTSD subgroups: High PTSD/High LBE (n = 38); High PTSD/Low LBE (n = 19); Low PTSD/High LBE (n = 19); and Low PTSD/Low LBE (n = 27). The High LBE group had consistently worse scores on all neurobehavioral measures compared with the Low LBE group. When controlling for the influence of PTSD (using ANCOVA), however, only a handful of group differences remained. When comparing measures across the four LBE/PTSD subgroups, in the absence of clinically meaningful PTSD symptoms (i.e., Low PTSD), participants with High LBE had worse scores on the majority of neurobehavioral measures (e.g., post-concussion symptoms, sleep, fatigue). When examining the total number of clinically elevated measures, the High LBE subgroup consistently had a greater number of clinically elevated scores compared with the Low LBE subgroup for the majority of comparisons (i.e., four to 15 or more elevated symptoms). In contrast, in the presence of clinically meaningful PTSD symptoms (i.e., High PTSD), there were no differences between High versus Low LBE subgroups for all measures. When examining the total number of clinically elevated measures, however, there were meaningful differences between High versus Low LBE subgroups for those comparisons that included a high number of clinically elevated scores (i.e., six to 10 or more), but not for a low number of clinically elevated scores (i.e., one to five or more). High LBE, as quantified using a more comprehensive measure than utilized in past research (i.e., BETS), was associated with worse overall neurobehavioral functioning after MTBI. This study extends existing literature showing that lifetime blast exposure, that is largely subconcussive, may negatively impact warfighter brain health and readiness beyond diagnosable brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rael T Lange
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Contractor, General Dynamics Information Technology, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Louis M French
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Sara M Lippa
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Kelly Gillow
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Contractor, CICONIX, Annapolis, Maryland, USA
| | - Corie E Tippett
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Contractor, CICONIX, Annapolis, Maryland, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Barnhart
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Contractor, Henry Jackson Foundation, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Megan E Glazer
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Contractor, Henry Jackson Foundation, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Jason M Bailie
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
- Contractor, General Dynamics Information Technology, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
- 33 Area Branch Clinic Camp Pendleton, California, USA
| | - Lars Hungerford
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
- Contractor, General Dynamics Information Technology, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
- Naval Medical Center, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Tracey A Brickell
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Contractor, General Dynamics Information Technology, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Lippa SM, Yeh PH, Kennedy JE, Bailie JM, Ollinger J, Brickell TA, French LM, Lange RT. Lifetime Blast Exposure Is Not Related to White Matter Integrity in Service Members and Veterans With and Without Uncomplicated Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. Neurotrauma Rep 2023; 4:827-837. [PMID: 38156076 PMCID: PMC10754347 DOI: 10.1089/neur.2023.0043] [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: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
This study examines the impact of lifetime blast exposure on white matter integrity in service members and veterans (SMVs). Participants were 227 SMVs, including those with a history of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI; n = 124), orthopedic injury controls (n = 58), and non-injured controls (n = 45), prospectively enrolled in a Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center (DVBIC)/Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence (TBICoE) study. Participants were divided into three groups based on number of self-reported lifetime blast exposures: none (n = 53); low (i.e., 1-9 blasts; n = 81); and high (i.e., ≥10 blasts; n = 93). All participants underwent diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) at least 11 months post-injury. Tract-of-interest (TOI) analysis was applied to investigate fractional anisotropy and mean, radial, and axial diffusivity (AD) in left and right total cerebral white matter as well as 24 tracts. Benjamini-Hochberg false discovery rate (FDR) correction was used. Regressions investigating blast exposure and mTBI on white matter integrity, controlling for age, revealed that the presence of mTBI history was associated with lower AD in the bilateral superior longitudinal fasciculus and arcuate fasciculus and left cingulum (βs = -0.255 to -0.174; ps < 0.01); however, when non-injured controls were removed from the sample (but orthopedic injury controls remained), these relationships were attenuated and did not survive FDR correction. Regression models were rerun with modified post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis added as a predictor. After FDR correction, PTSD was not significantly associated with white matter integrity in any of the models. Overall, there was no relationship between white matter integrity and self-reported lifetime blast exposure or PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara M. Lippa
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Ping-Hong Yeh
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Jan E. Kennedy
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
- Contractor, General Dynamics Information Technology, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
- Brooke Army Medical Center, Joint Base, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Jason M. Bailie
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
- Contractor, General Dynamics Information Technology, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
- 33 Area Branch Clinic, Camp Pendleton, California, USA
| | - John Ollinger
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Tracey A. Brickell
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
- Contractor, General Dynamics Information Technology, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Louis M. French
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Rael T. Lange
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
- Contractor, General Dynamics Information Technology, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, USA
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10
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Brickell TA, Wright MM, Sullivan JK, Varbedian NV, Tippett CE, Byrd AM, French LM, Lange RT. Health outcomes before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in caregivers of service members and veterans with traumatic brain injury. Qual Life Res 2023; 32:3463-3474. [PMID: 37572244 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-023-03491-1] [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] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine change in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) during the COVID-19 pandemic in caregivers of service members/veterans (SMVs) with traumatic brain injury (TBI), by comparing HRQOL during the first year of the pandemic to HRQOL 12 months pre-pandemic. METHODS Caregivers (N = 246) were classified into three COVID-19 Pandemic Impact groups based on impact ratings of the pandemic on HRQOL: No Impact (n = 50), Mild Impact (n = 117), and Moderate-Severe Impact (n = 79). Caregivers completed 19 measures across physical, social, caregiving, and economic HRQOL domains, and a measure of SMV Adjustment. T-scores were used to determine individual symptom trajectories for each measure as follows: Asymptomatic (pre + during < 60 T); Developed (pre < 60 + during ≥ 60 T); Improved (pre ≥ 60 T + during < 60 T); and Persistent (pre + during ≥ 60 T). RESULTS Using ANOVA, during the pandemic, the Moderate-Severe Impact group reported worse scores on 19 measures (d = 0.41-0.89) compared to the No Impact group and 18 measures (d = 0.31-0.62) compared to the Mild Impact group (d = 0.31-0.38). The Mild Impact group reported worse scores on two measures compared to the No Impact group (d = 0.42-0.43). Using the entire sample, the majority of HRQOL measures were classified as Asymptomatic (47.2-94.7%), followed by Persistent (2.4-27.2%). Few were classified as Developed (0.4-12.6%) or Improved (2.4-13.8%). Using repeated measures ANOVA, no meaningful effects sizes were found for mean scores on all measures completed pre-pandemic compared to during the pandemic (d ≤ 0.17). CONCLUSION The vast majority of caregivers reported stability in HRQOL pre-pandemic compared to during the pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic was not associated with a high prevalence of decline in caregiver HRQOL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracey A Brickell
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA.
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA.
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA.
- General Dynamics Information Technology, Silver Spring, MD, USA.
| | - Megan M Wright
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Ciconix, Annapolis, MD, USA
| | - Jamie K Sullivan
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
- General Dynamics Information Technology, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Nicole V Varbedian
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Ciconix, Annapolis, MD, USA
| | - Corie E Tippett
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Ciconix, Annapolis, MD, USA
| | - Anice M Byrd
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Ciconix, Annapolis, MD, USA
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Louis M French
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Rael T Lange
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
- General Dynamics Information Technology, Silver Spring, MD, USA
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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11
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Lippa SM, Yeh PH, Ollinger J, Brickell TA, French LM, Lange RT. White Matter Integrity Relates to Cognition in Service Members and Veterans after Complicated Mild, Moderate, and Severe Traumatic Brain Injury, But Not Uncomplicated Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. J Neurotrauma 2023; 40:260-273. [PMID: 36070443 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2022.0276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The extant literature investigating the relationship between diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and cognition following traumatic brain injury (TBI) is limited by small sample sizes and inappropriate control groups. The present study examined DTI metric differences between service members and veterans (SMVs) with bodily injury (Trauma Control; TC), uncomplicated mild TBI (mTBI), complicated mild TBI (compTBI), and severe-moderate TBI combined (smTBI), and how DTI metrics related to cognition within each group. Participants were 226 SMVs (56 TC, 112 mTBI, 29 compTBI, 29 smTBI) with valid neuropsychological testing and DTI at least 11 months post-injury. The smTBI group demonstrated decreased fractional anisotropy (FA) and increased axial diffusivity (AD), mean diffusivity (MD), and radial diffusivity (RD) of the cerebral white matter (CWM) and several individual white matter tracts compared with the TC, mTBI, and compTBI groups (all ps < 0.05; rs = 0.17 to 0.49). The TC, mTBI, and compTBI groups did not differ in terms of any DTI metrics. Within the smTBI group, FA, AD, MD, and RD of the total CWM and several white matter tracts were related to Processing Speed (|rs|: 0.43 to 0.66; ps < 0.05), and/or Delayed Memory (|rs|: 0.41 to 0.67; ps < 0.05). In the compTBI group, Processing Speed was related to left arcuate fasciculus and superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF) FA, MD, and RD, as well as left uncinate fasciculus MD and RD. In contrast, there were no significant relationships between DTI metrics and cognition/emotional functioning within the mTBI or TC groups. Overall, findings suggest a dose-response relationship between TBI severity and the strength of the relationship between white matter integrity and cognitive performance, with essentially no relationship in mTBI, some findings in compTBI, and several strongly significant relationships in smTBI. In contrast to previously reported findings, there were no differences in DTI metrics between controls, mTBI, and compTBI, and DTI metrics were unrelated to cognition in our relatively large mTBI group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara M Lippa
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Ping-Hong Yeh
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - John Ollinger
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Tracey A Brickell
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA.,Contractor, in support of the Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Louis M French
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA.,Contractor, in support of the Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Rael T Lange
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA.,Contractor, in support of the Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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12
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Lange RT, French LM, Lippa S, Baschenis SM, Gillow KC, Glazer ME, Rogers AA, Cristaudo KE, Bailie JM, Hungerford L, Kennedy J, Brickell TA. Risk factors for the presence and persistence of posttraumatic stress symptoms following traumatic brain injury in U.S. service members and veterans. J Trauma Stress 2023; 36:144-156. [PMID: 36315642 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to identify risk factors predictive of the presence and persistence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom reporting following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Participants were 1,301 U.S. service members and veterans (SMVs) divided into four groups: uncomplicated mild TBI (mTBI; n = 543); complicated mild, moderate, severe, and penetrating TBI (n = 230); injured controls (n = 340); and noninjured controls (n = 188). We examined 25 factors related to demographic, injury-related, military-specific, treatment/health care need, and mental health/social support variables. Seven factors were statistically associated with the presence of DSM-IV-TR symptom criteria for PTSD: premorbid IQ, combat exposure, depression, social participation, history of mTBI, need for managing mood and stress, and need for improving memory and attention, p < .001 (51.3% variance). When comparing the prevalence of these risk factors in a longitudinal cohort (n = 742) across four PTSD trajectory groups (i.e., asymptomatic, improved, developed, persistent), a higher proportion of participants in the persistent PTSD group reported worse depression, a lack of social participation, and history of mTBI. Additionally, a higher proportion of participants in the persistent and developed PTSD groups reported the need for managing mood/stress and improving memory/attention. When considered simultaneously, the presence of ≥ 1 or ≥ 2 risk factors was associated with a higher proportion of participants in the developed and persistent PTSD groups, ps < .001. These risk factors may be useful in identifying SMVs at risk for the development and/or persistence of PTSD symptoms who may need intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rael T Lange
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA.,Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,Contractor, General Dynamics Information Technology, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Louis M French
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA.,Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Sara Lippa
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Samantha M Baschenis
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA.,Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,Contractor, General Dynamics Information Technology, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Kelly C Gillow
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA.,Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,Contractor, General Dynamics Information Technology, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Megan E Glazer
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA.,Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,Contractor, General Dynamics Information Technology, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Alicia A Rogers
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA.,Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,Contractor, General Dynamics Information Technology, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Kendal E Cristaudo
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA.,Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,Contractor, General Dynamics Information Technology, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Jason M Bailie
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA.,Contractor, General Dynamics Information Technology, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA.,33 Area Branch Clinic Camp Pendleton, California, USA
| | - Lars Hungerford
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA.,Contractor, General Dynamics Information Technology, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA.,Naval Medical Center San Diego, California, USA
| | - Jan Kennedy
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA.,Contractor, General Dynamics Information Technology, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA.,San Antonio Military Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Tracey A Brickell
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA.,Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,Contractor, General Dynamics Information Technology, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA.,Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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13
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Turner SM, Kiser SA, Gipson BJ, Martin EMM, Smith JM. Surveying the Landscape: A Review of Longitudinal TBI Studies in Service Member and Veteran Populations. J Neurotrauma 2023. [PMID: 36394952 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2022.0237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is known to be a signature wound of the post-9/11 conflicts. In response, the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and other federal organizations have directed significant investments toward TBI research on characterizing injury populations and understanding long-term outcomes. To address legislative requirements and research gaps, several observational, longitudinal TBI studies were initiated as an effective means of investigating TBI clinical management, outcomes, and recovery. This review synthesizes the landscape (i.e., requirements and gaps, infrastructure, geography, timelines, TBI severity definitions, military and injury populations of interest, and measures) of DOD-funded longitudinal TBI studies being conducted in service member and veteran (SMV) populations. Based on the landscape described here, we present recommended actions and solutions that would allow a consolidated and cooperative future state of longitudinal TBI research, optimized continued investments, and advances in the state of the science without redundancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie M Turner
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Defense Health Agency, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA.,General Dynamics Information Technology, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Seth A Kiser
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Defense Health Agency, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA.,General Dynamics Information Technology, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Brooke J Gipson
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Defense Health Agency, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA.,General Dynamics Information Technology, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Elisabeth M Moy Martin
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Defense Health Agency, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Johanna M Smith
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Defense Health Agency, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
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14
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Kim SY, Soumoff AA, Raiciulescu S, Kemezis PA, Spinks EA, Brody DL, Capaldi VF, Ursano RJ, Benedek DM, Choi KH. Association of Traumatic Brain Injury Severity and Self-Reported Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Wounded Military Service Members. Neurotrauma Rep 2023; 4:14-24. [PMID: 36726873 PMCID: PMC9886188 DOI: 10.1089/neur.2022.0063] [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: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The impact of traumatic brain injury (TBI) severity and loss of consciousness (LOC) on the development of neuropsychiatric symptoms was studied in injured service members (SMs; n = 1278) evacuated from combat settings between 2003 and 2012. TBI diagnoses of mild TBI (mTBI) or moderate-to-severe TBI (MS-TBI) along with LOC status were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) codes and the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center Standard Surveillance Case Definition for TBI. Self-reported psychiatric symptoms were evaluated for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with the PTSD Checklist, Civilian Version for PTSD, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 for major depressive disorder (MDD), and the Patient Health Questionnaire-15 for somatic symptom disorder (SSD) in two time periods post-injury: Assessment Period 1 (AP1, 0.0-2.5 months) and Assessment Period 2 (AP2, 3-12 months). mTBI, but not MS-TBI, was associated with increased neuropsychiatric symptoms: PTSD in AP1 and AP2; MDD in AP1; and SSD in AP2. A subgroup analysis of mTBI with and without LOC revealed that mTBI with LOC, but not mTBI without LOC, was associated with increased symptoms as compared to non-TBI: PTSD in AP1 and AP2; MDD in AP1; and SSD in AP1 and AP2. Moreover, mTBI with LOC was associated with increased MDD symptoms in AP2, and SSD symptoms in AP1 and AP2, compared to mTBI without LOC. These findings reinforce the need for the accurate characterization of TBI severity and a multi-disciplinary approach to address the devastating impacts of TBI in injured SMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Y. Kim
- Program in Neuroscience, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Alyssa A. Soumoff
- Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,Behavioral Health Directorate, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Sorana Raiciulescu
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, Biostatistics Consulting Center, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Patricia A. Kemezis
- Behavioral Health Directorate, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Spinks
- Behavioral Health Directorate, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - David L. Brody
- Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,Department of Neurology, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Vincent F. Capaldi
- Program in Neuroscience, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Robert J. Ursano
- Program in Neuroscience, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - David M. Benedek
- Program in Neuroscience, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Kwang H. Choi
- Program in Neuroscience, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,Address correspondence to: Kwang H. Choi, PhD, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA.
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15
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Disner SG, Mattson EK, Nelson NW, Armistead-Jehle P. The role of posttraumatic stress symptoms on memory complaints and performance in active-duty service members. Clin Neuropsychol 2023; 37:141-156. [PMID: 34779345 DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2021.1998635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Memory complaints are the most common form of cognitive limitation reported by military service members, but prior research suggests that posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) may account for the link between subjective cognitive complaints and objective cognitive performance. The mechanisms underlying this relationship are largely unknown, including whether the finding applies to memory complaints and performance, which clinical dimensions are involved, and how the association varies when memory complaints are non-credible. METHOD Using a sample of 196 US military service members, the present study aims to address these gaps by modeling the relationship between objective memory performance and plausible/implausible subjective memory complaints, then evaluating how the association is influenced by PTSS and clinical traits commonly found within PTSS (e.g. depression, anxiety, and somatic concerns). RESULTS Overall memory complaints were associated with immediate and delayed recall, but both associations were fully mediated by PTSS (95% CI -0.14, -0.01; 95% CI -0.14, -0.02, respectively). Implausible memory complaints, however, were inconsistently linked to memory performance, and no PTSS mediation was observed. Of the clinical traits, only depression moderated the impact of PTSS, specifically by influencing the link between PTSS and overall memory complaints (β = -0.02, SE = 0.004, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS These results corroborate the importance of assessment for PTSS and depression in service members who report subjective memory complaints and highlight how targeted intervention for these conditions may play a key role in the management of memory complaints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth G Disner
- Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Elsa K Mattson
- Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Department of Psychological Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
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16
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Brickell TA, French LM, Varbedian NV, Sewell JM, Schiefelbein FC, Wright MM, Lange RT. Relationship satisfaction among spouse caregivers of service members and veterans with comorbid mild traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder. FAMILY PROCESS 2022; 61:1525-1540. [PMID: 34859431 DOI: 10.1111/famp.12731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This study examined relationship satisfaction and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among spouse caregivers assisting service members and veterans (SMV) with comorbid uncomplicated mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Spouse caregivers (N = 205) completed the Couples Satisfaction Index (CSI), 12 HRQOL measures, and the Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory 4th Edition (MPAI-4). T-scores were classified as "clinically elevated" using a cutoff of ≥60T. The sample was also classified into "Satisfied" (≥13.5, n = 113, 55.0%) or "Dissatisfied" (<13.5, n = 92, 44.0%) relationship categories. Using stepwise regression analysis, Anxiety, Family Disruption, Vigilance, Emotional Support, Feeling Trapped, and MPAI-4 Adjustment were identified as the strongest predictors of CSI total scores (p < 0.001), accounting for 41.6% of the variance. Squared semi-partial correlations revealed that 18.1% of the variance was shared across all six measures, with 7.8% to 1.5% of unique variance accounted for by each measure separately. When comparing the number of clinically elevated measures simultaneously, the Dissatisfied group consistently had a higher number of clinically elevated scores compared to the Satisfied group (e.g., 3-or-more clinically elevated scores: Dissatisfied = 40.2%, Satisfied = 8.8%, OR = 6.93, H = 0.76). Caring for a SMV with comorbid TBI and PTSD can have a profound impact on the spouse caregiver's HRQOL, relationship satisfaction, and family functioning. The findings from the current study continue to support the need for family involvement in the SMV's treatment plan, but more effort is needed to integrate behavioral health treatment that focuses on the family member's own issues into military TBI and PTSD systems of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracey A Brickell
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- General Dynamics Information Technology, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
- Centre of Excellence on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Louis M French
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Nicole V Varbedian
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- General Dynamics Information Technology, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Jessie M Sewell
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- General Dynamics Information Technology, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Faith C Schiefelbein
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- General Dynamics Information Technology, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Megan M Wright
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- General Dynamics Information Technology, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Rael T Lange
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- General Dynamics Information Technology, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
- Centre of Excellence on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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17
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Brickell TA, Wright MM, Sullivan JK, Varbedian NV, Nose KA, Rather LM, Tien NK, French LM, Lange RT. Caregiver sleep impairment and service member and veteran adjustment following traumatic brain injury is related to caregiver health-related quality of life. J Clin Sleep Med 2022; 18:2577-2588. [PMID: 35912703 PMCID: PMC9622982 DOI: 10.5664/jcsm.10164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES To examine the relationship between caregiver sleep impairment and/or service member/veteran (SMV) adjustment post-traumatic brain injury, with caregiver health-related quality of life (HRQOL). METHODS Caregivers (n = 283) completed 18 measures of HRQOL, sleep impairment, and SMV adjustment. Caregivers were classified into 4 sleep impairment/SMV adjustment groups: 1) Good Sleep/Good Adjustment (n = 43), 2) Good Sleep/Poor Adjustment (n = 39), 3) Poor Sleep/Good Adjustment (n = 55), and 4) Poor Sleep/Poor Adjustment (n = 146). RESULTS The Poor Sleep/Poor Adjustment group reported significantly worse scores on most HRQOL measures and a higher prevalence of clinically elevated T-scores (≥ 60T) on the majority of comparisons compared to the other 3 groups. The Good Sleep/Poor Adjustment and Poor Sleep/Good Adjustment groups reported worse scores on the majority of the HRQOL measures and a higher prevalence of clinically elevated scores on 7 comparisons compared to the Good Sleep/Good Adjustment group. Fewer differences were found between the Good Sleep/Poor Adjustment and Poor Sleep/Good Adjustment groups. The Poor Sleep/Poor Adjustment group reported a higher prevalence of severe ratings for SMV Irritability, Anger, and Aggression compared to the Good Sleep/Poor Adjustment group. CONCLUSIONS While the presence of either caregiver sleep impairment or poor SMV adjustment singularly was associated with worse caregiver HRQOL, the presence of both sleep impairment and poor SMV adjustment was associated with further impairment in HRQOL. Caregivers could benefit from sleep intervention. Treatment of SMVs neurobehavioral problems may improve the SMV's recovery and lessen sleep problems, distress, and burden among their caregivers. CITATION Brickell TA, Wright MM, Sullivan JK, et al. Caregiver sleep impairment and service member and veteran adjustment following traumatic brain injury is related to caregiver health-related quality of life. J Clin Sleep Med. 2022;18(11):2577-2588.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracey A. Brickell
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
- Contractor, General Dynamics Information Technology, Silver Spring, Maryland
| | - Megan M. Wright
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland
- Contractor, General Dynamics Information Technology, Silver Spring, Maryland
| | - Jamie K. Sullivan
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland
- Contractor, General Dynamics Information Technology, Silver Spring, Maryland
| | - Nicole V. Varbedian
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland
- Contractor, General Dynamics Information Technology, Silver Spring, Maryland
| | - Kathryn A. Nose
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland
- Contractor, General Dynamics Information Technology, Silver Spring, Maryland
| | - Lauren M. Rather
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland
- Contractor, General Dynamics Information Technology, Silver Spring, Maryland
| | - Nicole K. Tien
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland
- Contractor, General Dynamics Information Technology, Silver Spring, Maryland
| | - Louis M. French
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Rael T. Lange
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland
- Contractor, General Dynamics Information Technology, Silver Spring, Maryland
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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18
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Jurick SM, McCabe CT, Watrous JR, Walker LE, Stewart IJ, Galarneau MR. Prevalence and correlates of self-reported cognitive difficulties in deployment-injured U.S. military personnel. J Trauma Stress 2022; 35:1343-1356. [PMID: 35394076 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive difficulties typically resolve within days to weeks following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI); however, a sizable proportion of individuals continue to report cognitive symptoms months to years later that are often associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression to a greater degree than a history of mTBI. The current study sought to evaluate the prevalence of self-reported cognitive difficulties as well as the relative contributions of demographic, injury-related, and mental health variables in a large study of U.S. military personnel injured during deployment since 2001. Slightly fewer than half (42.0%) of participants reported elevated cognitive difficulties compared with a normative population; however, this was driven primarily by those who screened positive for PTSD or depression. Hierarchical linear regression revealed that various demographic and injury factors, including lower educational attainment, retired or separated military status, enlisted rank, and a history of deployment-related mTBI, were associated with more self-reported cognitive difficulties, f2 = 0.07. Screening positive for PTSD or depression accounted for 32.1% of the variance in self-reported cognitive symptoms, f2 = 0.63, whereas injury variables, including a history of deployment-related mTBI, albeit significant in the model, accounted for 1.6%. The current findings add to the growing body of literature underscoring the importance of screening for and treating mental health conditions in injured military personnel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Jurick
- Leidos, San Diego, California, USA.,Medical Modeling, Simulation, and Mission Support Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Cameron T McCabe
- Leidos, San Diego, California, USA.,Medical Modeling, Simulation, and Mission Support Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Jessica R Watrous
- Leidos, San Diego, California, USA.,Medical Modeling, Simulation, and Mission Support Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California, USA
| | | | - Ian J Stewart
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Michael R Galarneau
- Medical Modeling, Simulation, and Mission Support Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California, USA
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19
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Is Traumatic Brain Injury Severity in Service Members and Veterans Related to Health-Related Quality of Life in Their Caregivers? J Head Trauma Rehabil 2022; 37:338-349. [PMID: 35862894 DOI: 10.1097/htr.0000000000000802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the relationship between service member/veteran (SM/V) traumatic brain injury (TBI) severity with caregiver health-related quality of life (HRQOL). SETTING Military treatment facility. PARTICIPANTS Caregivers (N = 316) of SM/Vs following a TBI divided into 2 groups based on SM/V TBI severity: (1) caregivers of SM/Vs following an uncomplicated mild TBI (UnMTBI Caregiver group, n = 246), and (2) caregivers of SM//Vs following a complicated mild, moderate, severe, or penetrating TBI (STBI Caregiver group, n = 70). The STBI Caregiver group was further divided into 2 subgroups: Parent (n = 21) versus Intimate Partner (n = 49). The UnMTBI Caregiver group consisted of intimate partners. DESIGN Prospective cohort. MAIN MEASURES Caregivers completed 15 HRQOL measures. RESULTS Using analysis of variance and chi-square analysis, the UnMTBI Caregiver group reported worse scores on 12 HRQOL measures and more clinically elevated scores for 6 of 15 comparisons than the STBI Caregiver group. The UnMTBI Caregiver group also reported worse scores on 10 HRQOL measures than intimate partners in the STBI Caregiver group and 5 measures than parents in the STBI Caregiver group. Parents reported worse scores on 3 measures than intimate partners in the STBI Caregiver group. The UnMTBI Caregiver group reported more clinically elevated scores for 7 of 15 comparisons than intimate partners in the STBI Caregiver group. CONCLUSION Intimate partner caregivers of an SM/V following a remote uncomplicated MTBI reported worse HRQOL than intimate partners and parent caregivers of an SM/V following a more severe TBI, mostly likely due to SM/V physical and mental health comorbidities. Interventions that focus on the SM/V's TBI and other comorbidities, the caregiver's behavioral health problems, and the relationship and family factors that interact with each other will likely have the most success in improving individual and family outcomes for military families.
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20
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Rivera D, Greving S, Arango-Lasprilla JC, von Steinbuechel N, Zeldovich M. Comparability of (Post-Concussion) Symptoms across Time in Individuals after Traumatic Brain Injury: Results from the CENTER-TBI Study. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11144090. [PMID: 35887853 PMCID: PMC9322034 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11144090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-concussion symptoms often occur after TBI, persist and cause disabilities. The Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ) is widely used in this population, but little is known about the comparability of the symptoms over time, i.e., longitudinal measurement invariance (MI). The objectives of this study were to analyze the longitudinal MI of RPQ symptoms from three to twelve months after TBI and to find factors related to RPQ symptoms. The study involved 1023 individuals after TBI who took part in the Collaborative European NeuroTrauma Effectiveness Research in TBI (CENTER-TBI) study and completed the RPQ at three, six and twelve months post-injury. Longitudinal confirmatory factor analysis showed that the three-factor structure (somatic, emotional and cognitive) remains stable within one year after TBI. Linear mixed models revealed that sex, injury cause and prior psychiatric problems were related to the RPQ three-factor structure as well as to the RPQ total score. The study strengthens evidence for the RPQ’s factorial structure stability within one year after TBI and identifies sex, injury cause and prior psychiatric problems as important factors that may help clinicians to prevent future complications of symptomatology after TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Rivera
- Department of Health Sciences, Public University of Navarre, Arrosadia Campus, 31006 Pamplona, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Irunlarrea Street 3, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Sven Greving
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Waldweg 37A, 37073 Göttingen, Germany; (S.G.); (N.v.S.)
| | | | - Nicole von Steinbuechel
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Waldweg 37A, 37073 Göttingen, Germany; (S.G.); (N.v.S.)
| | - Marina Zeldovich
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Waldweg 37A, 37073 Göttingen, Germany; (S.G.); (N.v.S.)
- Correspondence:
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21
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Brickell TA, French LM, Wright MM, Lange RT. Aggression in Military Members With Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Is Associated With Intimate Partner Health-Related Quality of Life. Womens Health Issues 2022; 32:526-533. [PMID: 35643836 DOI: 10.1016/j.whi.2022.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to examine the relationship between service member/veteran (SMV) aggression and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in their intimate partners. METHODS This prospective cohort study included 201 female intimate partner caregivers of post-9/11 male SMVs with a diagnosis of uncomplicated mild traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder from a military treatment facility. Caregivers completed 17 HRQOL measures and rated the level the SMV experiences problems with verbal or physical expressions of irritability, anger, or aggression on the Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory, 4th edition. Caregivers were classified into three SMV Aggression groups: i) none or very mild (n = 53); ii) mild (n = 47); and iii) moderate or severe (n = 101). HRQOL scores were classified as clinically elevated using a cutoff of 60T or higher. RESULTS Using χ2 analysis, the moderate or severe group had a significantly higher proportion of clinically elevated scores on 15 HRQOL measures compared with the none or very mild group, and six measures compared with the mild group. The mild group had higher scores on two measures compared with the none or very mild group. Using analysis of covariance (and controlling for caregiver strain), the moderate or severe group had significantly higher scores on 11 HRQOL measures compared with the none or very mild group, and two measures compared with the mild group. The mild group had higher scores on five measures compared with the none or very mild group. CONCLUSIONS Many caregivers who report moderate to severe SMV aggression after a traumatic brain injury, report poor HRQOL beyond the strain of care provision. Traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder programs should screen for and treat SMV aggression, and attend to the health needs of their caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracey A Brickell
- Department of Research, Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland; Department of Research, National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland; F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland; Department of Research, General Dynamics Information Technology, Silver Spring, Maryland.
| | - Louis M French
- Department of Research, Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland; Department of Research, National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland; F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Megan M Wright
- Department of Research, Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland; Department of Research, National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland; Department of Research, General Dynamics Information Technology, Silver Spring, Maryland
| | - Rael T Lange
- Department of Research, Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland; Department of Research, National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland; Department of Research, General Dynamics Information Technology, Silver Spring, Maryland; Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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22
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Brickell TA, Wright MM, Ferdosi H, French LM, Lange RT. Pain interference and health-related quality of life in caregivers of service members and veterans with traumatic brain injury and mental health comorbidity. Qual Life Res 2022; 31:3031-3039. [PMID: 35594013 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-022-03153-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine (1) the relationship between caregiver pain interference with caregiver health-related quality of life (HRQOL), caregiver age, and service member/veteran (SMV) functional ability, and (2) change in caregiver pain interference longitudinally over 5 years. METHOD Participants were 347 caregivers of SMVs diagnosed with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Caregivers completed the SF-12v2 Health Survey Bodily Pain scale at an initial baseline evaluation and up to four annual follow-up evaluations. Caregivers were divided into three pain interference groups: High Pain Interference (n = 104), Neutral Pain Interference (n = 117), and Low Pain Interference (n = 126). Caregivers also completed 15 HRQOL measures and a measure of SMV functional ability. RESULTS The High Pain Interference group reported more clinically elevated scores on 13 measures compared to the Low Pain Interference group, and seven measures compared to the Neutral Pain Interference group. The Neutral Pain Interference group had more clinically elevated scores on three measures compared to the Low Pain Interference group. The High and Neutral Pain Interference groups were older than the Low Pain Interference group. Parent caregivers were older than intimate partner/sibling caregivers, but did not report worse pain interference. Caregiver age, and measures of Fatigue, Strain, Perceived Rejection, and Economic QOL were the strongest predictors of pain interference (p < .001), accounting for 28.2% of the variance. There was minimal change in Bodily Pain scores over five years. The interaction of time and age was not significant (X2 = 2.7, p = .61). CONCLUSION It is important to examine pain in the context of HRQOL in caregivers, regardless of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracey A Brickell
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA. .,National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA. .,Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA. .,General Dynamics Information Technology, Silver Spring, MD, USA.
| | - Megan M Wright
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA.,National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA.,General Dynamics Information Technology, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Hamid Ferdosi
- General Dynamics Information Technology, Silver Spring, MD, USA.,Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, MD, USA.,The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Louis M French
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA.,National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Rael T Lange
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA.,National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA.,General Dynamics Information Technology, Silver Spring, MD, USA.,University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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23
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Mureșanu IA, Grad DA, Mureșanu DF, Dobran SA, Hapca E, Strilciuc Ș, Benedek I, Capriș D, Popescu BO, Perju-Dumbravă L, Cherecheș RM. Evaluation of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related comorbidities in clinical studies. J Med Life 2022; 15:436-442. [PMID: 35646173 PMCID: PMC9126456 DOI: 10.25122/jml-2022-0120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) of varying severities are experiencing adverse outcomes during and after rehabilitation. Besides depression and anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is highly encountered in civilian and military populations. As more prospective and retrospective studies - focused on evaluating new or old psychological therapies in inpatient, outpatient, or controlled environments, targeting patients with PTSD with or without a history of TBI - are carried out, researchers are employing various scales to measure PTSD as well as other psychiatric diagnoses or cognitive impairments that might appear following TBI. We aimed to explore the literature published between January 2010 and October 2021 by querying three databases. Our preliminary results showed that several scales - such as the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS), the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist Military Version (PCL-M) as well as Specific Version (PCL-S), and Civilian Version (PCL-C) - have been frequently used for PTSD diagnosis and symptom severity. However, heterogeneity in the scales used when assessing and evaluating additional psychiatric comorbidities and cognitive impairments are due to the study aim and therapeutic approaches. Therefore, conducting an intervention focusing on post-TBI PTSD patients requires increased attention to patients' medical history in capturing multiple cognitive impairments and affected neuropsychological processes when designing the study and including validated instruments for measuring primary and secondary neuropsychological outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioana Anamaria Mureșanu
- RoNeuro Institute for Neurological Research and Diagnostic, Cluj-Napoca, Romania,Department of Neurosciences, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania,Corresponding Author: Ioana Anamaria Mureșanu, RoNeuro Institute for Neurological Research and Diagnostic, Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania. Department of Neurosciences, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania. E-mail:
| | - Diana Alecsandra Grad
- RoNeuro Institute for Neurological Research and Diagnostic, Cluj-Napoca, Romania,Department of Public Health, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Dafin Fior Mureșanu
- RoNeuro Institute for Neurological Research and Diagnostic, Cluj-Napoca, Romania,Department of Neurosciences, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | | | - Elian Hapca
- RoNeuro Institute for Neurological Research and Diagnostic, Cluj-Napoca, Romania,Department of Neurosciences, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ștefan Strilciuc
- RoNeuro Institute for Neurological Research and Diagnostic, Cluj-Napoca, Romania,Department of Neurosciences, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Irina Benedek
- RoNeuro Institute for Neurological Research and Diagnostic, Cluj-Napoca, Romania,Department of Neurosciences, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - David Capriș
- RoNeuro Institute for Neurological Research and Diagnostic, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Bogdan Ovidiu Popescu
- Department of Neuroscience, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Răzvan Mircea Cherecheș
- RoNeuro Institute for Neurological Research and Diagnostic, Cluj-Napoca, Romania,Department of Public Health, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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24
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Lippa SM, Gill J, Brickell TA, Guedes VA, French LM, Lange RT. Blood Biomarkers Predict Future Cognitive Decline after Military-Related Traumatic Brain Injury. Curr Alzheimer Res 2022; 19:351-363. [PMID: 35362372 DOI: 10.2174/1567205019666220330144432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been associated with increased likelihood of late-life dementia; however, the mechanisms driving this relationship are elusive. Blood-based biomarkers may provide insight into these mechanisms and serve as useful prognostic indicators of cognitive recovery or decline following a TBI. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to examine blood biomarkers within one year of TBI and explore their relationship with cognitive decline. METHODS Service members and veterans (n=224) without injury (n=77), or with history of bodily injury (n=37), uncomplicated mild TBI (n=55), or more severe TBI (n=55), underwent a blood draw and neuropsychological assessment within one year of their injury as part of a case-control study. A subsample (n=87) completed follow-up cognitive assessment. RESULTS In the more severe TBI group, baseline glial fibrillary acidic protein (p=.008) and ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase-L1 (p=.026) were associated with processing speed at baseline, and baseline ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase-L1 predicted change in immediate (R2Δ=.244, p=.005) and delayed memory (R2Δ=.390, p=.003) over time. In the mild TBI group, higher baseline tau predicted greater negative change in perceptual reasoning (R2Δ=.188, p=.033) and executive functioning (R2Δ=.298, p=.007); higher baseline neurofilament light predicted greater negative change in perceptual reasoning (R2Δ=.211, p=.012). CONCLUSION Baseline ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase-L1 strongly predicted memory decline in the more severe TBI group, while tau and neurofilament light strongly predicted decline in the mild TBI group. A panel including these biomarkers could be particularly helpful in identifying those at risk for future cognitive decline following TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara M Lippa
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jessica Gill
- National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Nursing Research, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tracey A Brickell
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Contractor, General Dynamics Information Technology, Falls Church, VA, USA
- Centre of Excellence on Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Vivian A Guedes
- National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Nursing Research, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Louis M French
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Rael T Lange
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Contractor, General Dynamics Information Technology, Falls Church, VA, USA
- Centre of Excellence on Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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25
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Merritt VC, Brickell TA, Bailie JM, Hungerford L, Lippa SM, French LM, Lange RT. Low resilience following traumatic brain injury is strongly associated with poor neurobehavioral functioning in U.S. military service members and veterans. Brain Inj 2022; 36:339-352. [PMID: 35171749 DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2022.2034183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between resilience and self-reported neurobehavioral functioning following traumatic brain injury (TBI) in U.S. military service members and veterans (SMVs). A secondary objective was to examine the interaction between resilience and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on neurobehavioral functioning. METHOD Participants included 795 SMVs classified into four groups: Uncomplicated Mild TBI (MTBI; n=300); Complicated Mild, Moderate, Severe, or Penetrating TBI (STBI, n 162); Injured Controls (IC, n=185); and Non-injured Controls (NIC, n=148). Two independent cohorts were evaluated - those assessed within 1-year of injury and those assessed 10-years post-injury. SMVs completed self-report measures including the PTSD Checklist-Civilian version, Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory, and TBI-Quality of Life. RESULTS Results showed that (1) lower resilience was strongly associated with poorer neurobehavioral functioning across all groups at 1-year and 10-years post-injury, and (2) PTSD and resilience had a robust influence on neurobehavioral functioning at both time periods post-injury, such that SMVs with PTSD and low resilience displayed the poorest neurobehavioral functioning. CONCLUSION Results suggest that regardless of injury group and time since injury, resilience and PTSD strongly influence neurobehavioral functioning following TBI among SMVs. Future research evaluating interventions designed to enhance resilience in this population is indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria C Merritt
- Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Tracey A Brickell
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, MD, USA.,Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA.,National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Contractor, General Dynamics Information Technology, Falls Church, VA, USA
| | - Jason M Bailie
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, MD, USA.,Contractor, General Dynamics Information Technology, Falls Church, VA, USA.,Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, Oceanside, CA, Oceanside, CA, USA
| | - Lars Hungerford
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, MD, USA.,Contractor, General Dynamics Information Technology, Falls Church, VA, USA.,Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Sara M Lippa
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, MD, USA.,Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Louis M French
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, MD, USA.,Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA.,National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Rael T Lange
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, MD, USA.,Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA.,National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Contractor, General Dynamics Information Technology, Falls Church, VA, USA.,University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BCCanada
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26
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Lange RT, French LM, Bailie JM, Merritt VC, Pattinson CL, Hungerford LD, Lippa SM, Brickell TA. Clinical utility of PTSD, resilience, sleep, and blast as risk factors to predict poor neurobehavioral functioning following traumatic brain injury: A longitudinal study in U.S. military service members. Qual Life Res 2022; 31:2411-2422. [PMID: 35076825 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-022-03092-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study examined the clinical utility of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), low resilience, poor sleep, and lifetime blast exposure as risk factors for predicting future neurobehavioral outcome following traumatic brain injury (TBI). METHODS Participants were 591 U.S. military service members and veterans who had sustained a TBI (n = 419) or orthopedic injury without TBI (n = 172). Participants completed the Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory, PTSD Checklist, and the TBI-Quality of Life (TBI-QOL) scale at baseline and follow-up. RESULTS Using the four risk factors at baseline, 15 risk factor combinations were examined by calculating odds ratios to predict poor neurobehavioral outcome at follow-up (i.e., number of abnormal scores across five TBI-QOL scales [e.g., Fatigue, Depression]). The vast majority of risk factor combinations resulted in odds ratios that were considered to be clinically meaningful (i.e., ≥ 2.5) for predicting poor outcome. The risk factor combinations with the highest odds ratios included PTSD singularly, or in combination with poor sleep and/or low resilience (odds ratios = 4.3-72.4). However, poor sleep and low resilience were also strong predictors in the absence of PTSD (odds ratios = 3.1-29.8). CONCLUSION PTSD, poor sleep, and low resilience, singularly or in combination, may be valuable risk factors that can be used clinically for targeted early interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rael T Lange
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, MD, USA. .,Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA. .,National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Bethesda, MD, USA. .,University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada. .,General Dynamics Information Technology, Falls Church, VA, USA.
| | - Louis M French
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, MD, USA.,Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA.,National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jason M Bailie
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, MD, USA.,Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, Oceanside, CA, USA.,General Dynamics Information Technology, Falls Church, VA, USA
| | - Victoria C Merritt
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA.,University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Lars D Hungerford
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, MD, USA.,Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA.,General Dynamics Information Technology, Falls Church, VA, USA
| | - Sara M Lippa
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA.,National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tracey A Brickell
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, MD, USA.,Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA.,National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA.,General Dynamics Information Technology, Falls Church, VA, USA
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27
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Myers JR, Solomon NP, Lange RT, French LM, Lippa SM, Brickell TA, Staines S, Nelson J, Brungart DS, Coelho CA. Analysis of Discourse Production to Assess Cognitive Communication Deficits Following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury With and Without Posttraumatic Stress. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2022; 31:84-98. [PMID: 34932411 DOI: 10.1044/2021_ajslp-20-00281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cognitive communication deficits can be difficult to assess in individuals with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). However, the use of discourse analysis as a direct and sensitive metric of cognitive communication skills has shown promising clinical utility for other TBI severity levels. This exploratory study investigated discourse production in service members and veterans (SMVs) with uncomplicated mTBI with and without posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and SMVs with neither mTBI or PTSD. METHOD Fifteen SMVs with mTBI and PTSD, 26 with mTBI, and 25 controls with no brain injury (NBI) and without PTSD were given a wordless picture story to elicit spontaneous discourse. Discourse samples were analyzed for global coherence, word count, the use of negative emotion words, cognitive process words, nonfluencies, and story completeness. RESULTS Results revealed a significant difference between the mTBI (Mdn = 3.33) and NBI (Mdn = 3.50) groups, χ2(3) = 6.044, p = .017, ε2 = .03, for global coherence. Word count differed significantly between the mTBI + PTSD (Mdn = 135) and NBI (Mdn = 195) groups, χ2(3) = 7.968, p = .006, ε2 = .06. No other group differences were observed. DISCUSSION Structural features of discourse production may serve as potential markers of cognitive communication deficits in mTBI. Furthermore, PTSD may contribute to verbal fluency deficits in individuals with mTBI. Additional research is needed to develop discourse-related measures that are more sensitive to the effects of mTBI and PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Rae Myers
- National Military Audiology and Speech Pathology Center, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD
| | - Nancy Pearl Solomon
- National Military Audiology and Speech Pathology Center, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD
| | - Rael T Lange
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- General Dynamics Information Technology, Falls Church, VA
- Center of Excellence on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Louis M French
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD
| | - Sara M Lippa
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD
| | - Tracey A Brickell
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD
- General Dynamics Information Technology, Falls Church, VA
- Center of Excellence on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Doug S Brungart
- National Military Audiology and Speech Pathology Center, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD
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28
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Ozturk ED, Chanfreau-Coffinier C, Sakamoto MS, Delano-Wood L, Merritt VC. Characterization of Million Veteran Program (MVP) enrollees with Comprehensive Traumatic Brain Injury Evaluation (CTBIE) data: An analysis of neurobehavioral symptoms. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 145:230-242. [PMID: 34942434 PMCID: PMC9401093 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.12.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine neurobehavioral symptom reporting in a large sample of military veterans (N = 12,144) who completed the Comprehensive Traumatic Brain Injury Evaluation (CTBIE) and enrolled in the VA's Million Veteran Program (MVP). The CTBIE is a clinician-administered interview that assesses for historical, deployment-related traumatic brain injury (TBI) and evaluates symptoms using the Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory (NSI). Clinicians completing the CTBIE made clinical determinations about participants' (1) TBI diagnostic status (i.e., CTBIE+ or CTBIE-) and (2) current symptom etiology (i.e., Symptom Resolution, TBI, Behavioral Health, Comorbid TBI + Behavioral Health [Comorbid], or Other). We evaluated the association of TBI diagnostic status and symptom etiology group with neurobehavioral symptoms. Results showed a significant association between TBI diagnostic status and all NSI variables, with CTBIE+ veterans endorsing greater symptoms than CTBIE- veterans. There was also a significant association between symptom etiology group and all NSI variables; specifically, the Comorbid and Behavioral Health groups generally endorsed significantly greater symptoms compared to the other groups. Follow-up analyses showed that relative to the Symptom Resolution group, the Comorbid and Behavioral Health groups had increased odds of severe/very severe cognitive and affective symptoms, whereas the TBI and Other groups did not. Finally, presence of psychiatric symptoms, pain, post-traumatic amnesia, loss of consciousness, and blast exposure significantly predicted Comorbid symptom etiology group membership. Findings from this large epidemiologic MVP study have relevant clinical implications and further highlight the importance of prioritizing integrated behavioral health interventions for this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin D Ozturk
- San Diego State University/University of California, San Diego Joint Doctoral Program, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Catherine Chanfreau-Coffinier
- VA Informatics and Computing Infrastructure (VINCI), VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - McKenna S Sakamoto
- Research & Psychology Services, VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Lisa Delano-Wood
- Research & Psychology Services, VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), San Diego, CA, United States; Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States; Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VASDHS, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Victoria C Merritt
- Research & Psychology Services, VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), San Diego, CA, United States; Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States; Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VASDHS, San Diego, CA, United States.
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29
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Lippa SM, French LM, Brickell TA, Driscoll AE, Glazer ME, Tippett CE, Sullivan JK, Lange RT. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms Are Related to Cognition after Complicated Mild and Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury but Not Severe and Penetrating Traumatic Brain Injury. J Neurotrauma 2021; 38:3137-3145. [PMID: 34409857 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2021.0120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Although post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been associated with worse cognitive outcomes after mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), its impact has not been evaluated after more severe TBI. This study aimed to determine whether PTSD symptoms are related to cognition after complicated mild, moderate, severe, and penetrating TBI. Service members (n = 137) with a history of complicated mild/moderate TBI (n = 64) or severe/penetrating TBI (n = 73) were prospectively enrolled from United States Military Treatment Facilities. Participants completed a neuropsychological assessment one year or more post-injury. Six neuropsychological composite scores and an overall test battery mean (OTBM) were considered. Participants were excluded if there was evidence of invalid responding. Hierarchical linear regressions were conducted evaluating neuropsychological performance. The interaction between TBI severity and PTSD Checklist-Civilian version total score was significant for processing speed (β = 0.208, p = 0.034) and delayed memory (β = 0.239, p = 0.021) and trended toward significance for immediate memory (β = 0.190, p = 0.057) and the OTBM (β = 0.181, p = 0.063). For each of these composite scores, the relationship between PTSD symptoms and cognition was stronger in the complicated mild/moderate TBI group than the severe/penetrating TBI group. Within the severe/penetrating TBI group, PTSD symptoms were unrelated to cognitive performance. In contrast, within the complicated mild/moderate TBI group, PTSD symptoms were significantly related to processing speed (R2Δ = 0.077, β = -0.280, p = 0.019), immediate memory (R2Δ = 0.197, β = -0.448, p < 0.001), delayed memory (R2Δ = 0.176, β = -0.423, p < 0.001), executive functioning (R2Δ = 0.100, β = -0.317, p = 0.008), and the OTBM (R2Δ = 0.162, β = -0.405, p < 0.001). The potential impact of PTSD symptoms on cognition, over and above the impact of brain injury alone, should be considered with service members and veterans with a history of complicated mild/moderate TBI. In addition, in research comparing cognitive outcomes between patients with histories of complicated-mild, moderate, severe, and/or penetrating TBI, it will be important to account for PTSD symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara M Lippa
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Louis M French
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA.,Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Tracey A Brickell
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA.,Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,Contractor, General Dynamics Information Technology, Falls Church, Virginia, USA.,Centre of Excellence on Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Angela E Driscoll
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Megan E Glazer
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA.,Contractor, General Dynamics Information Technology, Falls Church, Virginia, USA
| | - Corie E Tippett
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA.,Contractor, General Dynamics Information Technology, Falls Church, Virginia, USA
| | - Jamie K Sullivan
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA.,Contractor, General Dynamics Information Technology, Falls Church, Virginia, USA
| | - Rael T Lange
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA.,Contractor, General Dynamics Information Technology, Falls Church, Virginia, USA.,University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Centre of Excellence on Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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30
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Song C, Yeh PH, Ollinger J, Sours Rhodes C, Lippa SM, Riedy G, Bonavia GH. Altered Metabolic Interrelationships in the Cortico-Limbic Circuitry in Military Service Members with Persistent Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms Following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. Brain Connect 2021; 12:602-616. [PMID: 34428937 DOI: 10.1089/brain.2021.0036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Comorbid mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common in military service members. The aim of this study is to investigate brain metabolic interrelationships in service members with and without persistent PTSD symptoms after mTBI by using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography. Methods: Service members (n = 408) diagnosed with mTBI were studied retrospectively. Principal component analysis was applied to identify latent metabolic systems, and the associations between metabolic latent systems and self-report measures of post-concussive and PTSD symptoms were evaluated. Participants were divided into two groups based on DSM-IV-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition-Text Revision) criteria for PTSD, and structural equation modeling was performed to test a priori hypotheses on metabolic interrelationships among the brain regions in the cortico-limbic circuitry responsible for top-down control and bottom-up emotional processing. The differences in metabolic interrelationships between age-matched PTSD-absent (n = 204) and PTSD-present (n = 204) groups were evaluated. Results: FDG uptake in the temporo-limbic system was positively correlated with post-concussive and hyperarousal symptoms. For the bottom-up emotional processing, the insula and amygdala-hippocampal complex in the PTSD-present group had stronger metabolic interrelationships with the bilateral rostral anterior cingulate, left lingual, right lateral occipital, and left superior temporal cortices, but a weaker relationship with the right precuneus cortex, compared with the PTSD-absent group. For the top-down control, the PTSD-present group had decreased metabolic engagements of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex on the amygdala. Discussion: Our results suggest altered metabolic interrelationships in the cortico-limbic circuitry in mTBI subjects with persistent PTSD symptoms, which may underlie the pathophysiological mechanisms of comorbid mTBI and PTSD. Impact statement This is the first 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography study to investigate brain metabolic interrelationships in service members with persistent post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). We identified that the temporo-limbic metabolic system was associated with post-concussive and hyperarousal symptoms. Further, brain metabolic interrelationships in the cortico-limbic circuitry were altered in mTBI subjects with significant PTSD symptoms compared with those without them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chihwa Song
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Ping-Hong Yeh
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - John Ollinger
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Chandler Sours Rhodes
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Sara M Lippa
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Gerard Riedy
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Grant H Bonavia
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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31
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Pattinson CL, Brickell TA, Bailie J, Hungerford L, Lippa SM, French LM, Lange RT. Sleep disturbances following traumatic brain injury are associated with poor neurobehavioral outcomes in U.S. military service members and veterans. J Clin Sleep Med 2021; 17:2425-2438. [PMID: 34216198 DOI: 10.5664/jcsm.9454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES This study examined whether sleep disturbances were associated with neurobehavioral outcome following a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in a well characterized group of service members and veterans. METHODS Six-hundred and six participants were enrolled into the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, 15-Year Longitudinal TBI study. All participants completed a battery of tests measuring self-reported sleep disturbances, neurobehavioral symptoms, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD symptoms. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance with post-hoc comparisons. Four groups were analyzed separately: uncomplicated mild TBI (MTBI); complicated mild, moderate, severe, or penetrating - combined TBI (CTBI); injured controls (IC, i.e., orthopedic or soft-tissue injury without TBI); and non-injured controls (NIC). RESULTS A higher proportion of the MTBI group reported moderate-severe sleep disturbances (66.5%) compared to the IC (54.9%), CTBI (47.5%), and NIC groups (34.3%). Participants classified as having Poor Sleep had significantly worse scores on the majority of TBI-QOL scales compared to those classified as having Good Sleep, regardless of TBI severity or the presence of TBI. There was a significant interaction between sleep disturbances and PTSD. While sleep disturbances and PTSD by themselves were significant factors associated with worse outcome, both factors combined resulted in worse outcome than either singularly. CONCLUSIONS Regardless of group (injured or NIC), sleep disturbances were common and were associated with significantly worse neurobehavioral functioning. When experienced concurrently with PTSD, sleep disturbances pose significant burden to service members and veterans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra L Pattinson
- University of Queensland, Institute for Social Science Research, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Tracey A Brickell
- Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, Silver Spring, MD.,Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD.,National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Bethesda, MD.,Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD.,General Dynamics Information Technology, Falls Church, VA.,Centre of Excellence on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Jason Bailie
- Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, Silver Spring, MD.,General Dynamics Information Technology, Falls Church, VA.,Naval Hospital Camp, Pendleton, CA
| | - Lars Hungerford
- Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, Silver Spring, MD.,General Dynamics Information Technology, Falls Church, VA.,Naval Medical Center, San Diego, CA
| | - Sara M Lippa
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD.,National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Bethesda, MD
| | - Louis M French
- Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, Silver Spring, MD.,Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD.,National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Bethesda, MD.,Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD
| | - Rael T Lange
- Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, Silver Spring, MD.,Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD.,National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Bethesda, MD.,General Dynamics Information Technology, Falls Church, VA.,Centre of Excellence on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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32
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Sakamoto MS, Merritt VC, Jurick SM, Crocker LD, Hoffman SN, Jak AJ. Self-efficacy and coping style in Iraq and Afghanistan-era veterans with and without mild traumatic brain injury and posttraumatic stress disorder. J Clin Psychol 2021; 77:2306-2322. [PMID: 33991109 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine self-efficacy and coping style in combat-exposed Veterans with and without mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) history and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). METHODS Veterans (N = 81) were categorized into four groups: comorbid mTBI and PTSD (n = 23), PTSD-only (n = 16), mTBI-only (n = 25), and combat-exposed controls (n = 17). Outcomes included the Self-Efficacy for Symptom Management Scale and the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced. RESULTS Significant group effects were found on self-efficacy and coping style, even when adjusting for total mTBIs and psychiatric comorbidities. Post-hoc analyses revealed that the comorbid and PTSD-only groups generally had lower self-efficacy than the mTBI-only and control groups and that the PTSD-only group used less action-focused coping than the mTBI-only and control groups. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that self-efficacy and coping style vary as a function of mTBI history and PTSD status and that it may be important to integrate these malleable factors into interventions for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- McKenna S Sakamoto
- Research & Psychology Services, VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), San Diego, California, USA
| | - Victoria C Merritt
- Research & Psychology Services, VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), San Diego, California, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA.,Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VASDHS, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Sarah M Jurick
- Research & Psychology Services, VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), San Diego, California, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA.,Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VASDHS, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Laura D Crocker
- Research & Psychology Services, VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), San Diego, California, USA.,Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VASDHS, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Samantha N Hoffman
- Joint Doctoral Program (JDP) in Clinical Psychology, San Diego State University/University of California San Diego (SDSU/UC San Diego), San Diego, California, USA
| | - Amy J Jak
- Research & Psychology Services, VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), San Diego, California, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA.,Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VASDHS, San Diego, California, USA
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33
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Lange RT, Lippa SM, Brickell TA, Yeh PH, Ollinger J, Wright M, Driscoll A, Sullivan J, Braatz S, Gartner R, Barnhart E, French LM. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Is Associated with Neuropsychological Outcome but Not White Matter Integrity after Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. J Neurotrauma 2021; 38:63-73. [PMID: 33395374 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2019.6852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine neuropsychological functioning and white matter integrity, in service members and veterans (SMVs) after mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI), with versus without post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Participants were 116 U.S. military SMVs, prospectively enrolled from the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (Bethesda, MD), who had sustained an MTBI (n = 86) or an injury without TBI (i.e., Injured Control [IC]; n = 30). Participants completed a battery of neuropsychological measures (neurobehavioral and -cognitive), as well as diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of the brain, on average 6 years post-injury. Based on diagnostic criteria for PTSD, participants in the MTBI group were classified into two subgroups: MTBI/PTSD-Present (n = 21) and MTBI/PTSD-Absent (n = 65). Participants in the IC group were included only if they were classified as PTSD-Absent. The MTBI/PTSD-Present group had a significantly higher number of self-reported symptoms on all neurobehavioral measures (e.g., depression), and lower scores on more than half of the neurocognitive domains (e.g., processing speed), compared to the MTBI/PTSD-Absent and IC/PTSD-Absent groups. There were no significant group differences for the vast majority of DTI measures, with the exception of a handful of regions (i.e., superior longitudinal fascicle and superior thalamic radiation). These results suggest that there is 1) a strong relationship between PTSD and poor neuropsychological outcome after MTBI and 2) a lack of a relationship between PTSD and white matter integrity, as measured by DTI, after MTBI. Concurrent PTSD and MTBI should be considered a risk factor for poor neuropsychological outcome that requires early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rael T Lange
- Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sara M Lippa
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Tracey A Brickell
- Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Ping-Hong Yeh
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - John Ollinger
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Megan Wright
- Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Angela Driscoll
- Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Jamie Sullivan
- Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Samantha Braatz
- Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Rachel Gartner
- Center for Brain Plasticity and Recovery, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Elizabeth Barnhart
- Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Louis M French
- Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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34
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Kuchinsky SE, Eitel MM, Lange RT, French LM, Brickell TA, Lippa SM, Brungart DS. Objective and Subjective Auditory Effects of Traumatic Brain Injury and Blast Exposure in Service Members and Veterans. Front Neurol 2020; 11:613. [PMID: 32719649 PMCID: PMC7350851 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Service members and veterans (SMVs) with a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI) or blast-related injury often report difficulties understanding speech in complex environments that are not captured by clinical tests of auditory function. Little is currently known about the relative contribution of other auditory, cognitive, and symptomological factors to these communication challenges. This study evaluated the influence of these factors on subjective and objective measures of hearing difficulties in SMVs with and without a history of TBI or blast exposure. Analyses included 212 U.S. SMVs who completed auditory and cognitive batteries and surveys of hearing and other symptoms as part of a larger longitudinal study of TBI. Objective speech recognition performance was predicted by TBI status, while subjective hearing complaints were predicted by blast exposure. Bothersome tinnitus was associated with a history of more severe TBI. Speech recognition performance deficits and tinnitus complaints were also associated with poorer cognitive function. Hearing complaints were predicted by high frequency hearing loss and reports of more severe PTSD symptoms. These results suggest that SMVs with a history of blast exposure and/or TBI experience communication deficits that go beyond what would be expected based on standard audiometric assessments of their injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Megan M Eitel
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, United States.,Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, Silver Spring, MD, United States.,Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Rael T Lange
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, United States.,Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, Silver Spring, MD, United States.,National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Bethesda, MD, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,General Dynamics Information Technology, Falls Church, VA, United States
| | - Louis M French
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, United States.,Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, Silver Spring, MD, United States.,National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Bethesda, MD, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Tracey A Brickell
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, United States.,Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, Silver Spring, MD, United States.,National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Bethesda, MD, United States.,General Dynamics Information Technology, Falls Church, VA, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Sara M Lippa
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, United States.,Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, Silver Spring, MD, United States.,National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Douglas S Brungart
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, United States
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35
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Brickell TA, Cotner BA, French LM, Carlozzi NE, O’Connor DR, Nakase-Richardson R, Lange RT. Severity of military traumatic brain injury influences caregiver health-related quality of life. Rehabil Psychol 2020; 65:2020-04060-001. [PMID: 31971431 PMCID: PMC7375900 DOI: 10.1037/rep0000306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE To examine the influence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) severity on the health-related quality of life of caregivers providing care to service members/veterans (SMV) following a TBI. Research Method/Design: Thirty caregivers (90.0% female; 70.0% spouse; age: M = 39.5 years, SD = 10.7) of SMVs who sustained a mild, moderate, severe, or penetrating TBI were recruited from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and via community outreach to participate in one of six focus groups. Caregivers were classified into 3 TBI severity/caregiver groups: (a) moderate/severe/penetrating TBI caregiver group (n = 11); (b) mild TBI caregiver group (n = 10); and (c) equivocal TBI caregiver group (n = 9). Thematic analysis using a constant comparative approach was conducted with qualitative analysis software to identify common themes across the 3 severity/caregiver groups. RESULTS Eleven themes emerged: no time for self/needs last (83.3%), poor physical health (80.0%), increased stress/anxiety (76.7%), social isolation/loneliness (66.7%), lack of access to services (50.0%), impact on family life (46.7%), sleep issues (46.7%), finances/employment (36.7%), depression (30.0%), exhaustion (30.0%), and anger (16.7%). Exploratory pairwise comparisons revealed a higher proportion of the moderate/severe/penetrating TBI group endorsed 7 of the 11 themes (no time for self/needs last, increased stress/anxiety, impact on family life, sleep issues, finances/employment, exhaustion, anger, and increased stress/anxiety) compared with the other 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS It is important that caregivers of SMVs receive long-term support in their caregiving and parenting roles. Further work is required to understand the challenges caregivers experience in accessing services they need and how to effectively meet their needs across the care continuum. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracey A. Brickell
- Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Bridget A. Cotner
- Rehabilitation Outcomes Research Section, Research Service, James A Haley Veterans Hospital, Tampa, Florida, USA
- Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Louis M. French
- Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Noelle E. Carlozzi
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Danielle R. O’Connor
- Rehabilitation Outcomes Research Section, Research Service, James A Haley Veterans Hospital, Tampa, Florida, USA
- Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Risa Nakase-Richardson
- Mental Health Behavioral Sciences, James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, Tampa, Florida, USA
- Morsani College of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida USA
| | - Rael T. Lange
- Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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