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Tiet QQ, Tiet TN. Diagnostic Accuracy of the Primary Care PTSD for DSM-5 Screen (PC-PTSD-5) in Demographic and Diagnostic Subgroups of Veterans. J Gen Intern Med 2024; 39:2017-2022. [PMID: 38506961 PMCID: PMC11306811 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-024-08719-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5 (PC-PTSD-5) is a screening instrument designed to identify patients with probable PTSD and is mandated to be used in VA primary care settings. However, validation of the diagnostic accuracy of the instrument is lacking in various demographic and diagnostic groups. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the PC-PTSD-5 in demographically and diagnostically stratified groups of VA primary care patients. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Based on a sample of 519 VA primary care patients (40.61% response rate), the PC-PTSD-5 was evaluated against a criterion measure, examining its sensitivity, specificity, and other diagnostic properties. Evaluations were conducted in demographically stratified patient groups, including gender, age, race/ethnicity, marital status, and education, as well as diagnostically stratified groups, in patients with and without a depression, alcohol use, and drug use disorder. MAIN MEASURES The MINI-International Neuropsychiatric Interview was the criterion measure against which the PC-PTSD-5 was evaluated. KEY RESULTS Among the 10 demographically stratified groups of patients, the PC-PTSD-5 demonstrated a sensitivity between 81.25% (95% C.I.: 54.35 - 05.95) and 100% (95% C.I.: 63.06 - 1000) and its specificity ranged from 80.54% (95% C.I.: 74.70 - 85.55) to 88.31% (95% C.I.: 83.45 - 92.15). Among the 6 diagnostically stratified groups of patients (with and without depression, alcohol use, and drug use disorders), the PC-PTSD-5 exhibited a sensitivity between 88.89% (95% C.I.: 65.29 - 98.62) and 95.92% (95% C.I.: 86.02 - 99.50), and its specificity varied from 60.00% (95% C.I.: 40.60 - 77.34) to 88.14% (95% C.I.: 84.50 - 91.19). CONCLUSIONS The PC-PTSD-5, suitable for a diverse range of VA primary care patients, shows satisfactory sensitivity and specificity across various demographic and diagnostic groups. Healthcare providers should be cautious of false positives in patients with depression or substance use disorders, given the potential symptom overlap with PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quyen Q Tiet
- California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University, PhD Clinical Psychology Program, San Francisco Bay Area Campus, Emeryville, CA, USA.
- National Center for PTSD, Dissemination and Training Division, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA, USA.
| | - Thien-Nha Tiet
- Department of Psychology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
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Montoya CN, Saunt JV. Knowledge About Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy and Child Sexual Abuse: A Scoping Review. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2024:15248380241265385. [PMID: 39066607 DOI: 10.1177/15248380241265385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Child sexual abuse (CSA) impacts victims in immediate and long-lasting ways, often resulting in traumatic symptomatology. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy is an effective treatment to address trauma symptoms. Despite growing research on the efficacy of EMDR therapy, no review has been conducted on EMDR's treatment of trauma related to CSA. This scoping review seeks to explore the literature on EMDR as a treatment for CSA, including outcomes measured related to efficacy and considerations and implications related to the use of EMDR with this population. Four databases and the Francine Shapiro Library were systematically searched and twenty-one articles meeting inclusion criteria (published after 2001, using EMDR with victims of CSA, published in English) were included in this review. A mixture of case studies and empirical research using EMDR with both child and adult survivors of CSA were identified. Outcomes measured were traumatic, psychological, behavioral, and other (e.g., quality of life and physiological) symptoms. Studies reporting on direct-client work identified that EMDR was effective at resolving negative symptoms related to CSA without any necessary protocol modifications. Nearly all studies utilized stabilization in the form of the "safe space" exercise for grounding. Included empirical studies were primarily white and female samples; further research with non-offending males and individuals of color is needed. More research is also needed to understand minimum session frequency and duration of EMDR sessions to achieve resolution of trauma. This review suggests promising evidence of the efficacy of EMDR therapy in the treatment of trauma related to CSA.
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Reid MR, Buchanan NT. Systemic biases promoting the under-inclusion of marginalized groups in randomized controlled trials for co-occurring alcohol use and posttraumatic stress disorder: an intersectional analysis. J Ethn Subst Abuse 2024:1-26. [PMID: 38884618 DOI: 10.1080/15332640.2024.2367240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Co-occurring posttraumatic stress disorder and alcohol use disorder is a major public health concern affecting millions of people. Although this disorder affects people from all groups, research shows that, when compared to White people, people of color systematically suffer worse chronicity and burden of disorder. Additionally, research shows that people of color endure a variety of barriers to accessing treatment and often require specialized or culturally appropriate care. Consequently, the array of treatments available must have been determined to be effective for people of color when they access treatment, and people of color must be well represented in research to ensure effective treatment. Therefore, randomized controlled trials testing treatments for this disorder must include racially diverse samples and ensure treatments are effective for all groups. Further, if they lack diversity, it is necessary to explore whether and how the process of conducting randomized controlled trials is biased toward the constrained inclusion of people of color. This study used a Matrix of Domination framework as an intersectional method to investigate this question. It assessed the inclusion of people by race and sex in randomized controlled trials for co-occurring posttraumatic stress disorder and alcohol use disorder. We found that people of color and White women are significantly underincluded in randomized controlled trials and that these studies are hegemonically, disciplinarily, and structurally biased in ways that facilitate the overrepresentation of White men and the underrepresentation of marginalized groups.
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Leighton SC, Rodriguez KE, Jensen CL, MacLean EL, Davis LW, Ashbeck EL, Bedrick EJ, O’Haire ME. Service Dogs for Veterans and Military Members With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Nonrandomized Controlled Trial. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2414686. [PMID: 38833250 PMCID: PMC11151141 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.14686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Military members and veterans (hereafter, veterans) with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) increasingly seek psychiatric service dogs as a complementary intervention, yet the effectiveness of service dogs is understudied. Objective To estimate the associations between psychiatric service dog partnership and self-reported and clinician-rated PTSD symptom severity, depression, anxiety, and psychosocial functioning after 3 months of intervention among veterans. Design, Setting, and Participants This nonrandomized controlled trial used standardized and validated assessment instruments completed by participants and administered by blinded clinicians. Recruitment, eligibility screening, and enrollment were conducted between August 2017 and December 2019. Veterans were recruited using the database of an accredited nonprofit service dog organization with constituents throughout the US. Participants were veterans with a PTSD diagnosis; they were allocated to either the intervention group (n = 81) or control group (n = 75). Outcome assessments were performed at baseline and at the 3-month follow-up. Data analyses were completed in October 2023. Interventions Participants allocated to the intervention group received a psychiatric service dog for PTSD, whereas those allocated to the control group remained on the waiting list based on the date of application submitted to the service dog organization. Both groups had unrestricted access to usual care. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcomes were PTSD symptom severity, depression, and anxiety after 3 months, and the secondary outcomes were psychosocial functioning, such as quality of life and social health. The self-reported PTSD Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) was used to measure symptom severity, and the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5) was used to assess PTSD diagnosis (score range for both instruments: 0-80, with higher scores indicating greater PTSD symptoms). Results The 156 participants included in the trial had a mean (SD) age of 37.6 (8.3) years and included 117 males (75%), 17 Black or African American individuals (11%), 30 Hispanic individuals (19%), and 117 White individuals (76%). Compared with the control group, the intervention group had significantly lower PTSD symptom severity based on the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 mean (SD) score (41.9 [16.9] vs 51.7 [16.1]; difference in means, -11.5 [95% CI, -16.2 to -6.6]; P < .001) and the CAPS-5 mean (SD) score (30.2 [10.2] vs 36.9 [10.2]; difference in means, -7.0 [95% CI, -10.8 to -4.5]; P < .001) at 3 months. The intervention group also had significantly lower depression scores (odds ratio [OR], 0.45 [95% CI, 0.23-0.86]; difference in means, -3.3 [95% CI, -6.8 to -0.6]), anxiety (OR, 0.25 [95% CI, 0.13-0.50]; difference in means, -4.4 [95% CI, -6.9 to -2.1]), and most areas of psychosocial functioning (eg, social isolation: OR, 0.34 [95% CI, 0.18-0.64]). Conclusions and Relevance This nonrandomized controlled trial found that compared with usual care alone, partnership with a trained psychiatric service dog was associated with lower PTSD symptom severity and higher psychosocial functioning in veterans. Psychiatric service dogs may be an effective complementary intervention for military service-related PTSD. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03245814.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Clare L. Jensen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Oro Valley
| | - Evan L. MacLean
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Oro Valley
| | - Louanne W. Davis
- Roudebush Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis
| | - Erin L. Ashbeck
- Statistics Consulting Lab, The BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson
| | - Edward J. Bedrick
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson
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Agarwal I, Draheim AA. Seeking Safety for women in incarceration: a systematic review. Arch Womens Ment Health 2024; 27:317-327. [PMID: 38147147 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-023-01411-3] [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: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Seeking Safety is an evidence-based treatment for individuals with comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder and substance use disorder. This treatment shows promise to address the unique, unmet needs of women in prison. The current systematic literature review aims to highlight several critical gaps in research on Seeking Safety in forensic settings that need to be filled before Seeking Safety can be implemented in a widespread manner. METHODS PsycINFO, PubMed and Google scholar databases were used to identify studies that were published in English, included women in forensic settings, and incorporated Seeking Safety treatment. A total of seven studies met review criteria. The quality of studies was assessed with the mixed methods appraisal tool. RESULTS High risk of contamination, inclusion of small, predominantly White samples, high attrition rates, need for dose-response testing, and lack of follow-up data currently limit the ability to assess the efficacy of Seeking Safety in forensic settings. In addition, there is a lack of research on Seeking Safety's ability to reduce symptoms of substance use disorder for incarcerated women and further cultural adaptation may be needed. CONCLUSION Seeking Safety has the potential to address the underlying causes of incarceration for justice-involved women, but additional research addressing these identified gaps is needed to facilitate more widespread implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishita Agarwal
- Department of Psychology, Lawrence University, Appleton, WI, USA
| | - Amanda A Draheim
- Department of Psychology, Lawrence University, Appleton, WI, USA.
- Department of Psychology, Goucher College, 1021 Dulaney Valley Road, Baltimore, MD, 21204, USA.
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Kruger M, Barnes SE, Childs AW. Demystifying treatment disposition patterns for psychiatrically high-risk youth referred for intensive outpatient psychiatric services: The role of demographics and telehealth. Clin Child Psychol Psychiatry 2023; 28:1435-1448. [PMID: 36932876 DOI: 10.1177/13591045231165191] [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] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
Intensive outpatient (IOP) psychiatric treatment is increasingly deployed to meet the needs of psychiatrically high-risk youth; however, documentation of treatment disposition for in-person and/or telehealth modalities following treatment referral is largely unknown. The current study examined psychiatrically high-risk youth baseline treatment disposition patterns and explored variations according to treatment modality (telehealth vs. in-person). Using archival records of 744 adolescents (Mage = 14.91, SD = 1.60) admitted to a psychiatric IOP, multinomial logistic regressions revealed that commercially insured youth fared better than non-commercially insured youth with respect to treatment completion. When treatment modality was accounted for, youth treated on telehealth were no more likely to be psychiatrically hospitalized compared to youth treated with in-person services. However, youth treated on telehealth dropped out due to excessive absences or withdrawal/refusal to a greater extent than those treated in person. Future studies should examine clinical outcomes in addition to treatment disposition patterns to further understand youth's course of treatment at intermediate level of care settings (e.g., IOP).
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Affiliation(s)
- Macarena Kruger
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Sarah E Barnes
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale New Haven Psychiatric Hospital, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Amber W Childs
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale New Haven Psychiatric Hospital, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT, USA
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7
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Muzik M, Menke RA, Issa M, Fisk C, Charles J, Jester JM. Evaluation of the Michigan Clinical Consultation and Care Program: An Evidence-Based Approach to Perinatal Mental Healthcare. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4836. [PMID: 37510951 PMCID: PMC10381794 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12144836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Mood and anxiety disorders affect pregnant individuals and their families at increased rates throughout the perinatal period. Geographic, financial, and social barriers often preclude adequate diagnosis and treatment. The aim of this manuscript is to describe the consultation and care arms of the Michigan Clinical Consultation and Care (MC3) program, a statewide program designed to facilitate access to perinatal mental healthcare for OB/Gyn patients, and to describe the participants engaged in the program, examine the predictors of participant retention, and provide preliminary data regarding participants' mental health outcomes. We enrolled 209 participants to the clinical care arm, of which 48 were lost to follow-up, while 107 remained enrolled at the time of data analysis. A total of 54 participants met their treatment goals. A total of 97% of participants asserted they were satisfied with the services they received. Black race and public insurance predicted faster attrition from the care arm treatment; risks for interpersonal violence exposure and substance use were unrelated to attrition. Preliminary mental health outcomes showed significant decreases in anxiety and depression, with the most dramatic decreases in the first month of treatment. Overall, the MC3 clinical care arm shows promising rates of adherence, excellent program satisfaction, and a positive impact on perinatal mental health, supporting continued program implementation and ongoing evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Muzik
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan-Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Michigan-Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Rena A Menke
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan-Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Meriam Issa
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan-Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Chelsea Fisk
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan-Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jordan Charles
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan-Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jennifer M Jester
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan-Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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Brier ZMF, Hidalgo JE, Espeleta HC, Davidson T, Ruggiero KJ, Price M. Assessment of Traumatic Stress Symptoms During the Acute Posttrauma Period. FOCUS (AMERICAN PSYCHIATRIC PUBLISHING) 2023; 21:239-246. [PMID: 37404969 PMCID: PMC10316216 DOI: 10.1176/appi.focus.20230001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
A substantial majority of adults in the United States will experience a potentially traumatic event (PTE) in their lifetime. A considerable proportion of those individuals will go on to develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Distinguishing between those who will develop PTSD and those who will recover, however, remains as a challenge to the field. Recent work has pointed to the increased potential of identifying individuals at greatest risk for PTSD through repeated assessment during the acute posttrauma period, the 30-day period after the PTE. Obtaining the necessary data during this period, however, has proven to be a challenge. Technological innovations such as personal mobile devices and wearable passive sensors have given the field new tools to capture nuanced in vivo changes indicative of recovery or nonrecovery. Despite their potential, there are numerous points for clinicians and research teams to consider when implementing these technologies into acute posttrauma care. The limitations of this work and considerations for future research in the use of technology during the acute posttrauma period are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe M F Brier
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Vermont, Burlington (Brier, Hidalgo, Price); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Brier) and College of Nursing (Espeleta, Davidson, Ruggiero), Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
| | - Johanna E Hidalgo
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Vermont, Burlington (Brier, Hidalgo, Price); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Brier) and College of Nursing (Espeleta, Davidson, Ruggiero), Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
| | - Hannah C Espeleta
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Vermont, Burlington (Brier, Hidalgo, Price); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Brier) and College of Nursing (Espeleta, Davidson, Ruggiero), Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
| | - Tatiana Davidson
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Vermont, Burlington (Brier, Hidalgo, Price); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Brier) and College of Nursing (Espeleta, Davidson, Ruggiero), Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
| | - Kenneth J Ruggiero
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Vermont, Burlington (Brier, Hidalgo, Price); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Brier) and College of Nursing (Espeleta, Davidson, Ruggiero), Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
| | - Matthew Price
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Vermont, Burlington (Brier, Hidalgo, Price); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Brier) and College of Nursing (Espeleta, Davidson, Ruggiero), Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
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Understanding veteran barriers to specialty outpatient PTSD clinical care. J Anxiety Disord 2023; 95:102675. [PMID: 36854224 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2023.102675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Veterans seeking treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) commonly report general and veteran-specific barriers to treatment such as stigma and challenges with navigating the Veterans Health Affairs (VHA) system. This study aimed to characterize barriers endorsed by a national sample of veterans seeking care in VHA PTSD specialty outpatient clinics, as well as to examine the impact of demographics on endorsed barriers. METHODS This study included 17,069 veterans referred to PTSD specialty outpatient clinics in the VHA during Fiscal Year 2019. Barriers to care, demographics, clinical concerns, and PTSD symptom severity (PCL-5) were assessed at intake. RESULTS Veterans (mean age=47.6 years, 83.3% male) endorsed an average of 2.39 barriers. The most commonly endorsed barriers included difficulty interacting with others (37.9%), difficulty being in public (33.8%), work (30.3%), concern for finances (20%), and difficulty getting out of bed (19.5%). A significant minority of veterans (22%) endorsed no barriers. Male sex (23.1%) and White race (23.6%) were associated with a greater likelihood of reporting no barriers. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing multi-faceted barriers for veterans seeking treatment in PTSD specialty clinics. Findings also highlight the potential importance of tailoring strategies to reduce barriers based on demographic and clinical characteristics such as race, sex, and degree of avoidance. Future research should seek to longitudinally examine the impact of barriers on treatment engagement.
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Grau PP, Bohnert KM, Ganoczy D, Sripada RK. Who improves in trauma-focused treatment: A cluster analysis of treatment response in VA patients undergoing PE and CPT. J Affect Disord 2022; 318:159-166. [PMID: 36070830 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.08.126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although most veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) benefit from evidence-based treatments, questions persist concerning the profiles of those at risk for poor outcomes. To help address these gaps, this study analyzed a large clinical cohort of veterans receiving prolonged exposure (PE) or cognitive processing therapy (CPT). METHODS Cluster analysis using Ward's method with Euclidian distances identified clinically meaningful subgroups of veterans in a national cohort (n = 20,848) using variables maintained in the electronic medical record. The clusters were then compared via one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's HSD on indicators of treatment progress including PTSD symptom change, clinical recovery, clinically significant change, remission, and treatment completion. RESULTS Effect size differences on clinical outcome measures for PE and CPT were negligible. Less than half of veterans achieved at least a 15-point reduction in PCL-5 score and half completed treatment. We identified 10 distinct clusters. Higher rates of PTSD service-connected disability were linked to poorer outcomes across multiple clusters, especially when combined with Post-Vietnam service era. Non-White race was also linked with poorer clinical outcomes. Factors associated with better outcomes included a greater proportion of female veterans, especially when combined with recent service era, and longer PTSD diagnosis duration. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests the need to improve PTSD treatment outcomes for non-White and male veterans, examine treatment response in Post-Vietnam era veterans, and consider ways in which the service connection process could hinder treatment response. The results from this study also indicate the benefits of integrating elements of clinical complexity into an analytic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter P Grau
- VA Serious Mental Illness Treatment Resource and Evaluation Center (SMITREC), 2800 Plymouth Road, Bldg 16, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, 2215 Fuller Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, United States; Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, United States.
| | - Kipling M Bohnert
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, United States
| | - Dara Ganoczy
- Veterans Affairs Center for Clinical Management Research, Health Services Research and Development, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Rebecca K Sripada
- VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, 2215 Fuller Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, United States; Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, United States; Veterans Affairs Center for Clinical Management Research, Health Services Research and Development, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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Social Factors Predict Treatment Engagement in Veterans with PTSD or SUD. J Behav Health Serv Res 2022; 50:286-300. [PMID: 36456866 DOI: 10.1007/s11414-022-09823-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Veterans with PTSD and SUDs often fail to initiate, or prematurely discontinue, mental health treatment in Veteran Affairs Medical Centers (VAMC). While much is known about clinical characteristics and demographic factors impacting treatment engagement in this population, less is known about the role of social factors. This retrospective study examines primary care-based screening assessment and specialty mental healthcare appointment data in a VAMC, to test whether social factors predict treatment initiation and appointment attendance. Findings reveal veterans were more likely to initiate treatment when (a) those with SUDs (n = 235) reported more frequent negative exchanges with others and (b) those with PTSD (n = 2107) reported more perceived support or being partnered. Those with PTSD who were partnered had higher appointment attendance rates. Findings suggest social factors are relevant to treatment initiation among veterans with PTSD and SUDs and that close others may be helpful in facilitating referrals.
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12
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Hargrave AS, Sumner JA, Ebrahimi R, Cohen BE. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease: Implications for Future Research and Clinical Care. Curr Cardiol Rep 2022; 24:2067-2079. [PMID: 36306020 DOI: 10.1007/s11886-022-01809-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may be an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). We explore the literature linking PTSD to CVD, potential mechanisms, interventions, and clinical implications. We outline gaps in current literature and highlight necessary future research. RECENT FINDINGS PTSD has been independently associated with deleterious effects on cardiovascular health through biological, behavioral, and societal pathways. There are evidence-based psychotherapeutic interventions and pharmacotherapies for PTSD that may mitigate its impact on CVD. However, there are limited studies that rigorously analyze the impact of treating PTSD on cardiovascular outcomes. Trauma-informed CVD risk stratification, education, and treatment offer opportunities to improve patient care. These approaches can include a brief validated screening tool for PTSD identification and treatment. Pragmatic trials are needed to test PTSD interventions among people with CVD and evaluate for improved outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita S Hargrave
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA, 94110, USA. .,Medical Service, San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, 94121, USA.
| | - Jennifer A Sumner
- Department of Psychology, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1563, USA
| | - Ramin Ebrahimi
- Department of Medicine, Cardiology Section, Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Health Care System, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Beth E Cohen
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA, 94110, USA.,Medical Service, San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, 94121, USA
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Ching TH, Williams MT, Wang JB, Jerome L, Yazar-Klosinski B, Emerson A, Doblin R. MDMA-assisted therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder: A pooled analysis of ethnoracial differences in efficacy and safety from two Phase 2 open-label lead-in trials and a Phase 3 randomized, blinded placebo-controlled trial. J Psychopharmacol 2022; 36:974-986. [PMID: 35727042 DOI: 10.1177/02698811221104052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Limited ethnoracial diversity in previous ±3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine-assisted therapy (MDMA-AT) trials for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has prompted questions concerning whether Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) also benefit from this treatment. METHODS Secondary analysis was conducted using a modified intent-to-treat sample pooled from two Phase 2 open-label trials and a Phase 3 randomized, blinded placebo-controlled trial to compare efficacy and safety of MDMA-AT for PTSD between BIPOC and non-Hispanic White participants. Four subgroups were of interest: MDMA-AT, BIPOC (n = 20); MDMA-AT, non-Hispanic White (n = 63); Placebo-assisted therapy (Placebo-AT), BIPOC (n = 17); and Placebo-AT, non-Hispanic White (n = 27). Planned comparisons tested subgroup differences in changes in Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5) scores from baseline to primary endpoint, controlling for study type and baseline scores. Adverse events (AEs) on the day of (day 0) to 2 days post-dosing were reported for each subgroup. RESULTS In the MDMA-AT group, no significant ethnoracial difference in CAPS-5 change scores was observed. In the Placebo-AT group, BIPOC participants trended toward greater reductions in CAPS-5 scores than non-Hispanic Whites. Among non-Hispanic Whites, MDMA-AT was accompanied by significantly greater reductions in CAPS-5 scores than Placebo-AT. No treatment difference emerged among BIPOC participants. AEs were mostly rated as mild or moderate across subgroups. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide preliminary support for the efficacy and safety of MDMA-AT for treating PTSD across ethnoracial groups. There was also a trend toward greater efficacy with Placebo-AT among BIPOC participants. There was an imbalance in subgroups, highlighting the need for culturally responsive recruitment strategies to diversify future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terence Hw Ching
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Mansfield, CT, USA
| | | | - Julie B Wang
- MAPS Public Benefit Corporation, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Lisa Jerome
- MAPS Public Benefit Corporation, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | | | - Amy Emerson
- MAPS Public Benefit Corporation, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Rick Doblin
- Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
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14
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Cougle JR, Grubaugh AL. Do psychosocial treatment outcomes vary by race or ethnicity? A review of meta-analyses. Clin Psychol Rev 2022; 96:102192. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2022.102192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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15
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Bauer AG, Ruglass LM, Shevorykin A, Saraiya TC, Robinson G, Cadet K, Julien L, Chao T, Hien D. Predictors of therapeutic alliance, treatment feedback, and clinical outcomes among African American women in treatment for co-occurring PTSD and SUD. J Subst Abuse Treat 2022; 139:108766. [PMID: 35346534 PMCID: PMC9187592 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2022.108766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Black women are at heightened risk for trauma exposure, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance use disorders (SUDs), compared to White women and the general population. However, disparities in treatment engagement and retention persist, particularly for Black women with co-occurring PTSD+SUD. Although therapeutic alliance is an important predictor and mediator of treatment retention and outcomes, we know little about predictors of alliance and the mediating role of alliance for PTSD+SUD outcomes among Black women. METHODS This study utilized data previously collected for the National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network (CTN) Women and Trauma Study. Participants were 88 Black/African American women (Mage = 41.90, SD = 7.72) participating in a clinical trial comparing Seeking Safety (a cognitive-behavioral intervention for PTSD+SUD) to Women's Health Education (control). This study includes participants from both arms. Measures included the Helping Alliance Questionnaire, Addiction Severity Index-Lite, and Clinician Administered PTSD Scale. Women in the intervention arm also completed the Seeking Safety Feedback Questionnaire. RESULTS Stepwise, hierarchical linear regressions indicated that years of education and previous alcohol/drug treatment attempts significantly predicted early alliance in the second week of therapy (β = 0.411, p = .021 and β = 0.383, p = .011, respectively), but not late alliance in the last week of therapy (ps > .794). Greater education and more treatment attempts were associated with higher early alliance. Alliance did not mediate relationships between these significant predictors and treatment outcomes (e.g., attendance, post-treatment PTSD and SUD symptoms) or treatment feedback in the Seeking Safety group. CONCLUSIONS Education and prior treatment attempts predicted early alliance among Black/African American women in PTSD+SUD group treatment, and higher education level was associated with poorer Seeking Safety feedback topic ratings. Educational level and treatment history should be considered during alliance building in therapeutic interventions with Black women. Clinicians may consider the integration of pre-treatment alliance-building strategies with Black female patients who have lower levels of education. This study provides insight into the relative impact of several important factors that influence early alliance among Black women with co-occurring PTSD+SUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandria G Bauer
- Center of Alcohol & Substance Use Studies, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, United States of America.
| | - Lesia M Ruglass
- Center of Alcohol & Substance Use Studies, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, United States of America; Department of Psychology, The City College of New York, United States of America
| | - Alina Shevorykin
- Department of Health Behavior, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, United States of America
| | - Tanya C Saraiya
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Gabriella Robinson
- Department of Psychology, The City College of New York, United States of America
| | - Kechna Cadet
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, United States of America
| | - Lovelyne Julien
- Department of Psychology, New School for Social Research, United States of America
| | - Thomas Chao
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - Denise Hien
- Center of Alcohol & Substance Use Studies, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, United States of America
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16
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Jensen CL, Rodriguez KE, MacLean EL, Abdul Wahab AH, Sabbaghi A, O’Haire ME. Characterizing veteran and PTSD service dog teams: Exploring potential mechanisms of symptom change and canine predictors of efficacy. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269186. [PMID: 35895599 PMCID: PMC9328544 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychiatric service dogs are an emerging complementary intervention for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Initial evidence suggests that partnership with a service dog may be related to less PTSD symptom severity. However, it remains unclear how or why this might occur. To address this gap, we conducted a longitudinal investigation of 82 post-9/11 military members or veterans and their PTSD service dogs to (1) evaluate service dog characteristics as potential predictors of efficacy, (2) assess dog and human characteristics as potential predictors of veteran-dog bond, and (3) explore potential mechanisms for mental health outcomes. Aim 1 results demonstrated that most service dog characteristics did not predict veterans' mental health outcomes, but lower service dog excitability was associated with less PTSD symptom severity at follow-up. Aim 2 results showed that closer dog-veteran relationships were associated with less excitable dog temperament. Aim 3 results indicated that worse mental health at follow-up was associated with greater use of the specifically trained PTSD service dog task to initiate a social greeting ("make a friend"), whereas better mental health was related to less use of dominance-based training methods, lower perceived emotional/logistical costs of service dog partnership, and closer veteran-dog relationships. More frequent use of the trained service dog task to signal when someone approaches from behind (cover/watch back) was associated with greater anxiety, but less PTSD symptom severity. Overall, veterans spent an average of 82% of their time with service dogs (assessed via Bluetooth proximity between dog collar and veteran smartphone), and most frequently asked their service dogs to perform the trained task for calming their anxiety (calm/comfort anxiety). The present study provides subjective and objective metrics of the heterogeneity among veteran-service dog dyads while also suggesting which of the assessed metrics might be potential mechanisms involved in the intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare L. Jensen
- Center for the Human-Animal Bond, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Kerri E. Rodriguez
- Center for the Human-Animal Bond, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
- Human-Animal Bond in Colorado, School of Social Work, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Evan L. MacLean
- Arizona Canine Cognition Center, School of Anthropology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Ahmad Hakeem Abdul Wahab
- Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Titusville, New Jersey, United States of America
- Department of Statistics, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Arman Sabbaghi
- Department of Statistics, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Marguerite E. O’Haire
- Center for the Human-Animal Bond, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
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17
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Mekawi Y, Silverstein MW, Walker A, Ishiekwene M, Carter S, Michopoulos V, Stevens JS, Powers A. Examining the psychometric properties of the PCL-5 in a black community sample using item response theory. J Anxiety Disord 2022; 87:102555. [PMID: 35338915 PMCID: PMC9275184 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2022.102555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Black Americans are more likely to be exposed to certain types of traumatic events and experience posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) compared to other racial groups. Consequently, sound assessment of PTSD in this underserved and understudied population is necessary to develop and accurately answer research questions about etiology and intervention efficacy. However, the item-level psychometric properties of one of the most commonly used assessment tools, the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), has yet to be examined among Black Americans. To address this gap, we used item response theory (IRT) to assess item difficulty and discrimination in a sample of Black American adults (n = 307). We employed a graded response model with all 20 items of the PCL-5 loading on to a latent PTSD factor. At clinically significant levels of PTSD, the most discriminating items were flashbacks, inability to experience positive emotions, and nightmares and the least discriminating items were cued emotional distress, diminished interest, and hypervigilance. These results emphasize the importance of flashbacks, inability to experience positive emotions, and nightmares and deemphasize the importance of hypervigilance and sleep difficulties when assessing for clinically significant symptoms of PTSD in Black Americans. Treatment implications include a nuanced approach towards hypervigilance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yara Mekawi
- University of Louisville, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, USA.
| | | | - Aisha Walker
- Georgia State University, Department of Psychology, USA
| | | | - Sierra Carter
- Georgia State University, Department of Psychology, USA
| | | | - Jennifer S Stevens
- Emory School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, USA
| | - Abigail Powers
- Emory School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, USA
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18
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Vera M, Obén A, Juarbe D, Hernández N, Kichic R, Hembree EA. A randomized clinical trial of prolonged exposure and applied relaxation for the treatment of Latinos with posttraumatic stress disorder. J Trauma Stress 2022; 35:593-604. [PMID: 34973048 PMCID: PMC9035035 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Robust evidence supports the use of prolonged exposure therapy (PE) as a first-line treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, Latinos have not benefitted equally from advancements in the treatment of PTSD and continue to face barriers to receiving care. There is consensus that it is necessary to support the expansion of high-quality culturally and linguistically appropriate treatment to address disparities experienced by racial and ethnic minorities in behavioral health care. The current study was a randomized controlled trial comparing a culturally adapted PE intervention with applied relaxation (AR) among Spanish-speaking Latinos with PTSD in Puerto Rico. Eligible participants (N = 98) were randomly assigned to PE (n = 49) or AR (n = 49). Both treatments included 12-15 weekly sessions each lasting 60-90 min. The primary outcome, clinician-rated PTSD symptom severity, was assessed using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 at baseline, posttreatment, and 3-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Results showed a large within-group effect of treatment on PTSD symptoms, PE: d = 1.29, 95% CI [1.12, 2.05]; AR: d = 1.38, 95% CI [1.21, 2.19]. The between-group effect on PTSD symptoms was small, d = -0.09, 95% CI [-0.48, 0.31]. Participants in both treatment conditions reported significant decreases in PTSD symptoms from baseline to follow-up; additionally, significant within-group reductions in depression and anxiety symptoms were observed. These findings underscore the potential benefit of PE and AR for the treatment of Spanish-speaking Latinos with PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mildred Vera
- Department of Health Services Administration, School of Public Health, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico,Center for Evaluation and Sociomedical Research, School of Public Health, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico
| | - Adriana Obén
- Center for Evaluation and Sociomedical Research, School of Public Health, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico
| | - Deborah Juarbe
- Center for Evaluation and Sociomedical Research, School of Public Health, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico
| | - Norberto Hernández
- Center for Evaluation and Sociomedical Research, School of Public Health, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico
| | - Rafael Kichic
- Centro de Ansiedad y Trastornos Relacionados (CEAN), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Elizabeth A. Hembree
- Mood and Anxiety Disorders Treatment and Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
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19
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Sun S, Goldberg SB, Loucks EB, Brewer JA. Mindfulness-based interventions among people of color: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychother Res 2022; 32:277-290. [PMID: 34098859 PMCID: PMC8648858 DOI: 10.1080/10503307.2021.1937369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective In the United States, people of color (POC) are disproportionately affected by various sources of stress and prevalent mental and physical health issues that may benefit from Mindfulness-based Interventions (MBIs). However, effects of MBIs for POC are unclear. This meta-analysis examines the efficacy of MBIs through randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that included predominately POC (≥75% of the sample). Method: Random effects models were used to synthesize effect sizes. A total of 24 RCT samples were analyzed. Results: Samples were on average 94.4% POC and predominantly from low-income backgrounds (total N = 2,156). At post-treatment, MBIs yielded small but statistically superior outcomes to active controls (Hedges' g = 0.11) and inactive controls (g = 0.26). Compared to active controls, MBIs' effects on well-being were smaller than their effects on other outcome types. Compared to inactive controls, MBIs that focused on non-clinical populations and had higher proportion of POC had larger effect sizes. Attrition rates of MBIs did not differ from other active conditions in outpatient settings. Conclusion: Findings provide modest, preliminary empirical support for MBIs among POC. We discuss main findings, limitations, and implications for future MBI research for health promotion among POC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shufang Sun
- Department of Behavioral & Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
- Mindfulness Center, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Simon B. Goldberg
- Department of Counseling Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Eric B. Loucks
- Department of Behavioral & Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
- Mindfulness Center, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Judson A. Brewer
- Department of Behavioral & Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
- Mindfulness Center, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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20
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Castro-Ramirez F, Al-Suwaidi M, Garcia P, Rankin O, Ricard JR, Nock MK. Racism and Poverty are Barriers to the Treatment of Youth Mental Health Concerns. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 50:534-546. [PMID: 34339320 DOI: 10.1080/15374416.2021.1941058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Traditional studies of treatment moderators have focused largely on psychological factors such as clinical severity. Racial and economic inequity exert large effects on youth mental health, on treatment efficacy, and on the likelihood of receiving treatment altogether. Yet, these factors are studied less often by clinical psychological scientists. METHOD We conducted a narrative review of literature on racial and economic inequities and their impact on youth mental health. RESULTS First, systemic problems such as racism and poverty increase the risk of developing complex health issues and decrease the likelihood of benefiting from treatment. Second, attitudinal barriers, such as mistrust associated with treatments provided by researchers and government agencies, decrease the likelihood that minoritized groups will engage with or benefit from evidence-based treatments. Third, minoritized and underserved communities are especially unlikely to receive evidence-based treatment. CONCLUSION Clinical psychological science has unique insights that can help address systemic inequities that can decrease treatment efficacy for youth mental health treatment. Psychological scientists can help eliminate disparities in accessing evidence-based treatment and help end violent policies in underserved minoritized communities by at the very least (1) building and supporting scalable community-based treatments as well as (2) publicly advocating for an end to violent policies that impose negative social costs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Matthew K Nock
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University.,Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital.,Mental Health Research Program, Franciscan Children's
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21
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Harned MS, Schmidt SC, Korslund KE, Gallop RJ. Does Adding the Dialectical Behavior Therapy Prolonged Exposure (DBT PE) Protocol for PTSD to DBT Improve Outcomes in Public Mental Health Settings? A Pilot Nonrandomized Effectiveness Trial With Benchmarking. Behav Ther 2021; 52:639-655. [PMID: 33990239 PMCID: PMC8124086 DOI: 10.1016/j.beth.2020.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Prolonged Exposure (DBT PE) protocol improves DBT's effects on PTSD in research settings, but its effectiveness in community settings is largely unknown. This pilot nonrandomized controlled trial examined DBT with and without DBT PE in four public mental health agencies. Patients (N = 35, 12-56 years old, 80.0% female, 64.7% racial/ethnic minorities, 44.1% sexual minorities) had PTSD, were receiving DBT, and completed assessments every four months over one year. Sixteen patients (45.7%) initiated DBT PE, 19 (54.3%) did not, and dropout did not differ between groups (31.3% vs. 26.3%). The primary barrier to initiating DBT PE was clinician turnover (57.9% of non-initiators). After adjusting for confounds, DBT PE initiators (g = 1.1) and completers (g = 1.4) showed a greater reduction in PTSD than patients who received DBT only (g = 0.5; p's < .05). Rates of reliable improvement in PTSD were 71.4% (DBT PE completers), 53.8% (DBT PE initiators), and 31.3% (DBT). Similar patterns were observed for posttraumatic cognitions, emotion dysregulation, general psychological distress, and limited activity days. There was no worsening of self-injurious behavior or crisis service use among patients who received DBT PE. Benchmarking analyses indicated comparable feasibility, acceptability, and safety, but a smaller magnitude of clinical change, than in efficacy studies. Results require replication in a randomized trial but suggest that DBT PE can be transported effectively to community settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie S. Harned
- University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA,VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sara C. Schmidt
- University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA,VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
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22
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Thomas JL, Carter SE, Schetter CD, Sumner JA. Racial and ethnic disparities in posttraumatic psychopathology among postpartum women. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 137:36-40. [PMID: 33647727 PMCID: PMC8522483 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.02.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
People of color in the United States disproportionately bear the burden of trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Pregnant women of color are at particular risk, as perinatal PTSD is associated with adverse maternal and child health. However, PTSD is a heterogeneous disorder comprising discrete symptom dimensions. Adopting a dimensional understanding of PTSD could aid in identifying women at-risk for the consequences of posttraumatic psychopathology and guide treatment selection. In a large sample of Latina, Black, and non-Hispanic White postpartum women in the United States (N = 1663), we examined racial and ethnic differences in the factors of the dysphoric arousal model-a leading dimensional model of PTSD. This model is characterized by five symptom dimensions: re-experiencing, avoidance, numbing, dysphoric arousal, and anxious arousal. Past-year trauma in this sample was common, afflicting nearly 70% of women. In unadjusted models, women of color exhibited more severe PTSD symptom levels across dimensions except for dysphoric arousal, with Black mothers particularly affected. In models adjusted for age, education, and poverty, Black women continued to report elevated symptoms of avoidance and, relative to Latina mothers, re-experiencing symptoms. In contrast, White women reported more dysphoric arousal symptoms relative to women of color. Illuminating differential patterns of symptom dimensions across racial and ethnic groups is critical to PTSD assessment and treatment and may shed light on disparities. Perinatal healthcare may be an important opportunity for posttraumatic symptom screening, and greater understanding of racial and ethnic variation in posttraumatic symptom dimensions can guide targeted intervention selection for perinatal women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan L. Thomas
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA,Corresponding author: Jordan L. Thomas, MA, Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, 502 Portola Plaza, 2244B Franz Hall, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1563; ; Tel.: 319-230-9256; Fax: 310-206-5895
| | - Sierra E. Carter
- Department of Psychology, Georgia State University,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Emory University,Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale University
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23
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McClendon J, Kressin N, Perkins D, Copeland LA, Finley EP, Vogt D. The Impact of Discriminatory Stress on Changes in Posttraumatic Stress Severity at the Intersection of Race/Ethnicity and Gender. J Trauma Dissociation 2021; 22:170-187. [PMID: 33460360 DOI: 10.1080/15299732.2020.1869079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Given the diversity of military veterans and growing evidence of ethnoracial disparities in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) within this population, elucidating the role of discrimination-related stress in contributing to these disparities is crucial. We examined the relative impact of discriminatory stress (i.e., due to race/ethnicity, religion, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, or physical appearance) on 6-month changes in PTSD symptom severity among trauma-exposed White (74%), Black (11%) and Hispanic/Latino/a/x (15%) veterans (17% female). PTSD symptoms were measured with the 8-item PTSD Checklist for DSM-5. A measure of the extent to which discrimination has caused stress for the respondent assessed discriminatory stress. Hierarchical regression analyses examined interactions among race/ethnicity, gender and discriminatory stress in predicting six-month changes in PTSD severity. Black and Hispanic/Latino/a/x veterans reported higher baseline PTSD severity and discriminatory stress than White veterans, with some variation by gender. Three-way interactions of race/ethnicity by discriminatory stress by gender were significant, controlling for income, education and age. The relationship between discriminatory stress and increases in PTSD severity was significantly stronger for Black women compared with Black men and did not differ between White men and women. There was also a stronger relationship between discriminatory stress and increases in PTSD severity for Hispanic/Latino/x men as compared to Black men. These findings suggest that discriminatory stress impacts PTSD severity differentially for various ethnoracial/gender groups and highlight the value of applying an intersectional framework that accounts for the synergistic connections among multiple identities to future screening, intervention, and research efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliette McClendon
- National Center for PTSD (116B-3), Women's Health Sciences Division, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nancy Kressin
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Daniel Perkins
- Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness, the Pennsylvania State University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Agricultural Economics, Sociology, and Education, The Pennsylvania State University, 107 Ferguson Building, University Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Social Science Research Institute, The Pennsylvania State University, 114 Henderson Building, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Laurel A Copeland
- Research Service, VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System, Leeds, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Erin P Finley
- Veterans Evidence-based Research Dissemination and Implementation Center, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, Texas, USA.,Departments of Medicine and Psychiatry, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Dawne Vogt
- National Center for PTSD (116B-3), Women's Health Sciences Division, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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