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Whiteneck G, Williams W, Almeida E, Bidelspach D, Culpepper W, Picon LM, Eagye CB, Dr Mellick D. Two Decades of Department of Veterans Affairs Traumatic Brain Injury Care and Benefits for Veterans of Post-9/11 Conflicts. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2024:00001199-990000000-00143. [PMID: 38652670 DOI: 10.1097/htr.0000000000000952] [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 describe the background, methodology, and results of the congressionally mandated Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Veterans Health Registry. SETTING Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and Veterans Benefit Administration (VBA). PARTICIPANTS A total of 441 639 Veterans of post-9/11 conflicts who exhibited symptoms associated with TBI and sought care or benefits from the VA between September 2001 and September 2021. Design: Retrospective analysis of VHA and VBA administrative records. MAIN MEASURES (1) VA/Department of Defense Identity Repository to identify Veterans with a deployment to the Southwest Asia theater of operations; (2) the VA TBI Screening and Evaluation Program data; (3) Inpatient and Outpatient Encounter data; and (4) an extract of the VBA Corporate Database to identify Veterans filing benefit claims based on TBI. RESULTS An unduplicated total of 441 639 post-9/11 Veterans were identified in the Registry via three different pathways to entry: 369 909 Veterans through a positive TBI Screen, 253 177 Veterans receiving healthcare including a TBI diagnosis, and 108 541 Veterans filing TBI disability claims. Among Veterans reporting current TBI symptoms who completed a clinical evaluation, a diagnosis of TBI was confirmed by a TBI specialist in 68.7% of the cases. The TBI severity of confirmed cases was classified as mild in 86.6% of the cases, moderate in 8.3%, and severe in 4.1%. The TBI Registry Veterans were hospitalized 66 503 times and seen 1 521 898 times as outpatients in VHA facilities with diagnoses including TBI. Among Veterans filing TBI disability claims, 67.3% were adjudicated as service-connected. CONCLUSION The VA TBI Health Registry has identified over 440 000 Veterans of post-9/11 conflicts who presented to the VA for care or benefits with TBI symptomatology. This large number and the volume of TBI health care and benefits provided over the two decades since 9/11 demonstrate the need for the VA's strong ongoing focus on screening, evaluation, and rehabilitation of TBI. Key words:Department of Veterans Affairs, post-9/11, Registry, TBI, traumatic brain injury, VA, VBA, Veterans, Veterans Benefit Administration, Veterans Health Administration, VHA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gale Whiteneck
- Author Affiliations: Research Department, Craig Hospital (Dr Whiteneck, Mr Williams, Ms Almeida, Ms Eagye, and Dr Mellick), Englewood, Colorado; Rehabilitation and Prosthetic Services (Mr Bidelspach and Ms Picon); and Epidemiology Program, Health Outcomes of Military Exposures (Dr Culpepper), Veterans Health Administration, Washington, District of Columbia
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2
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Sakamoto MS, Hanson KL, Chanfreau-Coffinier C, Lai MHC, Román CAF, Clark AL, Marquine MJ, Delano-Wood L, Merritt VC. An Examination of Racial/Ethnic Differences on the Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory Among Veterans Completing the Comprehensive Traumatic Brain Injury Evaluation: A Veterans Affairs Million Veteran Program Study. Arch Clin Neuropsychol 2023; 38:929-943. [PMID: 36702773 PMCID: PMC10656879 DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acad005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to explore racial/ethnic differences in neurobehavioral symptom reporting and symptom validity testing among military veterans with a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI). METHOD Participants of this observational cross-sectional study (N = 9,646) were post-deployed Iraq-/Afghanistan-era veterans enrolled in the VA's Million Veteran Program with a clinician-confirmed history of TBI on the Comprehensive TBI Evaluation (CTBIE). Racial/ethnic groups included White, Black, Hispanic, Asian, Multiracial, Another Race, American Indian or Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander. Dependent variables included neurobehavioral symptom domains and symptom validity assessed via the Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory (NSI) and Validity-10, respectively. RESULTS Chi-square analyses showed significant racial/ethnic group differences for vestibular, somatic/sensory, and affective symptoms as well as for all Validity-10 cutoff scores examined (≥33, ≥27, ≥26, >22, ≥22, ≥13, and ≥7). Follow-up analyses compared all racial/ethnic groups to one another, adjusting for sociodemographic- and injury-related characteristics. These analyses revealed that the affective symptom domain and the Validity-10 cutoff of ≥13 revealed the greatest number of racial/ethnic differences. CONCLUSIONS Results showed significant racial/ethnic group differences on neurobehavioral symptom domains and symptom validity testing among veterans who completed the CTBIE. An enhanced understanding of how symptoms vary by race/ethnicity is vital so that clinical care can be appropriately tailored to the unique needs of all veterans. Results highlight the importance of establishing measurement invariance of the NSI across race/ethnicity and underscore the need for ongoing research to determine the most appropriate Validity-10 cutoff score(s) to use across racially/ethnically diverse veterans.
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Affiliation(s)
- McKenna S Sakamoto
- Research & Psychology Services, VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Karen L Hanson
- Research & Psychology Services, VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Mark H C Lai
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Alexandra L Clark
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - María J Marquine
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Lisa Delano-Wood
- Research & Psychology Services, VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VASDHS, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Victoria C Merritt
- Research & Psychology Services, VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VASDHS, San Diego, CA, USA
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3
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Marzolla MC, Wijenberg M, Stapert S, Hurks P, Schepers J, van Heugten C. Hypersensitivity to Noise and Light Over 1 Year After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Longitudinal Study on Self-Reported Hypersensitivity and Its Influence on Long-Term Anxiety, Depression, and Quality of Life. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2023; 38:259-267. [PMID: 35997762 DOI: 10.1097/htr.0000000000000813] [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: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate (1) the prevalence of self-reported sensory hypersensitivity (noise [NS] and light [LS]) over 1 year after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in adults and (2) the impact of NS and LS measured 2 weeks after injury on long-term outcomes 12 months postinjury, while controlling for postconcussion symptoms. SETTING Participants were recruited from 6 hospitals in the south of the Netherlands and were tested 4 times (2 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months postinjury), using self-report questionnaires. PARTICIPANTS In total, 186 mTBI participants (diagnosed using WHO [World Health Organization]/EFNS [European Federation of Neurological Societies] criteria at the neurology/emergency department) and 181 participants with a minor orthopedic injury in their extremities (control group). DESIGN An observational, longitudinal, multicenter cohort study. MAIN MEASURES NS and LS items (Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire) were used as main outcome variables to determine sensory hypersensitivity symptoms. Additional outcomes included anxiety, depression, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and life satisfaction. RESULTS There was an elevated prevalence of NS and LS between 2 weeks and 3 months after injury in the mTBI group compared with controls. Approximately 3% of mTBI patients had persistent hypersensitivity symptoms during the whole course of the study. At 12 months postinjury, the mTBI and control groups did not differ in the prevalence of persistent hypersensitivity symptoms. There was no evidence of a predictive value of hypersensitivity within 2 weeks postinjury on anxiety, depression, HRQoL, or life satisfaction, 12 months later after controlling for postconcussion symptoms. CONCLUSIONS These results not only confirm the presence of hypersensitivity symptoms after mTBI in the subacute stage but also provide assurance about the small size of the group that experiences persistent symptoms. Furthermore, there was no evidence that early NS and LS are uniquely associated with long-term emotional and quality-of-life outcomes, over and above general levels of postconcussion symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilien C Marzolla
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology (Ms Marzolla and Drs Stapert, Hurks, and van Heugten), Section of Teaching and Innovation of Learning (Dr Wijenberg), and Department of Methodology and Statistics (Dr Schepers), Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, and Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (Dr van Heugten), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Limburg Brain Injury Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands (Ms Marzolla and Dr van Heugten); Department of Brain Injury Rehabilitation, Adelante Rehabilitation Centre of Expertise in Rehabilitation and Audiology, Hoensbroek, the Netherlands (Dr Wijenberg); and Department of Clinical and Medical Psychology, Zuyderland Medical Centre, Sittard-Geleen, the Netherlands (Dr Stapert)
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4
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Art Therapy with Military Families: The Animal Strengths and Family Environment Directive. ARTS IN PSYCHOTHERAPY 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aip.2023.102016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
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5
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Thielen H, Tuts N, Welkenhuyzen L, Huenges Wajer IMC, Lafosse C, Gillebert CR. Sensory sensitivity after acquired brain injury: A systematic review. J Neuropsychol 2023; 17:1-31. [PMID: 35773750 DOI: 10.1111/jnp.12284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Patients with acquired brain injury frequently report experiencing sensory stimuli as abnormally under- (sensory hyposensitivity) or overwhelming (sensory hypersensitivity). Although they can negatively impact daily functioning, these symptoms are poorly understood. To provide an overview of the current evidence on atypical sensory sensitivity after acquired brain injury, we conducted a systematic literature review. The primary aim of the review was to investigate the behavioural and neural mechanisms that are associated with self-reported sensory sensitivity. Studies were included when they studied sensory sensitivity in acquired brain injury populations, and excluded when they were not written in English, consisted of non-empirical research, did not study human subjects, studied pain, related sensory sensitivity to peripheral injury or studied patients with a neurodegenerative disorder, meningitis, encephalitis or a brain tumour. The Web of Science, PubMed and Scopus databases were searched for appropriate studies. A qualitative synthesis of the results of the 81 studies that were included suggests that abnormal sensory thresholds and a reduced information processing speed are candidate behavioural mechanisms of atypical subjective sensory sensitivity after acquired brain injury. Furthermore, there was evidence for an association between subjective sensory sensitivity and structural grey or white matter abnormalities, and to functional abnormalities in sensory cortices. However, further research is needed to explore the causation of atypical sensory sensitivity. In addition, there is a need for the development of adequate diagnostic tools. This can significantly advance the quantity and quality of research on the prevalence, aetiology, prognosis and treatment of these symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hella Thielen
- Department Brain and Cognition, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nora Tuts
- Department Brain and Cognition, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lies Welkenhuyzen
- Department Brain and Cognition, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department Psychology, Hospital East-Limbourgh, Genk, Belgium.,TRACE, Centre for Translational Psychological Research, KU Leuven - Hospital East-Limbourgh, Genk, Belgium
| | - Irene M C Huenges Wajer
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Experimental Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Céline R Gillebert
- Department Brain and Cognition, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,TRACE, Centre for Translational Psychological Research, KU Leuven - Hospital East-Limbourgh, Genk, Belgium
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6
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Fink SJ, Davey DK, Sakamoto MS, Chanfreau-Coffinier C, Clark AL, Delano-Wood L, Merritt VC. Subjective cognitive and psychiatric well-being in U.S. Military Veterans screened for deployment-related traumatic brain injury: A Million Veteran Program Study. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 151:144-149. [PMID: 35483132 PMCID: PMC9406238 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.04.019] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine subjective cognitive and psychiatric functioning in post-deployed military Veterans who underwent the Veterans Health Administration's Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Screening and Evaluation Program and enrolled in the VA's Million Veteran Program (MVP). Veterans (N = 7483) were classified into three groups based on outcomes from the TBI Screening and Evaluation Program: (1) negative TBI screen ('Screen-'), (2) positive TBI screen but no TBI diagnosis ('Screen+/TBI-'), or (3) positive TBI screen and TBI diagnosis ('Screen+/TBI+'). Chi-square analyses revealed significant group differences across all self-reported cognitive and psychiatric health conditions (e.g., memory loss, depression), and ANCOVAs similarly showed a significant association between group and subjective symptom reporting. Specifically, the relationship between TBI group and clinical outcome (i.e., health conditions and symptoms) was such that the Screen+/TBI+ group fared the worst, followed by the Screen+/TBI- group, and finally the Screen- group. However, evaluation of effect sizes suggested that Veterans in the two Screen+ groups (Screen+/TBI+ and Screen+/TBI-) are faring similarly to one another on subjective cognitive and psychiatric functioning, but that both Screen+ groups are faring significantly worse than the Screen- group. Our results have meaningful clinical implications and suggest that Veterans who screen positive for TBI, regardless of ultimate TBI diagnosis, be eligible for similar clinical services so that both groups can benefit from valuable treatments and therapeutics. Finally, this research sets the stage for follow-up work to be conducted within MVP that will address the neurobiological underpinnings of cognitive and psychiatric distress in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shayna J Fink
- Veterans Medical Research Foundation, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Delaney K Davey
- Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), San Diego, CA, United States
| | - McKenna S Sakamoto
- Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), 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
| | - Alexandra L Clark
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Lisa Delano-Wood
- Research Service, 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 Service, 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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7
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Ramage AE, Ray KL, Franz HM, Tate DF, Lewis JD, Robin DA. Cingulo-Opercular and Frontoparietal Network Control of Effort and Fatigue in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 15:788091. [PMID: 35221951 PMCID: PMC8866657 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2021.788091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural substrates of fatigue in traumatic brain injury (TBI) are not well understood despite the considerable burden of fatigue on return to productivity. Fatigue is associated with diminishing performance under conditions of high cognitive demand, sense of effort, or need for motivation, all of which are associated with cognitive control brain network integrity. We hypothesize that the pathophysiology of TBI results in damage to diffuse cognitive control networks, disrupting coordination of moment-to-moment monitoring, prediction, and regulation of behavior. We investigate the cingulo-opercular (CO) and frontoparietal (FP) networks, which are engaged to sustain attention for task and maintain performance. A total of 61 individuals with mild TBI and 42 orthopedic control subjects participated in functional MRI during performance of a constant effort task requiring altering the amount of effort (25, 50, or 75% of maximum effort) utilized to manually squeeze a pneumostatic bulb across six 30-s trials. Network-based statistics assessed within-network organization and fluctuation with task manipulations by group. Results demonstrate small group differences in network organization, but considerable group differences in the evolution of task-related modulation of connectivity. The mild TBI group demonstrated elevated CO connectivity throughout the task with little variation in effort level or time on task (TOT), while CO connectivity diminished over time in controls. Several interregional CO connections were predictive of fatigue in the TBI group. In contrast, FP connectivity fluctuated with task manipulations and predicted fatigue in the controls, but connectivity fluctuations were delayed in the mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) group and did not relate to fatigue. Thus, the mTBI group's hyper-connectivity of the CO irrespective of task demands, along with hypo-connectivity and delayed peak connectivity of the FP, may allow for attainment of task goals, but also contributes to fatigue. Findings are discussed in relation to performance monitoring of prediction error that relies on internal cues from sensorimotor feedback during task performance. Delay or inability to detect and respond to prediction errors in TBI, particularly evident in bilateral insula-temporal CO connectivity, corresponds to day-to-day fatigue and fatigue during task performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy E. Ramage
- Interdisciplinary Program in Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders and Biological Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, United States
| | - Kimberly L. Ray
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Hannah M. Franz
- Interdisciplinary Program in Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders and Biological Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, United States
| | - David F. Tate
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Jeffrey D. Lewis
- Mental Health Clinic, Wright Patterson Medical Center, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, OH, United States
| | - Donald A. Robin
- Interdisciplinary Program in Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders and Biological Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, United States
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8
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McDonald SD, Walker WC, Cusack SE, Yoash-Gantz RE, Pickett TC, Cifu DX, Mid-Atlantic Mirecc Workgroup V, Tupler LA. Health symptoms after war zone deployment-related mild traumatic brain injury: contributions of mental disorders and lifetime brain injuries. Brain Inj 2021; 35:1338-1348. [PMID: 34543115 DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2021.1959058] [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: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
PRIMARY OBJECTIVE To gain a better understanding of the complex relationship between combat deployment-related mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and persistent post-concussive symptoms (PPCSs), taking into consideration a wide range of potentially mediating and confounding factors. RESEARCH DESIGN Cross-sectional. METHODS AND PROCEDURES Subjects were 613 U. S. military Veterans and Service Members who served during operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, or New Dawn (OEF/OIF/OND) and completed a structured interview of mental disorders and a battery of questionnaires. Hierarchical binary logistic regression analyses were used to test the hypotheses. MAIN OUTCOMES AND RESULTS After accounting for mental disorders, lifetime mTBIs outside of OEF/OIF/OND deployment, medical conditions, and injury/demographic characteristics, deployment-related mTBI continued to be associated with several PPCSs (headaches, sleep disturbance, and difficulty making decisions). Deployment-related mTBI was also associated with two symptoms not normally associated with mTBI (nausea/upset stomach and numbness/tingling). CONCLUSIONS After adjusting for a wide range of factors, OEF/OIF/OND deployment-related mTBI was still associated with PPCSs on average 10 years after the injury. These findings suggest that mTBI sustained during OEF/OIF/OND deployment may have enduring negative health effects. More studies are needed that prospectively and longitudinally track health and mental health outcomes after TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott D McDonald
- Mental Health Service, Hunter Holmes McGuire Va Medical Center, Richmond, VA, USA.,Department Of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.,Department Of Physical Medicine And Rehabilitation, School Of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - William C Walker
- Mental Health Service, Hunter Holmes McGuire Va Medical Center, Richmond, VA, USA.,Department Of Physical Medicine And Rehabilitation, School Of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Shannon E Cusack
- Department Of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.,Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics (Vipbg), School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Ruth E Yoash-Gantz
- Va Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness, Research, And Clinical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - David X Cifu
- Mental Health Service, Hunter Holmes McGuire Va Medical Center, Richmond, VA, USA.,Department Of Physical Medicine And Rehabilitation, School Of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | | | - Larry A Tupler
- Va Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness, Research, And Clinical Center, Durham, NC, USA.,Durham VA Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.,Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
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9
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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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10
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Nabity PS, Moore BA, Peterson AL, McGeary DD. Incidence (2008-2015) of post-traumatic headaches in United States military personnel. Brain Inj 2021; 35:436-443. [PMID: 33517790 DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2021.1878555] [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: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To conduct a descriptive transversal study to evaluate the incidence and demographic characteristics of post-traumatic headache using data from the Defense Medical Epidemiology Database.Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted of data from 2008 to 2015 based on the International Classification of Diseases codes for both acute and chronic post-traumatic headache.Results: A total of 17,010 new cases of post-traumatic headaches were diagnosed among active duty military personnel. Reported incidence rates of post-traumatic headaches in the military increased 29-fold over the timeframe analyzed. Males enlisted in the Army were more likely to be diagnosed with post-traumatic headaches than females (O/E = 0.76), other branches, and officers.Conclusion: Findings of this study indicate that there is a significant incidence of post-traumatic headaches in the U.S. military. However, the incidence rates of post-traumatic headaches in the military are much lower than what was expected considering the number of traumatic brain injuries in the United States military reported by the Department of Defense for the same period. Additional research is needed to further evaluate these differences and the impact of PTHs on military personnel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul S Nabity
- University of Texas Health Science Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
| | - Brian A Moore
- South Texas Veterans Health Care System, Psychology Service.,Kennesaw State University, Department of Psychological Science
| | - Alan L Peterson
- University of Texas Health Science Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.,South Texas Veterans Health Care System, Psychology Service.,University of Texas San Antonio, Department of Psychology
| | - Donald D McGeary
- University of Texas Health Science Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.,South Texas Veterans Health Care System, Psychology Service
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11
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Bouldin ED, Swan AA, Norman RS, Tate DF, Tumminello C, Amuan ME, Eapen BC, Wang CP, Trevino A, Pugh MJ. Health Phenotypes and Neurobehavioral Symptom Severity Among Post-9/11 Veterans With Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Chronic Effects of Neurotrauma Consortium Study. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2021; 36:10-19. [PMID: 32472834 PMCID: PMC10649312 DOI: 10.1097/htr.0000000000000574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether neurobehavioral symptoms differ between groups of veterans with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) classified by health characteristics. PARTICIPANTS A total of 71 934 post-9/11 veterans with mTBI from the Chronic Effects of Neurotrauma Consortium Epidemiology warfighter cohort. DESIGN Cross-sectional analysis of retrospective cohort. MAIN MEASURES Health phenotypes identified using latent class analysis of health and function over 5 years. Symptom severity measured using Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory; domains included vestibular, somatic, cognitive, and affective. RESULTS Veterans classified as moderately healthy had the lowest symptom burden while the polytrauma phenotype group had the highest. After accounting for sociodemographic and injury characteristics, polytrauma phenotype veterans had about 3 times the odds of reporting severe symptoms in each domain compared with moderately healthy veterans. Those veterans who were initially moderately healthy but whose health declined over time had about twice the odds of severe symptoms as consistently healthier Veterans. The strongest associations were in the affective domain. Compared with the moderately healthy group, veterans in other phenotypes were more likely to report symptoms substantially interfered with their daily lives (odds ratio range: 1.3-2.8). CONCLUSION Symptom severity and interference varied by phenotype, including between veterans with stable and declining health. Ameliorating severe symptoms, particularly in the affective domain, could improve health trajectories following mTBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin D Bouldin
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina (Dr Bouldin); Department of Psychology, University of Texas at San Antonio (Dr Swan); Speech-Language Pathology Program, School of Health Professions, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (Dr Norman); George E. Whalen VA Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (Dr Tate); Departments of Neurology (Dr Tate) and Internal Medicine (Dr Pugh), University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City; Lees-McRae College, Banner Elk, North Carolina (Ms Tumminello); VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Informatics, Decision-Enhancement, and Analytic Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (Mss Amuan and Trevino and Dr Pugh); Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, VA Greater Los Angeles Health Care System, and Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California (Dr Eapen); and Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (Dr Wang)
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12
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Merritt VC, Jurick SM, Crocker LD, Keller AV, Hoffman SN, Jak AJ. Factors associated with employment and work perception in combat-exposed veterans. Rehabil Psychol 2020; 65:279-290. [PMID: 32297778 PMCID: PMC8409174 DOI: 10.1037/rep0000323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was 2-fold: (a) to evaluate whether perception of work ability is associated with employment status in a sample of combat-exposed veterans, and (b) to determine whether the same sets of variables that are associated with employment status are also associated with perception of work ability. Research Method/Design: In this cross-sectional study, veterans (N = 83) underwent a neuropsychological assessment and completed questionnaires assessing demographic characteristics, combat-related experiences, and psychiatric and neurobehavioral/health-related symptoms. Primary outcomes of interest were employment status (unemployed vs. employed) and veterans' perception of whether their ability to work has declined due to an ongoing condition (yes vs. no). RESULTS A chi-square analysis revealed a significant relationship between perception of work ability and employment status. Additionally, psychiatric and neurobehavioral/health-related symptoms were associated with employment status and perception of work ability, whereas demographic characteristics (i.e., service-connected disability rating) and combat-related experiences (i.e., mTBI history) were only associated with perception of work ability. Objective cognitive functioning was not associated with employment status or perception of work ability. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS Although preliminary, results suggest that perception of work ability is an important factor to consider when evaluating employment-related outcomes in veterans. Moreover, results indicate that while there is some overlap among the variables associated with employment status and perception of work ability, additional variables are linked with perception of work ability. Taken together, these findings suggest that perception of one's ability to work and factors that influence it may be particularly important treatment targets in the veteran population. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah M. Jurick
- VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), San Diego, CA, USA
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VASDHS, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Laura D. Crocker
- VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), San Diego, CA, USA
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VASDHS, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Amy J. Jak
- VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), San Diego, CA, USA
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VASDHS, San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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13
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Dieter JN, Engel SD. Traumatic Brain Injury and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Comorbid Consequences of War. Neurosci Insights 2019; 14:1179069519892933. [PMID: 32363347 PMCID: PMC7176398 DOI: 10.1177/1179069519892933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Scientific literature is reviewed supporting a “consequence of war syndrome (CWS)” in Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation New Dawn soldiers. CWS constituents include chronic pain and insomnia, other physical complaints, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and neuropsychological deficits. The foundation of CWS lies with the chronic stressors inherent to deployment and the cascade of biological events mediated and maintained by hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation. Such dysregulation is modified by the individual’s specific experiences at war, difficulty reintegrating to post-deployment life, and the onset or exacerbation of the chronic and comorbid physical, emotional, and cognitive disorders. The circuit network between the prefrontal cortex (PFC), amygdala, and hippocampus is particularly sensitive to the consequences of war. The review’s specific conclusions are as follows: HPA axis dysregulation contributes to the chronic insomnia and hyperarousal seen in soldiers. There is considerable symptom overlap between PTSD and blast-related head injury, and it is difficult to determine the relative contributions of the two disorders to abnormal imaging studies. In some cases, traumatic brain injury (TBI) may directly precipitate PTSD symptoms. While not intuitive, the relationship between TBI and postconcussion syndrome appears indirect and mediated through PTSD. Blast-related or conventional head injury may have little long-term impact on neuropsychological functioning; contrarily, PTSD particularly accounts for current cognitive deficits. The psychological experience of CWS includes a “war-within” where soldiers continue to battle an internalized enemy. Successful treatment of CWS entails transdisciplinary care that addresses each of the constituent disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Ni Dieter
- Intrepid Spirit Center, Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, U.S. Army, Fort Hood, TX, USA
| | - Scot D Engel
- Intrepid Spirit Center, Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, U.S. Army, Fort Hood, TX, USA
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14
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Bigler ED, Abildskov TJ, Eggleston B, Taylor BA, Tate DF, Petrie JA, Newsome MR, Scheibel RS, Levin H, Walker WC, Goodrich‐Hunsaker N, Tustison NJ, Stone JR, Mayer AR, Duncan TD, York GE, Wilde EA. Structural neuroimaging in mild traumatic brain injury: A chronic effects of neurotrauma consortium study. Int J Methods Psychiatr Res 2019; 28:e1781. [PMID: 31608535 PMCID: PMC6877164 DOI: 10.1002/mpr.1781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The chronic effects of neurotrauma consortium (CENC) observational study is a multisite investigation designed to examine the long-term longitudinal effects of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). All participants in this initial CENC cohort had a history of deployment in Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan), Operation Iraqi Freedom (Iraq), and/or their follow-on conflicts (Operation Freedom's Sentinel). All participants undergo extensive medical, neuropsychological, and neuroimaging assessments and either meet criteria for any lifetime mTBI or not. These assessments are integrated into six CENC core studies-Biorepository, Biostatistics, Data and Study Management, Neuroimaging, and Neuropathology. METHODS The current study outlines the quantitative neuroimaging methods managed by the Neuroimaging Core using FreeSurfer automated software for image quantification. RESULTS At this writing, 319 participants from the CENC observational study have completed all baseline assessments including the imaging protocol and tertiary data quality assurance procedures. CONCLUSIONS/DISCUSSION The preliminary findings of this initial cohort are reported to describe how the Neuroimaging Core manages neuroimaging quantification for CENC studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin D. Bigler
- Psychology Department and Neuroscience CenterBrigham Young UniversityProvoUtah
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUtah
| | - Tracy J. Abildskov
- Psychology Department and Neuroscience CenterBrigham Young UniversityProvoUtah
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUtah
| | - Barry Eggleston
- Biostatistics and EpidemiologyRTI InternationalDurhamNorth Carolina
| | - Brian A. Taylor
- Biomedical EngineeringVirginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmondVirginia
| | - David F. Tate
- Missouri Institute of Mental HealthUniversity of Missouri‐St. LouisSt. LouisMissouri
| | - Jo Ann Petrie
- Psychology Department and Neuroscience CenterBrigham Young UniversityProvoUtah
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUtah
| | - Mary R. Newsome
- Michael DeBakey VA Medical Center and Baylor College of MedicineHoustonTexas
| | - Randall S. Scheibel
- Michael DeBakey VA Medical Center and Baylor College of MedicineHoustonTexas
| | - Harvey Levin
- Michael DeBakey VA Medical Center and Baylor College of MedicineHoustonTexas
| | - William C. Walker
- Biomedical EngineeringVirginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmondVirginia
| | - Naomi Goodrich‐Hunsaker
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUtah
- Department of Radiology and Medical ImagingUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginia
| | - Nicholas J. Tustison
- Department of Radiology and Medical ImagingUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginia
| | - James R. Stone
- Department of Radiology and Medical ImagingUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginia
| | - Andrew R. Mayer
- Neurology and Brain and Behavioral Health InstituteUniversity of New MexicoAlbuquerqueNew Mexico
| | - Timothy D. Duncan
- Medical Imaging and RadiologyVA Portland Health Care SystemPortlandOregon
| | - Gerry E. York
- Alaska Radiology AssociatesTBI Imaging and ResearchAnchorageAlaska
| | - Elisabeth A. Wilde
- Michael DeBakey VA Medical Center and Baylor College of MedicineHoustonTexas
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUtah
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15
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Dillahunt-Aspillaga C, Powell-Cope G. Community Reintegration, Participation, and Employment Issues in Veterans and Service Members With Traumatic Brain Injury. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2019; 99:S1-S3. [PMID: 29406019 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2017.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Revised: 04/10/2017] [Accepted: 04/15/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been called the signature injury of the post-9/11 wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and neighboring countries. Although similarities exist between veterans and service members with TBI, levels of severity and different constellations of coexisting comorbid conditions affect them differently. These conditions affect physical, cognitive, and emotional function, which in turn can complicate community reintegration (CR), or the ability to return to family, vocational, and community life. This special supplement of the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation consists of articles written by accomplished teams from multiple disciplines, including anthropology, neuropsychology, nursing, occupational therapy, psychology, and rehabilitation sciences. Each article brings a different perspective to bear on what CR means for veterans and service members from examination of predictors and perceptions of veterans and service members and others to measurement studies. Collectively, this group of articles represents current thinking about CR and lays the groundwork for testing interventions to improve CR outcomes for veterans and service members (eg, employment, living situation, family life).
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Dillahunt-Aspillaga
- Health Services Research and Development Service Center of Innovation on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, Tampa, FL; Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling Program, Department of Child and Family Studies, College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
| | - Gail Powell-Cope
- Health Services Research and Development Service Center of Innovation on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, Tampa, FL.
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16
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Wyse JJ, Pogoda TK, Mastarone GL, Gilbert T, Carlson KF. Employment and vocational rehabilitation experiences among veterans with polytrauma/traumatic brain injury history. Psychol Serv 2018; 17:65-74. [PMID: 30265073 DOI: 10.1037/ser0000283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Evidence suggests that Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans with polytrauma/traumatic brain injury (TBI) history and neurobehavioral symptoms may face difficulties returning to work, yet also encounter barriers to accessing, navigating, and engaging in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) vocational rehabilitation programs. This study utilized qualitative interviews and focus groups with veterans with documented polytrauma/TBI history to explore veterans' perceived barriers to employment and vocational rehabilitation program participation, as well as to solicit thoughts regarding interest in an evidence-based vocational rehabilitation program, the Individual Placement and Support model of Supported Employment (IPS-SE). Veterans identified physical, emotional, cognitive, and interpersonal barriers to finding and maintaining work that they described as linked with their polytrauma/TBI symptoms and sequelae. Communication and logistical issues were described as the primary barriers to vocational rehabilitation program access, while barriers to program utilization included eligibility characteristics, fear of losing financial benefits, and a military-cultural belief of self-sufficiency that made help-seeking difficult. Finally, veterans endorsed key aspects of IPS-SE, such as staff serving as translators, advocates, and navigators of the job search and maintenance process. Policy recommendations are addressed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica J Wyse
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care (CIVIC), VA Portland Health Care System
| | - Terri K Pogoda
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), VA Boston Healthcare System
| | | | - Tess Gilbert
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care (CIVIC), VA Portland Health Care System
| | - Kathleen F Carlson
- Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, and National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research (NCRAR), VA Portland Health Care System
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