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Evans TC, Alonso MR, Jagger-Rickels A, Rothlein D, Zuberer A, Bernstein J, Fortier CB, Fonda JR, Villalon A, Jorge R, Milberg W, McGlinchey R, DeGutis J, Esterman M. PTSD symptomatology is selectively associated with impaired sustained attention ability and dorsal attention network synchronization. Neuroimage Clin 2022; 36:103146. [PMID: 36055063 PMCID: PMC9437905 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2022.103146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptomatology is associated with dysregulated sustained attention, which produces functional impairments. Performance on sustained attention paradigms such as continuous performance tasks are influenced by both the ability to sustain attention and response strategy. However, previous studies have not dissociated PTSD-related associations with sustained attention ability and strategy, which limits characterization of neural circuitry underlying PTSD-related attentional impairments. Therefore, we characterized and replicated PTSD-related associations with sustained attention ability and response strategy in trauma-exposed Veterans, which guided characterization of PTSD-related differences in neural circuit function. In Study 1, PTSD symptoms were selectively associated with reduced sustained attention ability, but not more impulsive response strategies. In Study 2, we utilized task and resting-state fMRI to characterize neural circuitry underlying PTSD-related differences in sustained attention ability. Both PTSD symptomatology and sustained attention ability exhibited converging associations with reduced dorsal attention network (DAN) synchronization to endogeneous attentional fluctuations. Post-hoc time course analyses demonstrated that PTSD symptoms were most accurately characterized by delayed, rather than globally reduced, DAN synchronization to endogenous attentional fluctuations. Together, these findings suggest that PTSD symptomatology may selectively impair sustained attention ability by disrupting proactive engagement of attentional control circuitry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis C. Evans
- Boston Attention and Learning Lab (BALLAB), VA Boston Healthcare System, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, USA,Corresponding author at: VA Boston Healthcare System, 150 S. Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02130, USA.
| | | | - Audreyana Jagger-Rickels
- Boston Attention and Learning Lab (BALLAB), VA Boston Healthcare System, USA,National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System, USA
| | - David Rothlein
- Boston Attention and Learning Lab (BALLAB), VA Boston Healthcare System, USA,National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System, USA
| | - Agnieszka Zuberer
- Boston Attention and Learning Lab (BALLAB), VA Boston Healthcare System, USA,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Jena, Germany,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Tübingen, Germany
| | - John Bernstein
- Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders (TRACTS), VA Boston Healthcare System, USA
| | - Catherine B. Fortier
- Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders (TRACTS), VA Boston Healthcare System, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, USA,Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center (GRECC), VA Boston Healthcare System, USA
| | - Jennifer R. Fonda
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, USA,Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders (TRACTS), VA Boston Healthcare System, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, USA,Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center (GRECC), VA Boston Healthcare System, USA
| | - Audri Villalon
- Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders (TRACTS), Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA,Beth K. and Stuart C. Yudofsky Division of Neuropsychiatry, Baylor College of Medicine, USA
| | - Ricardo Jorge
- Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders (TRACTS), Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA,Beth K. and Stuart C. Yudofsky Division of Neuropsychiatry, Baylor College of Medicine, USA
| | - William Milberg
- Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders (TRACTS), VA Boston Healthcare System, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, USA,Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center (GRECC), VA Boston Healthcare System, USA
| | - Regina McGlinchey
- Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders (TRACTS), VA Boston Healthcare System, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, USA,Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center (GRECC), VA Boston Healthcare System, USA
| | - Joseph DeGutis
- Boston Attention and Learning Lab (BALLAB), VA Boston Healthcare System, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, USA,Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center (GRECC), VA Boston Healthcare System, USA
| | - Michael Esterman
- Boston Attention and Learning Lab (BALLAB), VA Boston Healthcare System, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, USA,National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System, USA,Neuroimaging Research for Veterans (NeRVe) Center, VA Boston Healthcare System, USA
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2
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Mathew AS, Lotfi S, Bennett KP, Larsen SE, Dean C, Larson CL, Lee HJ. Association between spatial working memory and Re-experiencing symptoms in PTSD. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2022; 75:101714. [PMID: 34906826 PMCID: PMC9173718 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2021.101714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Few studies have evaluated the link between working memory (WM) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Further, it is unknown whether this relationship is accounted for by other relevant variables including negative affect, emotional dysregulation, or general non-WM-related cognitive control deficits, which are associated with PTSD. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which a computerized WM task could predict PTSD symptomology incrementally beyond the contribution of other relevant variables associated with PTSD. METHODS Thirty veterans were eligible to complete emotional symptom questionnaires, a heart-rate variability measure, and computerized tasks (i.e., emotional Stroop and automated complex span tasks). A three-stage hierarchical regression was conducted with the PCL-5 total score and symptom clusters (i.e., re-experiencing, avoidance, hyperarousal, and negative cognition/mood) as the dependent variable. RESULTS Results revealed that only the re-experiencing symptom cluster was significantly predicted by executive, verbal, and visuospatial WM tasks, which explained an additional 29.7% of the variance over and above other relevant variables. Most notably, the visuospatial task was the only WM task that significantly explained PCL-5 re-experiencing symptoms. LIMITATIONS This study was based on a small sample of veterans with PTSD and causality cannot be determined with this cross-sectional study. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the results suggest that deficits in visuospatial WM are significantly associated with PTSD re-experiencing symptoms after controlling for other relevant variables. Further research should evaluate whether an intervention to improve visuospatial WM capacity can be implemented to reduce re-experiencing symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abel S Mathew
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, USA
| | - Salahadin Lotfi
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, USA; Rogers Behavioral Health, Research Center and Clinical Effectiveness Department, USA
| | | | - Sadie E Larsen
- Milwaukee VA Medical Center, USA; Medical College of Wisconsin, USA
| | - Caron Dean
- Milwaukee VA Medical Center, USA; Medical College of Wisconsin, USA
| | | | - Han-Joo Lee
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, USA.
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Pinto JV, Hunt C, O'Toole B. Advancing PTSD Diagnosis and the Treatment of Trauma in Humanitarian Emergencies via Mobile Health: Protocol for a Proof-of-Concept Non-Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2022; 11:e38223. [PMID: 35596546 PMCID: PMC9244657 DOI: 10.2196/38223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Decentralized health systems in Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) impacted by humanitarian crises lack resources and a qualified workforce to attend to the overwhelming demand for mental health care in emergencies. Innovative approaches that are safe, cost-effective, and scalable are needed to address the burden of traumatic stress brought by emergencies. High mobile phone ownership rates combined with the precision of neural, cognitive, and biometric measures of trauma and its feasible integration with Artificial Intelligence (AI) makes digital application (app) interventions a promising pathway to promote precision diagnosis and high-impact care. OBJECTIVE The aims of this study are to advance methods for the objective diagnosis and treatment of trauma in emergencies across LMICs by examining (i) neural, cognitive, and biometric markers and (ii) the efficacy of the eResilience App, a neuroscience-informed mobile health mental health app intervention, via changes in clinical symptomatology, cognitive performance, and brain activity. METHODS Trauma-exposed African refugees residing in Australia were selected for this study. A research software version of the eResilience App with advanced monitoring capabilities was designed for the trial. Participants completed the eResilience App at home during a seven-day period. Clinical, cognitive, and electrophysiological data were collected during baseline and post-test to examine biomarkers of trauma and the efficacy of the proposed digital intervention for the treatment of trauma and its potential outcomes including depression, anxiety, physical symptoms, self-harm, substance misuse, and cognitive impairment. In addition, biofeedback, wellbeing, and subjective stress data points were collected via the app during the treatment week, followed by clinical interviews at 1, 3, 6 and 12-months post-intervention. RESULTS Data collection was conducted between 2018 and 2020. A total n=100 participants exposed to war were screened, n= 75 were enrolled and assigned to a trauma-exposed control (n=38) or Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) condition (n=37), and n= 70 completed all baseline, treatment, and post-test assessments. A total n=62 of the n=70 who completed the intervention opted to enrol in the 3, 6 and 12-month follow-ups. Data collection is complete, and results are being prepared for publication. If proven efficacious, this proof-of-concept clinical trial will inform fully powered randomized clinical trials in LMICs to further develop AI-powered, app-based diagnostic and prognostic features, and determine the app's cross-cultural efficacy for the treatment of trauma in emergency settings. CONCLUSIONS This protocol provides researchers with a comprehensive background of the study rationale, a detailed guideline for replication studies interested in examining the feasibility and the efficacy of the eResilience App across varied demographics, and a robust framework for investigations of low-cost objective diagnostic markers in mental health interventions. Methodological limitations and suggestions are also provided. CLINICALTRIAL Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR): ACTRN12616001205426. Universal Trial Number (UTN): U1111-1180-0347.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janaina Videira Pinto
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, the University of Sydney, 94 Mallett St, Sydney, AU.,Sync Body-Brain Health, Currimundi, AU
| | - Caroline Hunt
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, the University of Sydney, Sydney, AU
| | - Brian O'Toole
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, the University of Sydney, 94 Mallett St, Sydney, AU
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Jurick SM, Crocker LD, Merritt VC, Sanderson-Cimino ME, Keller AV, Glassman LH, Twamley EW, Rodgers CS, Schiehser DM, Aupperle RL, Jak AJ. Independent and Synergistic Associations Between TBI Characteristics and PTSD Symptom Clusters on Cognitive Performance and Postconcussive Symptoms in Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans. J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci 2022; 33:98-108. [PMID: 33441014 DOI: 10.1176/appi.neuropsych.20050128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The investigators sought to evaluate the independent and interactive associations between mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) characteristics and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms with regard to postconcussive symptoms and cognition among treatment-seeking veterans of the U.S. conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. METHODS Sixty-seven Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who had a history of mTBI and comorbid PTSD were grouped based on injury mechanism (blast versus nonblast) and number of lifetime mTBIs (one to two versus three or more). Independent associations between mTBI characteristics and PTSD symptom clusters were evaluated with regard to cognition and postconcussive symptoms. Follow-up analyses were conducted to determine any interactive associations between TBI characteristics and PTSD symptom clusters. RESULTS Higher PTSD symptoms, particularly hyperarousal, were associated with poorer executive functioning and higher postconcussive symptoms. No direct relationships were observed between PTSD symptom clusters and memory or processing speed. The relationship between hyperarousal and processing speed was moderated by lifetime mTBIs, such that those with a history of at least three mTBIs demonstrated a negative association between hyperarousal and processing speed. Blast-related mTBI history was associated with reduced processing speed, compared with non-blast-related mTBI. However, an interaction was observed such that among those with blast-related mTBI history, higher re-experiencing symptoms were associated with poorer processing speed, whereas veterans without history of blast-related mTBI did not demonstrate an association between processing speed and re-experiencing symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Higher hyperarousal and re-experiencing symptoms were associated with reduced processing speed among veterans with repetitive and blast-related mTBI history, respectively. PTSD symptoms, specifically hyperarousal, were associated with poorer executive functioning and higher postconcussive symptoms. Limited associations were found between injury characteristics and cognition chronically following mTBI. However, these results support synergistic effects of specific PTSD symptom clusters and TBI characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Jurick
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego (Jurick, Crocker, Twamley, Schiehser, Jak); Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego (Jurick, Merritt, Glassman, Twamley, Schiehser, Jak); VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego (Jurick, Crocker, Merritt, Glassman, Twamley, Schiehser, Jak); San Diego State University/University of California San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology (Sanderson-Cimino, Keller); PsychArmor Institute, San Diego (Rodgers); and the Laureate Institute for Brain Research, University of Tulsa, Oklahoma (Aupperle)
| | - Laura D Crocker
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego (Jurick, Crocker, Twamley, Schiehser, Jak); Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego (Jurick, Merritt, Glassman, Twamley, Schiehser, Jak); VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego (Jurick, Crocker, Merritt, Glassman, Twamley, Schiehser, Jak); San Diego State University/University of California San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology (Sanderson-Cimino, Keller); PsychArmor Institute, San Diego (Rodgers); and the Laureate Institute for Brain Research, University of Tulsa, Oklahoma (Aupperle)
| | - Victoria C Merritt
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego (Jurick, Crocker, Twamley, Schiehser, Jak); Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego (Jurick, Merritt, Glassman, Twamley, Schiehser, Jak); VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego (Jurick, Crocker, Merritt, Glassman, Twamley, Schiehser, Jak); San Diego State University/University of California San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology (Sanderson-Cimino, Keller); PsychArmor Institute, San Diego (Rodgers); and the Laureate Institute for Brain Research, University of Tulsa, Oklahoma (Aupperle)
| | - Mark E Sanderson-Cimino
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego (Jurick, Crocker, Twamley, Schiehser, Jak); Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego (Jurick, Merritt, Glassman, Twamley, Schiehser, Jak); VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego (Jurick, Crocker, Merritt, Glassman, Twamley, Schiehser, Jak); San Diego State University/University of California San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology (Sanderson-Cimino, Keller); PsychArmor Institute, San Diego (Rodgers); and the Laureate Institute for Brain Research, University of Tulsa, Oklahoma (Aupperle)
| | - Amber V Keller
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego (Jurick, Crocker, Twamley, Schiehser, Jak); Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego (Jurick, Merritt, Glassman, Twamley, Schiehser, Jak); VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego (Jurick, Crocker, Merritt, Glassman, Twamley, Schiehser, Jak); San Diego State University/University of California San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology (Sanderson-Cimino, Keller); PsychArmor Institute, San Diego (Rodgers); and the Laureate Institute for Brain Research, University of Tulsa, Oklahoma (Aupperle)
| | - Lisa H Glassman
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego (Jurick, Crocker, Twamley, Schiehser, Jak); Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego (Jurick, Merritt, Glassman, Twamley, Schiehser, Jak); VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego (Jurick, Crocker, Merritt, Glassman, Twamley, Schiehser, Jak); San Diego State University/University of California San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology (Sanderson-Cimino, Keller); PsychArmor Institute, San Diego (Rodgers); and the Laureate Institute for Brain Research, University of Tulsa, Oklahoma (Aupperle)
| | - Elizabeth W Twamley
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego (Jurick, Crocker, Twamley, Schiehser, Jak); Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego (Jurick, Merritt, Glassman, Twamley, Schiehser, Jak); VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego (Jurick, Crocker, Merritt, Glassman, Twamley, Schiehser, Jak); San Diego State University/University of California San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology (Sanderson-Cimino, Keller); PsychArmor Institute, San Diego (Rodgers); and the Laureate Institute for Brain Research, University of Tulsa, Oklahoma (Aupperle)
| | - Carie S Rodgers
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego (Jurick, Crocker, Twamley, Schiehser, Jak); Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego (Jurick, Merritt, Glassman, Twamley, Schiehser, Jak); VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego (Jurick, Crocker, Merritt, Glassman, Twamley, Schiehser, Jak); San Diego State University/University of California San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology (Sanderson-Cimino, Keller); PsychArmor Institute, San Diego (Rodgers); and the Laureate Institute for Brain Research, University of Tulsa, Oklahoma (Aupperle)
| | - Dawn M Schiehser
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego (Jurick, Crocker, Twamley, Schiehser, Jak); Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego (Jurick, Merritt, Glassman, Twamley, Schiehser, Jak); VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego (Jurick, Crocker, Merritt, Glassman, Twamley, Schiehser, Jak); San Diego State University/University of California San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology (Sanderson-Cimino, Keller); PsychArmor Institute, San Diego (Rodgers); and the Laureate Institute for Brain Research, University of Tulsa, Oklahoma (Aupperle)
| | - Robin L Aupperle
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego (Jurick, Crocker, Twamley, Schiehser, Jak); Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego (Jurick, Merritt, Glassman, Twamley, Schiehser, Jak); VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego (Jurick, Crocker, Merritt, Glassman, Twamley, Schiehser, Jak); San Diego State University/University of California San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology (Sanderson-Cimino, Keller); PsychArmor Institute, San Diego (Rodgers); and the Laureate Institute for Brain Research, University of Tulsa, Oklahoma (Aupperle)
| | - Amy J Jak
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego (Jurick, Crocker, Twamley, Schiehser, Jak); Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego (Jurick, Merritt, Glassman, Twamley, Schiehser, Jak); VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego (Jurick, Crocker, Merritt, Glassman, Twamley, Schiehser, Jak); San Diego State University/University of California San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology (Sanderson-Cimino, Keller); PsychArmor Institute, San Diego (Rodgers); and the Laureate Institute for Brain Research, University of Tulsa, Oklahoma (Aupperle)
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Baskin B, Lee SJ, Skillen E, Wong K, Rau H, Hendrickson RC, Pagulayan K, Raskind MA, Peskind ER, Phillips PEM, Cook DG, Schindler AG. Repetitive Blast Exposure Increases Appetitive Motivation and Behavioral Inflexibility in Male Mice. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 15:792648. [PMID: 35002648 PMCID: PMC8727531 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.792648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Blast exposure (via detonation of high explosives) represents a major potential trauma source for Servicemembers and Veterans, often resulting in mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Executive dysfunction (e.g., alterations in memory, deficits in mental flexibility, difficulty with adaptability) is commonly reported by Veterans with a history of blast-related mTBI, leading to impaired daily functioning and decreased quality of life, but underlying mechanisms are not fully understood and have not been well studied in animal models of blast. To investigate potential underlying behavioral mechanisms contributing to deficits in executive functioning post-blast mTBI, here we examined how a history of repetitive blast exposure in male mice affects anxiety/compulsivity-like outcomes and appetitive goal-directed behavior using an established mouse model of blast mTBI. We hypothesized that repetitive blast exposure in male mice would result in anxiety/compulsivity-like outcomes and corresponding performance deficits in operant-based reward learning and behavioral flexibility paradigms. Instead, results demonstrate an increase in reward-seeking and goal-directed behavior and a congruent decrease in behavioral flexibility. We also report chronic adverse behavioral changes related to anxiety, compulsivity, and hyperarousal. In combination, these data suggest that potential deficits in executive function following blast mTBI are at least in part related to enhanced compulsivity/hyperreactivity and behavioral inflexibility and not simply due to a lack of motivation or inability to acquire task parameters, with important implications for subsequent diagnosis and treatment management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britahny Baskin
- VA Northwest Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Suhjung Janet Lee
- VA Northwest Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Emma Skillen
- VA Northwest Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Katrina Wong
- VA Northwest Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Holly Rau
- VA Northwest Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Rebecca C Hendrickson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,VA Northwest Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Kathleen Pagulayan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,VA Northwest Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Murray A Raskind
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,VA Northwest Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Elaine R Peskind
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,VA Northwest Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Paul E M Phillips
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - David G Cook
- VA Northwest Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Abigail G Schindler
- VA Northwest Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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6
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Fortenbaugh FC, Fonda JR, Fortier CB, Amick MM, Milberg WP, McGlinchey RE. The Impact of Common Psychiatric and Behavioral Comorbidities on Functional Disability Across Time and Individuals in Post-9/11 Veterans. J Trauma Stress 2020; 33:750-761. [PMID: 32339323 PMCID: PMC7731589 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2019] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Returning veterans often face multiple concurrent psychiatric and behavioral conditions that negatively impact reintegration into civilian life and are associated with functional disability. Understanding how conditions interact to negatively impact functioning is an important step toward developing holistic treatment approaches optimized for this population. This study utilized a cross-sectional and prospective longitudinal cohort design, applying regression algorithms to understand the relative contribution of common clinical issues to functional disability in U.S. veterans who served after the September 11, 2001 (9/11), terror attacks. Community-dwelling post-9/11 veterans (N = 397) completed detailed assessments, including common clinical condition diagnoses, combat experience, and demographics, which were used to predict functional disability (World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule); 205 participants were reassessed approximately 1-2 years after enrollment. Regression analyses showed a strong association between the predictor variables and functional disability, f 2 = 1.488. Validation analyses showed a high prediction ability of functional disability to independent samples, r = .719, and across time in the same individuals, r = .780. The strongest predictors included current posttraumatic stress disorder, depressive disorder, sleep disturbance, and pain diagnoses. These results demonstrate the importance of considering multiple common co-occurring conditions when assessing functional disability in post-9/11 veterans and suggest that certain syndromes contribute the most unique information to predicting functional disability with high confidence. As most U.S. veterans utilize private healthcare systems, these results have clinical utility for both Veterans Affairs and civilian healthcare practitioners in assessing and monitoring functional disability in post-9/11 veterans over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca C. Fortenbaugh
- Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders (TRACTS) and Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jennifer R. Fonda
- Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders (TRACTS) and Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Catherine B. Fortier
- Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders (TRACTS) and Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Melissa M. Amick
- Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders (TRACTS) and Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - William P. Milberg
- Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders (TRACTS) and Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Regina E. McGlinchey
- Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders (TRACTS) and Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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7
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Revealing the Invisible Emotion Work of Caregivers: A Photovoice Exploration of Informal Care Provided by Family Caregivers for Post-9/11 Veterans With Traumatic Brain Injuries. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2020; 36:25-33. [PMID: 32769827 DOI: 10.1097/htr.0000000000000589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Describe the different forms of emotion work performed by family caregivers of veterans living with a traumatic brain injury (TBI). DESIGN Collaborators were provided cameras to take photographs illustrating their experiences as family caregivers. The meaning behind caregiver photographs was solicited using photoelicitation interviews and coded. SETTING Homes of veterans or other informal settings in 2 regions of the United States served by the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System and the Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System. PARTICIPANTS Twenty-six family caregivers of post-9/11 era veterans with TBI. RESULTS Caregivers described performing different types of intangible, and largely invisible, work centered on emotion management. Emotion work primarily involved creating a new normal, keeping things calm, and suppressing their own emotional experiences to "put on a brave face." Although having derived a sense of satisfaction and identity from their role, caregivers acknowledged that emotion work was challenging and sometimes stressful. The Photovoice method allowed caregivers to express through metaphor experiences that otherwise would have been hard to articulate and share with others. CONCLUSION Findings signal a need for healthcare systems and providers to acknowledge emotion work as a potential source of stress and to provide multifaceted support for veterans and family caregivers.
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Esterman M, Fortenbaugh FC, Pierce ME, Fonda JR, DeGutis J, Milberg W, McGlinchey R. Trauma-related psychiatric and behavioral conditions are uniquely associated with sustained attention dysfunction. Neuropsychology 2019; 33:711-724. [PMID: 31144830 DOI: 10.1037/neu0000525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE It is increasingly recognized that trauma victims, particularly Veterans, have co-occurring psychological and physical conditions that impact cognition, especially the domains of sustained attention and executive functioning. Although previous work has generally attempted to isolate the unique cognitive effects of common combat-related comorbidities, less work has been done to examine how these conditions co-occur, and whether unique cognitive signatures accompany certain clinical combinations. METHOD To address this gap, we examined how several deployment-related conditions were associated with performance on a well-validated measure of sustained attention (i.e., gradual onset continuous performance task [gradCPT]) and a battery of standard neuropsychological measures in 123 Veterans from the Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders. Initially, a Principal component analysis was conducted to investigate how comorbid conditions grouped together. RESULTS Several sustained attention measures from the gradCPT were differentially associated with four unique combinations of trauma-related pathology. Specifically, a somatic component representing the combination of current pain, sleep disturbance, and mild traumatic brain injury was associated with a higher rate of failures of attentional engagement. On the other hand, a comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and mood disorder component (moodPTSD), as well as a substance use disorder component, were associated with higher rates of inhibitory control failures. Increased attentional instability was associated with moodPTSD as well as an anxiety disorder component. In contrast, the cognitive effects of deployment-related trauma were not observed on standard neuropsychological measures. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that unique combinations of trauma-related pathology have dissociable effects on sustained attentional control. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Joseph DeGutis
- Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders
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Karr JE, Rau HK, Shofer JB, Hendrickson RC, Peskind ER, Pagulayan KF. Variables associated with subjective cognitive change among Iraq and Afghanistan war Veterans with blast-related mild traumatic brain injury. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol 2019; 41:680-693. [DOI: 10.1080/13803395.2019.1611740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Justin E. Karr
- Department of Psychology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
- Veterans Affairs Northwest Network Mental Illness, Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Holly K. Rau
- Veterans Affairs Northwest Network Mental Illness, Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jane B. Shofer
- Veterans Affairs Northwest Network Mental Illness, Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Rebecca C. Hendrickson
- Veterans Affairs Northwest Network Mental Illness, Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Elaine R. Peskind
- Veterans Affairs Northwest Network Mental Illness, Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kathleen F. Pagulayan
- Veterans Affairs Northwest Network Mental Illness, Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
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10
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Yue JK, Cnossen MC, Winkler EA, Deng H, Phelps RRL, Coss NA, Sharma S, Robinson CK, Suen CG, Vassar MJ, Schnyer DM, Puccio AM, Gardner RC, Yuh EL, Mukherjee P, Valadka AB, Okonkwo DO, Lingsma HF, Manley GT. Pre-injury Comorbidities Are Associated With Functional Impairment and Post-concussive Symptoms at 3- and 6-Months After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A TRACK-TBI Study. Front Neurol 2019; 10:343. [PMID: 31024436 PMCID: PMC6465546 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Over 70% of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are classified as mild (mTBI), which present heterogeneously. Associations between pre-injury comorbidities and outcomes are not well-understood, and understanding their status as risk factors may improve mTBI management and prognostication. Methods: mTBI subjects (GCS 13-15) from TRACK-TBI Pilot completing 3- and 6-month functional [Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOSE)] and post-concussive outcomes [Acute Concussion Evaluation (ACE) physical/cognitive/sleep/emotional subdomains] were extracted. Pre-injury comorbidities >10% incidence were included in regressions for functional disability (GOSE ≤ 6) and post-concussive symptoms by subdomain. Odds ratios (OR) and mean differences (B) were reported. Significance was assessed at p < 0.0083 (Bonferroni correction). Results: In 260 subjects sustaining blunt mTBI, mean age was 44.0-years and 70.4% were male. Baseline comorbidities >10% incidence included psychiatric-30.0%, cardiac (hypertension)-23.8%, cardiac (structural/valvular/ischemic)-20.4%, gastrointestinal-15.8%, pulmonary-15.0%, and headache/migraine-11.5%. At 3- and 6-months separately, 30.8% had GOSE ≤ 6. At 3-months, psychiatric (GOSE ≤ 6: OR = 2.75, 95% CI [1.44-5.27]; ACE-physical: B = 1.06 [0.38-1.73]; ACE-cognitive: B = 0.72 [0.26-1.17]; ACE-sleep: B = 0.46 [0.17-0.75]; ACE-emotional: B = 0.64 [0.25-1.03]), headache/migraine (GOSE ≤ 6: OR = 4.10 [1.67-10.07]; ACE-sleep: B = 0.57 [0.15-1.00]; ACE-emotional: B = 0.92 [0.35-1.49]), and gastrointestinal history (ACE-physical: B = 1.25 [0.41-2.10]) were multivariable predictors of worse outcomes. At 6-months, psychiatric (GOSE ≤ 6: OR = 2.57 [1.38-4.77]; ACE-physical: B = 1.38 [0.68-2.09]; ACE-cognitive: B = 0.74 [0.28-1.20]; ACE-sleep: B = 0.51 [0.20-0.83]; ACE-emotional: B = 0.93 [0.53-1.33]), and headache/migraine history (ACE-physical: B = 1.81 [0.79-2.84]) predicted worse outcomes. Conclusions: Pre-injury psychiatric and pre-injury headache/migraine symptoms are risk factors for worse functional and post-concussive outcomes at 3- and 6-months post-mTBI. mTBI patients presenting to acute care should be evaluated for psychiatric and headache/migraine history, with lower thresholds for providing TBI education/resources, surveillance, and follow-up/referrals. Clinical Trial Registration: www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT01565551.
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Affiliation(s)
- John K. Yue
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Brain and Spinal Injury Center, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Maryse C. Cnossen
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ethan A. Winkler
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Brain and Spinal Injury Center, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Hansen Deng
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Brain and Spinal Injury Center, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Ryan R. L. Phelps
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Brain and Spinal Injury Center, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Nathan A. Coss
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Brain and Spinal Injury Center, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Sourabh Sharma
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Brain and Spinal Injury Center, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Caitlin K. Robinson
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Brain and Spinal Injury Center, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Catherine G. Suen
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Brain and Spinal Injury Center, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Mary J. Vassar
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Brain and Spinal Injury Center, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - David M. Schnyer
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas in Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Ava M. Puccio
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Raquel C. Gardner
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Neurology, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Esther L. Yuh
- Brain and Spinal Injury Center, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Pratik Mukherjee
- Brain and Spinal Injury Center, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Alex B. Valadka
- Department of Neurosurgery, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - David O. Okonkwo
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Hester F. Lingsma
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Geoffrey T. Manley
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Brain and Spinal Injury Center, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, CA, United States
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11
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Cognitive Rehabilitation With Mobile Technology and Social Support for Veterans With TBI and PTSD: A Randomized Clinical Trial. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2018; 34:1-10. [PMID: 30169439 DOI: 10.1097/htr.0000000000000435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate effects of cognitive rehabilitation with mobile technology and social support on veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PARTICIPANTS There were 112 dyads, comprised by a veteran and a family member or friend (224 participants in total). DESIGN Dyads were randomized to the following: (1) a novel intervention, Cognitive Applications for Life Management (CALM), involving goal management training plus mobile devices for cueing and training attentional control; or (2) Brain Health Training, involving psychoeducation plus mobile devices to train visual memory. MAIN MEASURES Executive dysfunction (disinhibition, impulsivity) and emotional dysregulation (anger, maladaptive interpersonal behaviors) collected prior to randomization and following intervention completion at 6 months. RESULTS The clinical trial yielded negative findings regarding executive dysfunction but positive findings on measures of emotion dysregulation. Veterans randomized to CALM reported a 25% decrease in anger over 6 months compared with 8% reduction in the control (B = -5.27, P = .008). Family/friends reported that veterans randomized to CALM engaged in 26% fewer maladaptive interpersonal behaviors (eg, aggression) over 6 months compared with 6% reduction in the control (B = -2.08, P = .016). An unanticipated result was clinically meaningful change in reduced PTSD symptoms among veterans randomized to CALM (P < .001). CONCLUSION This preliminary study demonstrated effectiveness of CALM for reducing emotional dysregulation in veterans with TBI and PTSD.
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12
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Worse baseline executive functioning is associated with dropout and poorer response to trauma-focused treatment for veterans with PTSD and comorbid traumatic brain injury. Behav Res Ther 2018; 108:68-77. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2018.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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13
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Sadeh N, Spielberg JM, Hayes JP. Impulsive responding in threat and reward contexts as a function of PTSD symptoms and trait disinhibition. J Anxiety Disord 2018; 53:76-84. [PMID: 29220694 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2017.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Revised: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We examined current posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, trait disinhibition, and affective context as contributors to impulsive and self-destructive behavior in 94 trauma-exposed Veterans. Participants completed an affective Go/No-Go task (GNG) with different emotional contexts (threat, reward, and a multidimensional threat/reward condition) and current PTSD, trait disinhibition, and risky/self-destructive behavior measures. PTSD interacted with trait disinhibition to explain recent engagement in risky/self-destructive behavior, with Veterans scoring high on trait disinhibition and current PTSD symptoms reporting the highest levels of these behaviors. On the GNG task, commission errors were also associated with the interaction of PTSD symptoms and trait disinhibition. Specifically, PTSD symptoms were associated with greater commission errors in threat vs. reward contexts for individuals who were low on trait disinhibition. In contrast, veterans high on PTSD and trait disinhibition exhibited the greatest number of commission errors in the multidimensional affective context that involved both threat and reward processing. Results highlight the interactive effects of PTSD and disinhibited personality traits, as well as threat and reward systems, as risk factors for impulsive and self-destructive behavior in trauma-exposed groups. Findings have clinical implications for understanding heterogeneity in the expression of PTSD and its association with disinhibited behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Sadeh
- University of Delaware, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Newark, DE, United States; National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, United States.
| | - Jeffrey M Spielberg
- University of Delaware, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Newark, DE, United States
| | - Jasmeet P Hayes
- National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, United States; Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
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14
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McGlinchey RE, Milberg WP, Fonda JR, Fortier CB. A methodology for assessing deployment trauma and its consequences in OEF/OIF/OND veterans: The TRACTS longitudinal prospective cohort study. Int J Methods Psychiatr Res 2017; 26:e1556. [PMID: 28211592 PMCID: PMC5561532 DOI: 10.1002/mpr.1556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2016] [Revised: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 12/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Many US veterans of Afghanistan and Iraq have multiple physical and psychiatric problems. A major focus of research has been on determining the effects of mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI), but mTBI is rarely diagnosed in the absence of co-occurring conditions such as blast exposure, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, substance abuse, etc. These potentially interactive psychological and physical conditions produce complex patterns of cognitive, psychological, and physical symptoms that impede civilian reintegration and complicate efficient and effective treatment planning. The Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders (TRACTS) has developed a multidisciplinary approach to the assessment of deployment trauma and its consequences in veterans of these wars. The prospective TRACTS longitudinal cohort study conducts state-of-the-art assessments in the domains of biomedical function, lifetime head trauma, psychological function encompassing deployment experience and lifetime exposure to traumatic events, neuropsychological function, and structural and functional neuroimaging. The TRACTS longitudinal cohort study is the first of its kind to comprehensively evaluate lifetime incidence of TBI and PTSD in these veterans, in addition to those incurred during military deployment. The protocol has begun to reveal information that will help improve understanding of the complex pathophysiology associated with co-occurring mTBI and related stress disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina E. McGlinchey
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center (GRECC) and Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders (TRACTS)VA Boston Healthcare SystemBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Department of PsychiatryHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - William P. Milberg
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center (GRECC) and Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders (TRACTS)VA Boston Healthcare SystemBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Department of PsychiatryHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Jennifer R. Fonda
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center (GRECC) and Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders (TRACTS)VA Boston Healthcare SystemBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Catherine Brawn Fortier
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center (GRECC) and Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders (TRACTS)VA Boston Healthcare SystemBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Department of PsychiatryHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
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15
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Associations Among Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms, Substance Use, and Affective Attentional Processing in OEF/OIF/OND Veterans. J Nerv Ment Dis 2017; 205:725-731. [PMID: 28661934 PMCID: PMC9040388 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000000702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The majority of research examining affective attentional bias in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has not examined the influence of co-occurring psychiatric disorders. This study examined the individual and interactive effects of PTSD symptoms and substance use disorders (SUDs) on affective attentional processing among 323 veterans deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan. Participants were divided into those with SUD (SUD+, n = 46) and those without (SUD-, n = 277). Substance use disorder was determined using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV. Posttraumatic stress disorder was measured using the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale. A computerized go/no-go task (Robbins et al., 1994, Robbins et al.,1998) assessed affective attentional processing. Relative to those without SUD, those with SUD showed a significant association between PTSD symptoms and increased omission and commission accuracy rates and decreased d prime. No effects of valence were found. Findings suggest the need to consider co-occurring SUD when investigating the effects of PTSD on attentional control.
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Lindquist LK, Love HC, Elbogen EB. Traumatic Brain Injury in Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans: New Results From a National Random Sample Study. J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci 2017; 29:254-259. [PMID: 28121256 PMCID: PMC5501743 DOI: 10.1176/appi.neuropsych.16050100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This study randomly sampled post-9/11 military veterans and reports on causes, predictors, and frequency of traumatic brain injury (TBI) (N=1,388). A total of 17.3% met criteria for TBI during military service, with about one-half reporting multiple head injuries, which were related to higher rates of posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, back pain, and suicidal ideation. The most common mechanisms of TBI included blasts (33.1%), objects hitting head (31.7%), and fall (13.5%). TBI was associated with enlisted rank, male gender, high combat exposure, and sustaining TBI prior to military service. Clinical and research efforts in veterans should consider TBI mechanism, effects of cumulative TBI, and screening for premilitary TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa K. Lindquist
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
| | - Holly C. Love
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
| | - Eric B. Elbogen
- Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA 27705,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27705
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Gender Differences in Sustained Attentional Control Relate to Gender Inequality across Countries. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0165100. [PMID: 27802294 PMCID: PMC5089545 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0165100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Sustained attentional control is critical for everyday tasks and success in school and employment. Understanding gender differences in sustained attentional control, and their potential sources, is an important goal of psychology and neuroscience and of great relevance to society. We used a large web-based sample (n = 21,484, from testmybrain.org) to examine gender differences in sustained attentional control. Our sample included participants from 41 countries, allowing us to examine how gender differences in each country relate to national indices of gender equality. We found significant gender differences in certain aspects of sustained attentional control. Using indices of gender equality, we found that overall sustained attentional control performance was lower in countries with less equality and that there were greater gender differences in performance in countries with less equality. These findings suggest that creating sociocultural conditions which value women and men equally can improve a component of sustained attention and reduce gender disparities in cognition.
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Tobón C, Aguirre-Acevedo DC, Velilla L, Duque J, Ramos CP, Pineda D. [Psychiatric, Cognitive and Emotional Profile in Ex-combatants of Illegal Armed Groups in Colombia]. REVISTA COLOMBIANA DE PSIQUIATRIA 2016; 45:28-36. [PMID: 26896402 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcp.2015.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2014] [Revised: 06/01/2015] [Accepted: 07/23/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Exposure to armed conflict produces biological adaptations oriented to handle the highly stressful conditions in war environments. The special features of The Colombian armed create a special scenario to evaluate the human behavior. OBJECTIVE In this study, psychiatric, cognitive and emotional processing characteristics of a group of Colombian armed illegal forces of ex-combatants are described. METHODS Sixty-three ex combatants and 22 controls were assessed with WAIS (IQ), INECO frontal screening (executive functions), Interpersonal Reactivity Index (empathy), emotional features recognition and MINI (psychiatric profile). RESULTS When compared to the control group, ex-combatants showed higher frequency of antisocial personality disorder (P=.031) and behavioral dissocial disorder (P=.017). In cognitive profile, the ex-combatants showed a lower score in the executive function test (Me=18.50; RQ=4.00), control (Me=23.00; RQ=5.25), with a poor personal distress in emphatic profile (Me=10.00; RQ=5.00) compared to control group (Me=37.00; RQ=7.25). CONCLUSIONS We found differences in cognitive and psychiatric profile in ex-combatants in comparison with controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Tobón
- Grupo de Neurociencias de Antioquia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia UDEA, Medellín, Colombia; Grupo de Neuropsicología y Conducta, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia UDEA, Medellín, Colombia
| | | | - Lina Velilla
- Grupo de Neurociencias de Antioquia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia UDEA, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Jon Duque
- Grupo de Neurociencias de Antioquia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia UDEA, Medellín, Colombia; Grupo de Investigación en Bioinstrumentación en Ingeniería Clínica, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de Antioquia UDEA, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Claudia Patricia Ramos
- Grupo de Neuropsicología y Conducta, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia UDEA, Medellín, Colombia
| | - David Pineda
- Grupo de Neurociencias de Antioquia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia UDEA, Medellín, Colombia; Grupo de Neuropsicología y Conducta, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia UDEA, Medellín, Colombia.
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19
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Sadeh N, Spielberg JM, Miller MW, Milberg WP, Salat DH, Amick MM, Fortier CB, McGlinchey RE. Neurobiological indicators of disinhibition in posttraumatic stress disorder. Hum Brain Mapp 2015; 36:3076-86. [PMID: 25959594 PMCID: PMC4532949 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.22829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2014] [Revised: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Deficits in impulse control are increasingly recognized in association with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To our further understanding of the neurobiology of PTSD-related disinhibition, we examined alterations in brain morphology and network connectivity associated with response inhibition failures and PTSD severity. The sample consisted of 189 trauma-exposed Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans (89% male, ages 19-62) presenting with a range of current PTSD severity. Disinhibition was measured using commission errors on a Go/No-Go (GNG) task with emotional stimuli, and PTSD was assessed using a measure of current symptom severity. Whole-brain vertex-wise analyses of cortical thickness revealed two clusters associated with PTSD-related disinhibition (Monte Carlo cluster corrected P < 0.05). The first cluster included portions of right inferior and middle frontal gyri and frontal pole. The second cluster spanned portions of left medial orbital frontal, rostral anterior cingulate, and superior frontal gyrus. In both clusters, commission errors were associated with reduced cortical thickness at higher (but not lower) levels of PTSD symptoms. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging analyses revealed alterations in the functional connectivity of the right frontal cluster. Together, study findings suggest that reductions in cortical thickness in regions involved in flexible decision-making, emotion regulation, and response inhibition contribute to impulse control deficits in PTSD. Furthermore, aberrant coupling between frontal regions and networks involved in selective attention, memory/learning, and response preparation suggest disruptions in functional connectivity may also play a role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Sadeh
- National Center for PTSD, Behavioral Science DivisionVA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of PsychiatryBoston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jeffrey M. Spielberg
- Neuroimaging Research for Veterans CenterVA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of PsychiatryBoston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mark W. Miller
- National Center for PTSD, Behavioral Science DivisionVA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of PsychiatryBoston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - William P. Milberg
- Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders and Geriatric Research, Educational and Clinical CenterVA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of PsychiatryHarvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David H. Salat
- Neuroimaging Research for Veterans CenterVA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Radiology, Martinos Center for Biomedical ImagingMassachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of RadiologyHarvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Melissa M. Amick
- Department of PsychiatryBoston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders and Geriatric Research, Educational and Clinical CenterVA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Catherine B. Fortier
- Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders and Geriatric Research, Educational and Clinical CenterVA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of PsychiatryHarvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Regina E. McGlinchey
- Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders and Geriatric Research, Educational and Clinical CenterVA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of PsychiatryHarvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Posttraumatic Psychological Symptoms are Associated with Reduced Inhibitory Control, not General Executive Dysfunction. J Int Neuropsychol Soc 2015; 21:342-52. [PMID: 26126233 DOI: 10.1017/s1355617715000235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Although there is mounting evidence that greater PTSD symptoms are associated with reduced executive functioning, it is not fully understood whether this association is more global or specific to certain executive function subdomains, such as inhibitory control. We investigated the generality of the association between PTSD symptoms and executive function by administering a broad battery of sensitive executive functioning tasks to a cohort of returning Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom Veterans with varying PTSD symptoms. Only tasks related to inhibitory control explained significant variance in PTSD symptoms as well as symptoms of depression, while measures of working memory, measures of switching, and measures simultaneously assessing multiple executive function subdomains did not. Notably, the two inhibitory control measures that showed the highest correlation with PTSD and depressive symptoms, measures of response inhibition and distractor suppression, explained independent variance. These findings suggest that greater posttraumatic psychological symptoms are not associated with a general decline in executive functioning but rather are more specifically related to stopping automatic responses and resisting internal and external distractions.
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Reward functioning in PTSD: a systematic review exploring the mechanisms underlying anhedonia. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2015; 51:189-204. [PMID: 25639225 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2015.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2014] [Revised: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 01/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating psychiatric disorder. An important diagnostic feature of PTSD is anhedonia, which may result from deficits in reward functioning. This has however never been studied systematically in PTSD. To determine if PTSD is associated with reward impairments, we conducted a systematic review of studies in which reward functioning was compared between PTSD patients and healthy control participants, or investigated in relation to PTSD symptom severity. A total of 29 studies were included, covering reward anticipation and approach ('wanting'), and hedonic responses to reward ('liking'). Overall, results were mixed, although decreased reward anticipation and approach and reduced hedonic responses were repeatedly observed in PTSD patients compared to healthy controls. Decreased reward functioning was seen more often in female than in male PTSD samples and most often in response to social positive stimuli. Though more research is needed, these findings are a first step in understanding the possible mechanisms underlying anhedonia in PTSD.
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Van Vleet TM, Chen A, Vernon A, Novakovic-Agopian T, D'Esposito MT. Tonic and phasic alertness training: a novel treatment for executive control dysfunction following mild traumatic brain injury. Neurocase 2015; 21:489-98. [PMID: 24984231 DOI: 10.1080/13554794.2014.928329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Many individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) suffer difficulty regulating fundamental aspects of attention (focus, sustained attention) and may also exhibit hypo- or hyper-states of alertness. Deficits in the state of attention may underlie or exacerbate higher order executive dysfunction. Recent studies indicate that computerized cognitive training targeting attentional control and alertness can ameliorate attention deficits evident in patients with TBI or acquired brain injury. The current study examined whether improvements in attentional state following training can also influence performance on higher-order executive function and mood in individuals with mild TBI (mTBI). The current study examined five patients with executive control deficits as a result of mTBI, with or without persistent anxiety. Three patients engaged in ~5 hours of an executive control training task targeting inhibitory control and sustained attention; two additional patients were re-tested following the same period of time. Performance on standard neuropsychological measures of attention, executive function, and mood were evaluated pre- and post-training. The results indicate that tonic and phasic alertness training may improve higher-order executive function and mood regulation in individuals with TBI.
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Karr JE, Areshenkoff CN, Duggan EC, Garcia-Barrera MA. Blast-Related Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Bayesian Random-Effects Meta-Analysis on the Cognitive Outcomes of Concussion among Military Personnel. Neuropsychol Rev 2014; 24:428-44. [DOI: 10.1007/s11065-014-9271-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2014] [Accepted: 09/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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