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Kolaja CA, Roenfeldt K, Armenta RF, Schuyler AC, Orman JA, Stander VA, LeardMann CA. Sexual Health Problems among Service Men: The Influence of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2022; 59:413-425. [PMID: 33428452 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2020.1855622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Military operational stressors, such as combat exposure, may increase the risk of sexual health problems. This study examined factors associated with sexual health problems, and tested the mediating effect of probable posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on the association between stressors (i.e., combat deployment and sexual assault) and sexual health problems among U.S. service men. Using multivariable logistic regression (n = 16,603) and Cox proportional hazards models (n = 15,330), we estimated the risk of self-reported sexual health difficulties and sexual dysfunction medical encounters, respectively. Mediation analyses examined the effect of probable PTSD as an intermediate factor between high combat deployment and sexual assault on sexual health problems. Approximately 9% endorsed sexual health difficulties and 8% had a sexual dysfunction. Risk factors for these sexual health problems included older age, lower education level, enlisted rank, disabling injury, certain medical conditions, and higher body mass index. Probable PTSD significantly mediated the associations between high combat with sexual health problems and sexual assault with sexual dysfunction. Additionally, high combat was directly associated with sexual health difficulties. These findings indicate a relationship between these stressors and sexual health problems which suggests that treatment options should be expanded, especially to include psychogenic sexual dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire A Kolaja
- Leidos, Reston, VA, USA
- Deployment Health Research Department, Naval Health Research Center
| | - Kimberly Roenfeldt
- Leidos, Reston, VA, USA
- Deployment Health Research Department, Naval Health Research Center
| | - Richard F Armenta
- Leidos, Reston, VA, USA
- Deployment Health Research Department, Naval Health Research Center
- Department of Kinesiology, College of Education, Health, and Human Services, California State University
| | - Ashley C Schuyler
- College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, San Marcos
| | - Jean A Orman
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of Texas Health at San Antonio, Texas
| | | | - Cynthia A LeardMann
- Leidos, Reston, VA, USA
- Deployment Health Research Department, Naval Health Research Center
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Kolaja CA, Schuyler AC, Armenta RF, Orman JA, Stander VA, LeardMann CA. Sexual health difficulties among service women: the influence of posttraumatic stress disorder. J Affect Disord 2021; 292:678-686. [PMID: 34157663 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.05.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background Sexual health among service women remains understudied, yet is related to health and quality of life. This study examined if the associations between recent combat and sexual assault with sexual health difficulties were mediated by mental disorders and identified factors associated with sexual health difficulties among service women. Methods Data from two time points (2013 and 2016) of the Millennium Cohort Study, a large military cohort, were used. The outcome was self-reported sexual health difficulties. Mediation analyses examined probable posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) as intermediate variables between recent combat and sexual assault with the sexual health difficulties. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was used to examine the association of demographic, military, historical mental health, life stressors, and physical health factors with sexual health difficulties. Results Of the 6,524 service women, 13.5% endorsed experiencing sexual health difficulties. Recent combat and sexual assault were significantly associated with sexual health difficulties. Probable PTSD mediated the associations of recent combat and sexual assault with sexual health difficulties; probable MDD did not mediate these relationships. Other significant factors associated with sexual health difficulties included enlisted rank, historical mental disorders, childhood trauma, and disabling injury. Limitations Use of self-reported data, outcome not assessed using a standardized measure and future studies may benefit from examining other mediators. Conclusion Our findings that combat and sexual assault may have negative effects on service women's sexual health suggest that treatment options and insurance coverage for sexual health problems should be expanded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire A Kolaja
- Leidos, San Diego, CA, USA; Deployment Health Research Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Ashley C Schuyler
- School of Social and Behavioral Health Sciences, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Richard F Armenta
- Department of Kinesiology, College of Education, Health, and Human Services, California State University, San Marcos, CA, USA
| | - Jean A Orman
- University of Texas Health at San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Valerie A Stander
- Deployment Health Research Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Cynthia A LeardMann
- Leidos, San Diego, CA, USA; Deployment Health Research Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA, USA
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Bird ER, Piccirillo M, Garcia N, Blais R, Campbell S. Relationship Between Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Sexual Difficulties: A Systematic Review of Veterans and Military Personnel. J Sex Med 2021; 18:1398-1426. [PMID: 37057456 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with sexual difficulties but the nuances of this relationship remain elusive. Research has increased in recent years, most notably following publication of several reviews in 2015. AIM This systematic review examines the relationship between PTSD and sexual difficulties in veterans/military personnel. METHODS A systematic review was conducted using PRISMA guidelines in PsycINFO and PubMed databases for studies examining a diagnosis of PTSD or PTSD severity in relation to a range of sexual difficulties. Forty-three studies were identified that met inclusion and exclusion criteria for this review. RESULTS PTSD was associated with increased risk of experiencing at least one sexual difficulty. PTSD was most clearly associated with overall sexual function, sexual desire, sexual satisfaction, and sexual distress. Results were mixed for sexual arousal, orgasm function, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, sexual pain, and frequency of sexual activity. PTSD symptom clusters of avoidance and negative alterations in cognition/mood were most commonly associated sexual difficulties. Few studies compared results by gender and trauma type. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Clinicians should inquire about sexual health in relation to PTSD symptoms and target avoidance and negative mood symptoms by incorporating sexual exposure assignments and sexual activation exercises when appropriate. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS This systematic review synthesizes an extensive literature that has grown substantially in the past 5 years and includes studies with low to moderate risk of bias. Limitations of the existing literature include challenges differentiating between PTSD and depression, inconsistent measurement of PTSD and trauma histories, inconsistent operationalization and measurement of sexual outcomes, and largely cross-sectional study designs. CONCLUSION PTSD is linked to a range of sexual outcomes. The current literature suggests that PTSD is associated with sexual difficulties related to both the sexual response cycle (ie, sexual desire) and one's emotional relationship to sexual activity (eg, sexual distress). More research is needed to increase confidence in findings. Bird ER, Piccirillo M, Garcia N, et al. Relationship Between Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Sexual Difficulties: A Systematic Review of Veterans and Military Personnel. J Sex Med 2021;18:1398-1426.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth R Bird
- VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle Division, Seattle, WA.
| | - Marilyn Piccirillo
- VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle Division, Seattle, WA; University of Washington, Department of Psychology, Seattle, WA
| | - Natalia Garcia
- VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle Division, Seattle, WA
| | - Rebecca Blais
- Utah State University, Department of Psychology, Logan, UT
| | - Sarah Campbell
- Seattle-Denver Center of Innovation in Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Health Services Research and Development, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
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Hall NA, Everson AT, Billingsley MR, Miller MB. Moral injury, mental health and behavioural health outcomes: A systematic review of the literature. Clin Psychol Psychother 2021; 29:92-110. [PMID: 33931926 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Despite a burgeoning of research on moral injury in the past decade, existing reviews have not explored the breadth of consequences and the multitude of pathways through which moral injury and potentially morally injurious experiences (PMIEs) influence mental and behavioural health outcomes. This study aimed to identify associations between moral injury on mental and behavioural health. Literature searches of psychological and medical databases were conducted through April 2020. Eligible studies measured moral injury or PMIEs, and health outcomes (e.g., depression, substance use and suicidality). Fifty-seven publications representing 49 separate samples were included. Studies examined the impact of moral injury on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (n = 43); depression (n = 32); anxiety (n = 15); suicide (n = 15); substance use (n = 14); and 'other' health outcomes, including pain, burnout, sleep disturbance and treatment-seeking behaviours (n = 11). The majority of studies found significant positive associations between moral injury-related constructs, mental health and behavioural health outcomes; however, the majority were also cross-sectional and focused on military samples. Proposed mediators included lack of social support, negative cognitions and meaning-making. Moderators included self-compassion, pre-deployment mental health education and mindfulness. Moral injury is associated with a variety of negative health outcomes. Research is needed to determine the mechanisms by which moral injury may influence these outcomes over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole A Hall
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Adam T Everson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | | | - Mary Beth Miller
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
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Garneau-Fournier J, McBain S, Turchik JA. Factors Associated with Sexual Satisfaction among Veterans Who Have Experienced Military Sexual Trauma. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2020; 46:721-735. [PMID: 32847446 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2020.1808548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma (MST) report lower sexual satisfaction than veterans without a history of MST. The current study examined the relationship between demographic, physical health, mental health, and trauma variables and sexual satisfaction among a national sample of U.S. veterans who endorsed MST. Results demonstrated that lower sexual satisfaction was associated with uncoupled relationship status, poor physical health, and symptoms of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and sexual dysfunction among male and female veterans. Several additional factors were related to lower sexual satisfaction among female veterans. Findings highlight the importance of gender-targeted assessment, prevention, and treatment of sexual satisfaction problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade Garneau-Fournier
- Pacific Graduate School of Psychology at Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Center for Innovation to Implementation, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA, USA
| | - Sacha McBain
- Pacific Graduate School of Psychology at Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Center for Innovation to Implementation, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA, USA
- Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, North Little Rock, AR, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Jessica A Turchik
- Center for Innovation to Implementation, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA, USA
- National Center for PTSD, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA, USA
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Carmassi C, Dell'Oste V, Pedrinelli V, Barberi FM, Rossi R, Bertelloni CA, Dell'Osso L. Is Sexual Dysfunction in Young Adult Survivors to the L'Aquila Earthquake Related to Post-traumatic Stress Disorder? A Gender Perspective. J Sex Med 2020; 17:1770-1778. [PMID: 32641255 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2020.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental disorders are frequently related to sexual dysfunction (SD) but scant data are still available on trauma-related disorders, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). AIM To evaluate the relationships between SD and PTSD in 2009 L'Aquila (Italy) earthquake young adult survivors, with particular attention to gender differences. METHODS Five hundred twelve high-school senior students were assessed 21 months after exposure by the following: Trauma and Loss Spectrum-Self-Report (TALS-SR), for post-traumatic spectrum symptoms; Mood Spectrum-Self-Report (MOODS-SR) lifetime version, for mood spectrum symptoms (including SD-related symptoms). Descriptive and inferential statistics were adopted. OUTCOMES TALS-SR and MOODS-SR scores were analyzed to evaluate PTSD- and SD-related symptoms. RESULTS Around 6.5% of subjects reported SD-related symptoms with males showing higher rates than females in each symptom, with a statistically significant difference in item n = 154 (…less sexually active). Survivors with symptomatological PTSD reported rates up to 10%, with higher ratio of endorsing at least one SD-related symptom than with NO-PTSD. Significantly higher total MOODS-SR SD-related symptom scores emerged in survivors with symptomatological PTSD than in those with NO-PTSD, and a 2-way ANOVA showed a significant main effect of symptomatological PTSD and gender and gender × PTSD interaction. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS SD-related symptoms are reported among young adult survivors to earthquake exposure and the number of symptoms is related to PTSD, particularly in males, suggesting the need for accurate evaluation. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS Strengths are the large sample of young adult survivors to a massive natural disaster; the long-time frame from exposure corroborating the role of PTSD; the assessment of symptoms specifically occurring after exposure. Limitations are as follows: the lack of a specific scale for SD; the self-report instruments other than clinical interviews, that may be less accurate; the lack of information on the presence of somatic illness and other mental disorders; the lack of a control group; the young age of the sample because of the lifetime sexual experiences of the subjects, in addition to the lack of a comparison measure of sexual functioning before the earthquake. CONCLUSIONS Our results highlight relevant rates of SD-related symptoms in young adults exposed to the L'Aquila earthquake, particularly males and subjects with PTSD, suggesting SD may represent a specific male gender-related somatic complaint. Our results highlight the need for accurate investigation of SD in such population to improve clinical management and appropriate treatment. Carmassi C, Dell'Oste V, Pedrinelli V, et al. Is Sexual Dysfunction in Young Adult Survivors to the L'Aquila Earthquake Related to Post-traumatic Stress Disorder? A Gender Perspective. J Sex Med 2020;17:1770-1778.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Carmassi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Valerio Dell'Oste
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Virginia Pedrinelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Filippo Maria Barberi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Rodolfo Rossi
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Antonio Bertelloni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Liliana Dell'Osso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Letica-Crepulja M, Stevanović A, Protuđer M, Popović B, Salopek-Žiha D, Vondraček S. Predictors of Sexual Dysfunction in Veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8040432. [PMID: 30934864 PMCID: PMC6518171 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8040432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The problems in sexual functioning among patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are often overlooked, although scientific research confirms high rates of sexual dysfunctions (SD) particularly among veterans with PTSD. The main objective of this study was to systematically identify predictors of SD among veterans with PTSD. Methods: Three hundred veterans with PTSD were included in the cross-sectional study. The subjects were assessed by the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) and self-report questionnaires: PCL-5, i.e., PTSD Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) with Criterion A, International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT), and Relationship Assessment Scale (RAS). Several hierarchical multiple regressions were performed to test for the best prediction models for outcome variables of different types of SD. Results: 65% of participants received a provisional diagnosis of SD. All tested prediction models showed a good model fit. The significant individual predictors were cluster D (Trauma-Related Negative Alterations in Cognition and Mood) symptoms (for all types of SD) and in a relationship status/relationship satisfaction (all, except for premature ejaculation (PE)). Conclusions: The most salient implication of this study is the importance of sexual health assessment in veterans with PTSD. Therapeutic interventions should be focused on D symptoms and intended to improve relationship functioning with the aim to lessen the rates of SD. Psychotropic treatment with fewer adverse sexual effects is of utmost importance if pharmacotherapy is applied. Appropriate prevention, screening, and treatment of medical conditions could improve sexual functioning in veterans with PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Letica-Crepulja
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia.
- Department of Psychiatry, Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, Referral Center of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Croatia, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia.
| | - Aleksandra Stevanović
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia.
- Department of Psychiatry, Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, Referral Center of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Croatia, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia.
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health Studies, University of rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia.
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Smidt AM, Platt MG. Sexuality and trauma: Intersections between sexual orientation, sexual functioning, and sexual health and traumatic events. J Trauma Dissociation 2018; 19:399-402. [PMID: 29601289 DOI: 10.1080/15299732.2018.1451724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alec M Smidt
- a Department of Psychology , University of Oregon , Eugene , OR , USA
| | - Melissa G Platt
- b Licensed Psychologist in Independent Practice , Portland , OR , USA
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