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Glass IV, Frankenburg FR, Zanarini MC. Longitudinal description and prediction of physical inactivity among patients with borderline personality disorder and personality-disordered comparison subjects. Borderline Personal Disord Emot Dysregul 2024; 11:11. [PMID: 38845011 PMCID: PMC11157732 DOI: 10.1186/s40479-024-00253-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The physical and psychological benefits of physical activity are well-known, and physical activity has been proven to be a helpful adjunct to psychotherapeutic treatment for many symptomatic disorders, including mood and anxiety disorders. The current study explores physical inactivity levels in patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD). The first aim of this study is to describe the 12-year course of physical inactivity in patients with BPD. The second aim is to examine predictors of physical inactivity, including adversity experiences, comorbid symptomatic (formerly axis I) disorders, medical disorders, and demographic factors. METHODS Two hundred and forty-five patients with BPD were interviewed seven times over 12-years of prospective follow-up as part of the McLean Study of Adult Development (MSAD). Patients were categorized as ever-recovered (i.e., patient had experienced a symptomatic and psychosocial recovery from BPD) or never-recovered. At each follow-up, patients reported physical activity levels (minutes of exercise per week) via a semi-structured interview- the Medical History and Services Utilization Interview (MHSUI). Data was collected from June 1992 to December 2018. RESULTS Never-recovered patients with BPD were significantly more inactive than their ever-recovered counterparts (p < 0.001). These rates of inactivity remained stable over time for both groups. Two significant multivariate predictors of inactivity were found: obesity (p = 0.003) and PTSD (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Non-recovered BPD patients are more likely to be inactive than patients who have recovered. Both clinical and medical factors appear to contribute to inactivity levels in patients with BPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel V Glass
- Laboratory for the Study of Adult Development, McLean Hospital, 115 Mill Street, Belmont, MA, 02478, USA
| | - Frances R Frankenburg
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Edith Nourse Rogers Veterans Administration Medical Center, Bedford, MA, USA
| | - Mary C Zanarini
- Laboratory for the Study of Adult Development, McLean Hospital, 115 Mill Street, Belmont, MA, 02478, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Serier KN, Zhao Z, Vogt D, Kehle-Forbes S, Smith BN, Mitchell KS. The impact of stress and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health in U.S. veterans. Stress Health 2024; 40:e3357. [PMID: 38126682 DOI: 10.1002/smi.3357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted life around the globe and negatively impacted mental health (MH), including among military veterans. Building on previous research with U.S. veterans, the present study examined the association between a broad array of pandemic stressors and well-being on MH outcomes. A total of 372 veterans (51.3% women) from all service eras completed measures of posttraumatic stress disorder and depression during early (timepoint 1 [T1]) and peri-pandemic (timepoint 2 [T2]) periods. Pandemic-related stressors and well-being (satisfaction in life domains) were assessed at the peri-pandemic timepoint (T2). Logistic regression analyses were used to investigate associations between stressors and well-being with the likelihood of a probable MH diagnosis at T2 controlling for T1 MH status. More negative physical and MH impacts of the pandemic in addition to fewer positive consequences and lower satisfaction with paid work, finances, health, romantic relationships, and social life were associated with a higher likelihood of a probable T2 MH diagnosis. COVID infection was associated with lower odds of a probable T2 MH diagnosis. There were significant indirect effects, such that physical and MH impacts of the pandemic were associated with T2 MH via well-being. Overall, these findings highlight the role of stress and well-being on MH during a global pandemic. Interventions to address well-being may be important to address veteran MH during other periods of stress. Future research should examine the generalizability of study findings and further investigate factors that contribute to veterans' MH resilience during stressful life experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey N Serier
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ziyu Zhao
- National Center for PTSD Women's Health Sciences Division, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dawne Vogt
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- National Center for PTSD Women's Health Sciences Division, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Shannon Kehle-Forbes
- Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Brian N Smith
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- National Center for PTSD Women's Health Sciences Division, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Karen S Mitchell
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- National Center for PTSD Women's Health Sciences Division, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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3
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Rehman S, Addas A, Rahman MA, Shahiman MA, Li Z. Sequential mediation analysis of physical activity, healthy diet, BMI, and academic burnout in the Pakistani educational landscape. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7737. [PMID: 38565564 PMCID: PMC10987614 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58126-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Research has indicated a negative impact of physical activity on academic burnout among students, however, there is a paucity of evidence about the underlying mechanism of this association in Pakistani students. The present research seeks to investigate the relationship between physical activity and academic burnout by investigating the potential mediating effects of adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) and body mass index (BMI). A sample of 596 students using a cross-sectional survey design was gathered from two public universities (Riphah International University and Mohammed Ali Jinnah University) in Rawalpindi, Pakistan from June to July 2022. The study participants were asked to fill out the Physical Activity Rating Scale-3, the Learning Burnout Scale, and the Test of Adherence to MD questionnaires. The study employed descriptive, bivariate, and path analysis through regression utilizing the SPSS software version 27. The findings demonstrated a negative correlation between academic burnout and BMI, physical activity, and adherence to the MD. The relationship between physical activity and academic burnout was mediated by BMI. Physical activity and academic burnout were inversely correlated, with adherence to the MD and BMI interacting as sequential mediators. The outcomes of this research have expanded our knowledge of the association between physical activity and academic burnout and have suggested crucial and appropriate strategies for addressing student academic burnout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shazia Rehman
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, National Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
- Mental Health Institute of Central South University, China National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, Hunan Technology Institute of Psychiatry, Hunan Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hunan Medical Center for Mental Health, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Abdullah Addas
- Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, 11942, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
- Landscape Architecture Department, Faculty of Architecture and Planning, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80210, 21589, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Md Anisur Rahman
- Department of Accounting, Data Analytics, Economics and Finance, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Muhammad Ali Shahiman
- Department of Urology and Renal Transplantation, Benazir Bhutto Hospital, Rawalpindi Medical University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Zexuan Li
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, National Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China.
- Mental Health Institute of Central South University, China National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, Hunan Technology Institute of Psychiatry, Hunan Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hunan Medical Center for Mental Health, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China.
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4
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Pebole MM, Singleton CR, Hall KS, Petruzzello SJ, Reginald A, Smith BN, Whitworth JW, Gobin RL. Sex-specific associations between self-reported physical activity and PTSD among survivors of sexual violence. J Behav Med 2024; 47:220-231. [PMID: 37698803 DOI: 10.1007/s10865-023-00434-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
This study examined sex-specific associations between sexual violence (SV) type and physical activity, and identified associations between PTSD symptoms and physical activity, all among cisgender men and women survivors of SV. Cross-sectional data from men (n = 197) and women (n = 356) survivors of SV were analyzed with stratified (men; women) hierarchical logistic regressions. Additionally, fully adjusted models for the total sample included interaction terms to further assess whether associations between SV type as well as PTSD symptoms (sum, clusters) and physical activity differed significantly by sex. Sexual assault was negatively associated with physical activity in the crude model among women (ORs: 0.58; p < 0.05). Harassment was positively associated with physical activity in the crude and adjusted models (ORs:1.92-2.16; ps<0.05) among women. Among men, there were no significant relationships. Regarding PTSD symptoms among women, crude and adjusted stratified models identified significant positive relationships with intrusion (ORs: 1.18-1.22; ps<0.05). Crude and adjusted models revealed significant positive relationships between avoidance and activity (ORs:1.38-1.41; ps<0.05) among men but not women. The interaction term for this difference in the association between avoidance and physical activity by sex was significant (OR: 0.65; 95%CI: 0.48-0.88; p < 0.01). Overall, findings provide evidence for sex-specific associations between SV and physical activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle M Pebole
- The Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders (TRACTS), Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, 150 S Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02130, USA.
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, 505 E Armory Ave, Champaign, IL, 61280, USA.
| | - Chelsea R Singleton
- Department of Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences, Tulane School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine, 1440 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Katherine S Hall
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Durham VA Healthcare System, 508 Fulton St, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, 2301 Erwin Road, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Steven J Petruzzello
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, 505 E Armory Ave, Champaign, IL, 61280, USA
| | - Alston Reginald
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, 505 E Armory Ave, Champaign, IL, 61280, USA
| | - Brian N Smith
- National Center for PTSD Women's Health Sciences Division, VA Boston Healthcare System, 150 S Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02130, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, 720 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - James W Whitworth
- National Center for PTSD Behavioral Science Division at VA Boston Healthcare System, 150 S Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02130, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, 720 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Robyn L Gobin
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, 505 E Armory Ave, Champaign, IL, 61280, USA
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Gnall KE, Sacco SJ, Sinnott SM, Park CL, Mazure CM, Hoff RA. Physical activity, posttraumatic stress, and gender: A longitudinal study of post-9/11 veterans. J Health Psychol 2024:13591053241233380. [PMID: 38400566 DOI: 10.1177/13591053241233380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Given the importance of physical activity (PA) for both physical and mental health, the present study characterizes post-9/11 veterans' leisure-time PA engagement over time. Further, this study examines the relationship between PA and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), as well as whether this relation differs by gender and time since military discharge. This study was a secondary analysis of a 12-month longitudinal observational investigation of 410 (39.5% female) post-9/11 veterans. Participants completed self-report questionnaires at baseline and 12 months. Over a third of post-9/11 veterans were not engaging in any weekly leisure-time PA at study baseline and PA engagement significantly decreased in the subsequent year. The longitudinal relationship between PA and PTSS depended on both gender and time since military discharge. These results underscore the importance of considering both gender and time since discharge when tailoring interventions to support leisure-time PA as a key health habit in post-9/11 veterans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Rani A Hoff
- Yale School of Medicine, USA
- Northeast Program Evaluation Center (NEPEC), USA
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Johnstad PG. Unhealthy behaviors associated with mental health disorders: a systematic comparative review of diet quality, sedentary behavior, and cannabis and tobacco use. Front Public Health 2024; 11:1268339. [PMID: 38249418 PMCID: PMC10797041 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1268339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background There are well-established literatures documenting the associations between mental disorders and unhealthy behaviors such as poor diet quality, sedentary behavior, and cannabis and tobacco use. Few studies have attempted to understand the respective findings in light of each other, however. Objective The purpose of this review was to assemble comparable data for each behavior-disorder association and assess the associations in terms of their overall strength. The review aimed to include a representative, but not exhaustive, range of studies that would allow for explorative comparisons. Methods Eligible studies were identified via Pubmed searches and citation searching, restricted to publications no older than 2015 written in English. To obtain comparable data, only studies that reported findings as odds ratios were included, and risk of bias related to study samples, behavioral measurement disparities, and control variables was assessed via sensitivity analyses. Findings for each disorder were compared on the basis of different measures of central tendency. Results From 3,682 records, 294 studies were included. The review found evidence of associations between each of the four unhealthy behaviors and psychosis, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), while personality disorder was only investigated in relation to cannabis and tobacco use. In overall comparison, the associations were generally of similar strength, and only the association between cannabis use and personality disorder was exceptional in terms of being significantly stronger than its counterparts across disorders and across behaviors. Analyses of bias risk identified some influence from behavioral measurement disparities and lack of adequate statistical control, but findings were generally robust across a range of sensitivity analyses. Conclusion This explorative and comparative review found that poor diet quality, sedentary behavior, and cannabis and tobacco use are about equally strongly associated with a range of different mental disorders. Given the general nature of these associations, we should probably understand them to reflect a general and shared etiology. However, the findings in this review should be regarded as tentative until confirmed by more comprehensive investigations.
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Pebole MM, Singleton CR, Hall KS, Petruzzello SJ, Alston R, Darroch FE, Gobin RL. Perceived Barriers and Benefits of Exercise Among Men with Histories of Sexual Violence: Impact of PTSD and Physical Activity Status. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2023; 38:11842-11869. [PMID: 37519195 DOI: 10.1177/08862605231188058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
This study reported on perceived benefits and barriers of exercise among men with histories of sexual violence (SV) and compared these perceptions by activity level and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) status. An online, cross-sectional, survey of men with histories of SV (N = 198) was completed using Amazon Mechanical Turk. Inclusion criteria were identifying sex at birth as male, age between 18 and 65 years, self-reported history of SV, and living in the United States (U.S.). A total of 1,260 men were screened for the study, of which 316 met the inclusion criteria, and 198 met all data quality requirements and were included in the study. Sociodemographic information, exercise behavior, PTSD symptoms, and perceived exercise barriers/benefits were collected. Comparisons by activity and PTSD status were analyzed. Additionally, two open-ended qualitative research questions were included to provide nuance to perceived barriers/benefits of exercise. The most salient benefits included physical performance, psychological outlook, and preventative health. Open-ended responses also noted the mental and physical benefits of exercise. The most salient barrier was physical exercise, with open-ended responses emphasizing lack of time, chronic pain and health concerns, and poor mental health and lack of motivation as impediments to exercise. Significant differences were found in benefits (psychological outlook, physical performance) and barriers (exercise environment, high time expenditure, and family discouragement) between active and insufficiently active men with histories of SV (ps < .05; Cohen's ds = 0.32-0.57). Significant differences were found by PTSD status on benefits (physical performance, social interaction, and preventative health) and barriers (exercise milieu, time expenditure, hard physical exercise, family discouragement) (ps < .05; Cohen's ds = 0.40-1.10). Findings provide new gender-specific strategies for promoting exercise among men with histories of SV: integrating exercise physiologists into trauma recovery programs, psychoeducation, engaging friends and family members, peer-support, and building self-efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle M Pebole
- Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
- University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA
| | | | - Katherine S Hall
- VA Durham Healthcare System, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Reginald Alston
- University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA
| | | | - Robyn L Gobin
- University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA
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Ulmer CS, Taylor KA, Campbell AA, Sherwood A, Wu JQ, Beckham JC, Hoerle JM, Augustine AV. Response to letter to the editor: sleep breathing at the intersection of nightmares and cardiovascular risk. Sleep 2023; 46:zsad221. [PMID: 37748436 DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsad221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Christi S Ulmer
- Durham Veterans Affairs Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation (ADAPT), Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Kenneth A Taylor
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke University School of Medicine, Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Andrew Sherwood
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jade Q Wu
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jean C Beckham
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Veterans Affairs VA Mid-Atlantic MIRECC Workgroup, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Hoerle
- Veterans Affairs VA Mid-Atlantic MIRECC Workgroup, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Ann V Augustine
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Durham Veterans Affairs (VA) Healthcare System, Durham, NC, USA
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Kibler J, Ma M, Hrzich J, Choe J. Pilot Findings Indicate a Cognitive Behavioral Healthy Lifestyle Intervention for PTSD Improves Sleep and Physical Activity. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1565. [PMID: 38002526 PMCID: PMC10669697 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13111565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Research has indicated strong associations between post-traumatic stress and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) tend to show patterns of elevated CVD risk earlier in life than the general population. The need for developing effective interventions for CVD risk reduction in PTSD is increasingly evident. The purpose of the present pilot study was to examine the effects of a healthy lifestyle intervention that addresses CVD-related heath behaviors (physical activity, sleep, stress) among civilian adults with PTSD. Participants were randomized to the healthy lifestyle intervention condition or a wait-list control. A total of 22 women completed the protocol (11 per group). The mean age was 32 (SD ± 14). Evaluations were conducted before and after the 12-week intervention program in the experimental group, and 12 weeks apart for the control group, and included standardized self-report measures of sleep, physical activity, and general stress. The healthy lifestyle group showed an increase in the amount of sleep pre to post (mean of 1.2 h per night), which was significantly different to the control group, who had no change (p < 0.05; effect size = 1.41). Notable pre to post increases in physical activity were observed between the intervention group (mean increase = 115.8 min over 7 days) and control condition (mean = 4.5 min over 7 days); however, this effect was not significant in the small sample (effect size = 0.70). These preliminary findings suggest that a healthy lifestyle intervention is feasible and can produce desired changes in target behaviors/outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Kibler
- Department of Clinical and School Psychology, College of Psychology, Nova Southeastern University, 3300 S. University Dr., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA;
| | - Mindy Ma
- Department of Clinical and School Psychology, College of Psychology, Nova Southeastern University, 3300 S. University Dr., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA;
| | - Jacquelyn Hrzich
- Psychological Dimensions, 6595 S. Dayton St., Greenwood Village, CO 80111, USA;
| | - Jessica Choe
- James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital, 13000 Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
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Pebole MM, Singleton CR, Hall KS, Petruzzello SJ, Alston RJ, Whitworth JW, Gobin RL. Impact of Military Affiliation on Exercise Perceptions Among Survivors of Sexual Violence. Mil Med 2023; 188:e2257-e2265. [PMID: 36653919 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usac431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Military service members disproportionately experience sexual violence (SV) and its related health concerns. Although recent work has shown physical activity to be an effective strategy for improving physical and mental health among trauma-exposed military populations, little of this work has focused specifically on military service members with a history of SV. To address these gaps in knowledge and practice, this study identified the most salient perceived benefits/barriers of exercise among men and women survivors of SV with military affiliations. Additionally, these analyses explore willingness to engage in exercise programs, and preferences for the structure/content of these programs, among men and women survivors of SV with military affiliations. MATERIALS AND METHODS An online, cross-sectional survey of women (n = 355) and men (n = 198) survivors of SV was completed using Amazon Mechanical Turk. Inclusion criteria were men and women, age between 18 and 65 years, self-reported history of SV, and located in the United States. Information on sociodemographics and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms was collected alongside perceived barriers and benefits to exercise, willingness to engage in exercise programs, and preferences for the structure/content of these programs. Analyses were stratified by sex. Comparisons by history of military involvement (active duty military or veteran; no military involvement/civilian) were reported. RESULTS Both military-involved men (n = 68) and women (n = 139) were more likely to prefer at-home and online exercise options when compared to civilians (Ps < .05; Cramer's Vs 0.19-0.36). Additionally, both men and women with military involvement reported strongly favoring exercising with an instructor over no instructor and preferred that this instructor identifies with their same gender (Ps < .01; Cramer's Vs 0.28-0.36). Women with military involvement also preferred shorter program durations and exercising alone or in a group online or in person, whereas men with military involvement were open to longer program durations, when compared to their civilian counterparts (Ps < .05; Cramer's Vs 0.19-0.37). Women and men with military involvement were more likely than their civilian counterparts to perceive that exercise benefits their psychological outlook and social interactions. They were also more likely than civilians to indicate poor exercise environment, high time expenditure, and family discouragement as perceived barriers to exercise (Ps < .05; Cohen's ds 0.21-0.97). Military-involved women were also more likely than civilian women to endorse the perceived barrier of hard physical exercise (P < .05; Cohen's d = 0.25). CONCLUSIONS This study identified perceived benefits and barriers to exercise, along with willingness to engage in exercise programs, and exercise preferences among men and women survivors of SV with military involvement. Targeting these factors in intervention planning will be important for physical activity promotion and program engagement among veterans to reduce the disproportionate impact of SV and disease burden among U.S. service members and veterans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle M Pebole
- The Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders (TRACTS), Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA 02130, USA
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL 61280, USA
| | - Chelsea R Singleton
- Department of Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences, Tulane School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Katherine S Hall
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Durham Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Durham, NC 27705, USA
| | - Steven J Petruzzello
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL 61280, USA
| | - Reginald J Alston
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL 61280, USA
| | - James W Whitworth
- National Center for PTSD, Behavioral Science Division, Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, 150 S Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02130, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Robyn L Gobin
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL 61280, USA
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Watkins LL, LoSavio ST, Calhoun P, Resick PA, Sherwood A, Coffman CJ, Kirby AC, Beaver TA, Dennis MF, Beckham JC. Effect of cognitive processing therapy on markers of cardiovascular risk in posttraumatic stress disorder patients: A randomized clinical trial. J Psychosom Res 2023; 170:111351. [PMID: 37178469 PMCID: PMC10283083 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2023.111351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with elevated risk of coronary heart disease (CHD); however, the effects of PTSD treatment on CHD biomarkers is unknown. This study examined whether cognitive processing therapy (CPT) improves 24-hourheart rate variability (HRV), a predictor of CHD mortality. METHODS Individuals between the ages of 40 and 65 years with PTSD (n = 112) were randomized to receive 12 sessions of CPT or a Waiting List (WL) intervention comprised of 6 weekly telephone checks of emotional status. The primary outcome variable was 24-hour HRV estimated from the standard deviation of all normal R-R intervals (SDNN); secondary outcomes were the root mean square of successive differences between heart beats (RMSSD), low-frequency HRV (LF-HRV) and high-frequency HRV (HF-HRV). Secondary outcomes also included 24-hour urinary catecholamine excretion, plasma C-reactive protein (CRP), and flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery. For outcomes, linear mixed longitudinal models were used to estimate mean differences (Mdiff). RESULTS Participants randomized to the CPT group did not show improved SDNN (Mdiff = 9.8; 95%CI, -2.7 to 22.3; p = 0.12), the primary outcome variable, but showed improved RMSSD (Mdiff = 3.8; 95% CI, 0.5 to 7.1; p = 0.02), LF- HRV (Mdiff =0.3; 95% CI, 0.1 to 0.5; p = 0.01), and HF-HRV (Mdiff = 0.3; 95% CI, 0.0 to 0.6; p = 0.03) compared to WL. There were no differences between groups in catecholamine excretion, FMD, or inflammatory markers. CONCLUSION Treating PTSD may not only improve quality of life but may also help ameliorate heightened CHD risk characteristics of PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lana L Watkins
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States of America.
| | | | - Patrick Calhoun
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States of America; Durham VA Healthcare System, Durham, NC, United States of America; VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Patricia A Resick
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Andrew Sherwood
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Cynthia J Coffman
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States of America; Durham VA Healthcare System, Durham, NC, United States of America; Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham VA Healthcare System, United States of America
| | - Angela C Kirby
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States of America; Durham VA Healthcare System, Durham, NC, United States of America; VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Tiffany A Beaver
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States of America; Durham VA Healthcare System, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Michelle F Dennis
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States of America; Durham VA Healthcare System, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Jean C Beckham
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States of America; Durham VA Healthcare System, Durham, NC, United States of America; VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Durham, NC, United States of America
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12
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Pebole MM, Singleton CR, Hall KS, Petruzzello SJ, Alston R, Gobin RL. Perceived Barriers and Benefits of Exercise Among Women Survivors of Sexual Violence by Physical Activity Level and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Status. Violence Against Women 2023:10778012231182412. [PMID: 37350105 DOI: 10.1177/10778012231182412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
An online, cross-sectional survey of women survivors of sexual violence (SV; N = 355) gathered information on perceived barriers and benefits of exercise, along with exercise level and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. This study reports exercise perceptions and provides comparisons by exercise level and PTSD status. Differences by exercise level were found in life enhancement, physical performance, psychological outlook, and social interaction (ps < 0.05; rs = -0.04-0.25). Differences were found by PTSD status in physical performance, social interaction, and preventative health and exercise milieu, time expenditure, and family discouragement (ps < 0.05; rs = -0.39-0.21). Findings provide new information relevant for promoting exercise among women survivors of SV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle M Pebole
- The Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders (TRACTS), Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Chelsea R Singleton
- Department of Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences, Tulane School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Katherine S Hall
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham NC, USA
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Durham VA Healthcare System, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Steven J Petruzzello
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Reginald Alston
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Robyn L Gobin
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
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13
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Bourassa KJ, Caspi A, Brennan GM, Hall KS, Harrington H, Houts R, Kimbrel NA, Poulton R, Ramrakha S, Taylor GA, Moffitt TE. Which Types of Stress Are Associated With Accelerated Biological Aging? Comparing Perceived Stress, Stressful Life Events, Childhood Adversity, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Psychosom Med 2023; 85:389-396. [PMID: 37053097 PMCID: PMC10239326 DOI: 10.1097/psy.0000000000001197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Stress and stressful events are associated with poorer health; however, there are multiple ways to conceptualize and measure stress and stress responses. One physiological mechanism through which stress could result in poorer health is accelerated biological aging. This study tested which types of stress were associated with accelerated biological aging in adulthood. METHODS Studying 955 participants from the Dunedin Longitudinal Study, we tested whether four types of stress assessed from ages 32 to 45 years-perceived stress, number of stressful life events, adverse childhood experiences, and posttraumatic stress disorder-were associated with accelerated biological aging. RESULTS Higher levels of all four measures of stress were significantly associated with accelerated aging in separate models. In a combined model, more perceived stress and more stressful life events remained associated with faster aging, and the stress measures explained 6.9% of the variance in aging. The magnitudes of the associations between the four measures of stress and biological aging were comparable to associations for smoking and low education, two established risk factors for accelerated aging. People with high levels of perceived stress, numerous adverse childhood experiences (4+), high stressful life event counts, or posttraumatic stress disorder were aging an additional estimated 2.4 months, 1.1 additional months, 1.4 months, and 1.4 months per year, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Assessing stress, particularly perceived stress, could help identify people at risk of accelerated aging. Intervening to treat stress or the health-relevant sequelae of stress could potentially slow the rate at which people are aging, improving their health as they age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle J. Bourassa
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Durham VA Healthcare System
| | - Avshalom Caspi
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
- Center for the Study of Population Health & Aging, Duke University Population Research Institute
- Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Duke University
| | - Grace M. Brennan
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University
- Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Duke University
| | - Katherine S. Hall
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Durham VA Healthcare System
- Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Duke University
- Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, Duke University
| | | | - Renate Houts
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University
| | - Nathan A. Kimbrel
- VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham VA Healthcare System
- VA Health Services Research and Development Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham VA Healthcare System
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine
| | - Richie Poulton
- Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Otago, New Zealand
| | - Sandhya Ramrakha
- Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Otago, New Zealand
| | - Gregory A. Taylor
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Durham VA Healthcare System
- Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Duke University
- Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, Duke University
- Department of Immunology, Duke University Medical Center
| | - Terrie E. Moffitt
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
- Center for the Study of Population Health & Aging, Duke University Population Research Institute
- Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Duke University
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Yazawa A, Shiba K, Hikichi H, Okuzono SS, Aida J, Kondo K, Sasaki S, Kawachi I. Post-Disaster Mental Health and Dietary Patterns among Older Survivors of an Earthquake and Tsunami. J Nutr Health Aging 2023; 27:124-133. [PMID: 36806867 PMCID: PMC9982700 DOI: 10.1007/s12603-023-1887-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Research suggests that cardiometabolic disease risks are elevated among survivors of natural disasters, possibly mediated by changes in diet. Using the Brief Dietary History Questionnaire, we examined (1) dietary patterns among older survivors of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, and (2) the contribution of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS)/depressive symptoms, as well as relocation to temporary housing on dietary patterns and (3) gender differences in the associations. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Data came from a prospective cohort study of 1,375 survivors aged 65-89 years (44.6% male). MEASUREMENTS PTSS/depression onset was evaluated in 2013, 2.5 years after the disaster. Dietary data was collected with a self-administered brief-type diet history questionnaire in 2020. A principal component analysis identified three posterior dietary patterns. RESULTS Diet 1 consisted of high intake of vegetables, soy products, and fruits; Diet 2 consisted of carbohydrate-rich foods and snacks/sweets; Diet 3 consisted of high intake of alcoholic beverages, meat, and seafood. Least-squares linear regression revealed that individuals with PTSS/depression were less likely to exhibit Diet 1, while individuals with PTSS were more likely to exhibit Diet 2 and 3. Especially, males who had depression showed an unhealthy dietary pattern. Those who have lived in a trailer-style temporary housing reported less consumption of Diet 3. CONCLUSION Survivors of disaster with symptoms of mental illness tended to exhibit less healthy dietary patterns after 9 years. Diet varied by type of post-disaster mental illness, gender, and current social circumstances. We lacked pre-disaster BDHQ data, which is a limitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Yazawa
- Aki Yazawa, PhD, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Ave. Boston, MA 02115, USA, Tel: +1-617-432-0235; Fax: +1-617-432-3123, E-mail: , ORCID: 0000-0002-4335-3880
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15
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Mendlowicz V, Garcia-Rosa ML, Gekker M, Wermelinger L, Berger W, Luz MPD, Pires-Dias PRT, Marques-Portela C, Figueira I, Mendlowicz MV. Post-traumatic stress disorder as a predictor for incident hypertension: a 3-year retrospective cohort study. Psychol Med 2023; 53:132-139. [PMID: 33849680 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291721001227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The goal of the present study was to investigate the association between PTSD and the onset of hypertension in previously normotensive individuals in a population living in the stressful environment of the urban slums while controlling for risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). METHODS Participants were 320 normotensive individuals who lived in slums and were attending a family doctor program. Measurements included a questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, clinical status and life habits, the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist - Civilian Version, and the Beck Depression Inventory. Incident hypertension was defined as the first occurrence at the follow-up review of the medical records of (1) systolic blood pressure of 140 mm Hg or higher or diastolic blood pressure of 90 mm Hg or higher, (2) the participant started taking antihypertensive medication, or (3) a new diagnosis of hypertension made by a physician. Differences in sociodemographic, clinical, and lifestyle characteristics between hypertensive and non-hypertensive individuals were compared using the χ2 and t tests. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS Six variables - age, educational level, body mass, smoking, diabetes, and PTSD diagnosis - showed a statistically significant (p ≤ 0.20) association with the hypertensive status. In the Cox regression, only PTSD diagnosis was significantly associated with incident hypertension (multivariate HR = 1.94; 95% CI 1.11-3.40). CONCLUSIONS The present findings highlight the importance of considering a diagnostic hypothesis of PTSD in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Luiza Garcia-Rosa
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Universidade Federal Fluminense (MEB-UFF), Niteroi, Brazil
| | - Marcio Gekker
- Institute of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (IPUB/UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - William Berger
- Institute of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (IPUB/UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mariana Pires de Luz
- Institute of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (IPUB/UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Carla Marques-Portela
- Institute of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (IPUB/UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ivan Figueira
- Institute of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (IPUB/UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mauro Vitor Mendlowicz
- Institute of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (IPUB/UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Universidade Federal Fluminense (MSM-UFF), Niteroi, Brazil
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16
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Vancampfort D, Mugisha J. Associations between compassion fatigue, burnout and secondary traumatic stress with lifestyle factors in mental health nurses: A multicenter study from Uganda. Arch Psychiatr Nurs 2022; 41:221-226. [PMID: 36428053 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnu.2022.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This cross-sectional study aimed (a) to explore levels of compassion satisfaction, secondary traumatic stress, and symptoms of burnout among Ugandan mental health nurses working in regional referral hospitals in Uganda during the Covid-19 pandemic, and (b) to investigate associations between compassion satisfaction, secondary traumatic stress, and symptoms of burnout and sedentary levels, physical activity (PA) levels, sleep quality, and harmful drinking. MATERIAL AND METHODS In total 108 mental health nurses from 8 regional referral hospitals across Uganda (age = 34.8 ± 10.0 years; 55.6 % female) completed the Professional Quality of Life Scale-5, (PQoLS-5), the Simple Physical Activity Questionnaire (SIMPAQ), Physical Activity Vital Sign (PAVS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test - Concise (AUDIT-C). Spearman Rho correlations and Mann-Whitney U tests were applied. RESULTS ProQOL-5 compassion satisfaction correlated significantly with SIMPAQ walking, PSQI and AUDIT-C, ProQOL-5 burnout with SIMPAQ exercise and PSQI and ProQOL-5 traumatic with SIMPAQ walking and PSQI. Mental health nurses meeting PA guidelines reported higher ProQOL-5 compassion satisfaction and lower ProQOL-5 burnout and traumatic stress than those who did not. Those who reported a poor sleep quality reported significantly less ProQOL-5 compassion satisfaction and higher ProQOL-5 burnout than those who did not. Those who reported harmful drinking patterns reported a significantly lower compassion satisfaction versus those who did not. DISCUSSION In mental health nurses, a lower professional quality of life is associated with an unhealthy lifestyle. The effectiveness and efficacy of resilience and self-care programs for mental health nurses focusing on unhealthy lifestyle patterns should be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davy Vancampfort
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - James Mugisha
- Department of Sociology and Social Administration, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Kyambogo University, Kampala, Uganda
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17
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Native Hawaiian wellbeing and transdiagnostic trauma symptoms: The protective role of physical activity in dissociation. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF TRAUMA & DISSOCIATION 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejtd.2022.100296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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18
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Gray KE, Hoerster KD, Spohr SA, Breland JY, Raffa SD. National Veterans Health Administration MOVE! Weight Management Program Participation During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Prev Chronic Dis 2022; 19:E11. [PMID: 35271436 PMCID: PMC8937622 DOI: 10.5888/pcd19.210303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction In response to COVID-19, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) converted appropriate outpatient visits to virtual care, including MOVE! Weight Management Program for Veterans (MOVE!) visits. Before the pandemic, most veterans participated in MOVE! in person, with several telehealth modalities available. We sought to describe national trends in MOVE! participation during the pandemic (March 2020–January 2021) overall and by modality and to compare participation to prepandemic levels. Methods We conducted a national retrospective cohort study of veterans who participated in MOVE! from January 2018 through January 2021. We examined MOVE! participation across VHA aggregated at the national level by month, including the number of visits, participants, and new participants in person and via telehealth, including telephone, clinic-to-clinic synchronous video, anywhere-to-anywhere (eg, provider home to patient home) synchronous video, and remote education and monitoring. We also determined the percentage of all MOVE! visits attributable to each modality and the monthly percentage change in participation during the pandemic compared with monthly averages in prior years. Results Before March 2020, 20% to 30% of MOVE! was delivered via telehealth, which increased to 90% by April 2020. Early in the pandemic, telephone-delivered MOVE! was the most common modality, but anywhere-to-anywhere synchronous video participation increased over time. Compared with the same months in prior years, total monthly MOVE! participation remained 20% to 40% lower at the end of 2020 and into January 2021. Conclusion The VHA MOVE! program rapidly shifted to telehealth delivery of weight management services in response to the pandemic. However, a gap remained in the number of veterans receiving these services compared with prior years, suggesting potential unmet needs for weight management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen E. Gray
- Health Services Research & Development, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle Division, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, Washington
| | - Katherine D. Hoerster
- Health Services Research & Development, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle Division, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, Washington
- Mental Health Service, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle Division, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Stephanie A. Spohr
- National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Veterans Health Administration, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Jessica Y. Breland
- Center for Innovation to Implementation, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California
| | - Susan D. Raffa
- National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Veterans Health Administration, Durham, North Carolina
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
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19
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Clouston SAP, Hall CB, Kritikos M, Bennett DA, DeKosky S, Edwards J, Finch C, Kreisl WC, Mielke M, Peskind ER, Raskind M, Richards M, Sloan RP, Spiro A, Vasdev N, Brackbill R, Farfel M, Horton M, Lowe S, Lucchini RG, Prezant D, Reibman J, Rosen R, Seil K, Zeig-Owens R, Deri Y, Diminich ED, Fausto BA, Gandy S, Sano M, Bromet EJ, Luft BJ. Cognitive impairment and World Trade Centre-related exposures. Nat Rev Neurol 2022; 18:103-116. [PMID: 34795448 PMCID: PMC8938977 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-021-00576-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
On 11 September 2001 the World Trade Center (WTC) in New York was attacked by terrorists, causing the collapse of multiple buildings including the iconic 110-story 'Twin Towers'. Thousands of people died that day from the collapse of the buildings, fires, falling from the buildings, falling debris, or other related accidents. Survivors of the attacks, those who worked in search and rescue during and after the buildings collapsed, and those working in recovery and clean-up operations were exposed to severe psychological stressors. Concurrently, these 'WTC-affected' individuals breathed and ingested a mixture of organic and particulate neurotoxins and pro-inflammogens generated as a result of the attack and building collapse. Twenty years later, researchers have documented neurocognitive and motor dysfunctions that resemble the typical features of neurodegenerative disease in some WTC responders at midlife. Cortical atrophy, which usually manifests later in life, has also been observed in this population. Evidence indicates that neurocognitive symptoms and corresponding brain atrophy are associated with both physical exposures at the WTC and chronic post-traumatic stress disorder, including regularly re-experiencing traumatic memories of the events while awake or during sleep. Despite these findings, little is understood about the long-term effects of these physical and mental exposures on the brain health of WTC-affected individuals, and the potential for neurocognitive disorders. Here, we review the existing evidence concerning neurological outcomes in WTC-affected individuals, with the aim of contextualizing this research for policymakers, researchers and clinicians and educating WTC-affected individuals and their friends and families. We conclude by providing a rationale and recommendations for monitoring the neurological health of WTC-affected individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean A P Clouston
- Program in Public Health, Department of Family, Population, and Preventive Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA.
| | - Charles B Hall
- Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Minos Kritikos
- Program in Public Health, Department of Family, Population, and Preventive Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - David A Bennett
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush Medical College, Rush University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Steven DeKosky
- Evelyn F. and William L. McKnight Brain Institute and Florida Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jerri Edwards
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Caleb Finch
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - William C Kreisl
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michelle Mielke
- Specialized Center of Research Excellence on Sex Differences, Department of Neurology, Department of Epidemiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Elaine R Peskind
- Veteran's Association VISN 20 Northwest Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Veteran's Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
- Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Murray Raskind
- Veteran's Association VISN 20 Northwest Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Veteran's Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
- Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Marcus Richards
- Medical Research Council Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing, Population Health Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Richard P Sloan
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Avron Spiro
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
- Massachusetts Veterans Epidemiology Research and Information Center (MAVERIC), Department of Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Neil Vasdev
- Azrieli Centre for Neuro-Radiochemistry, Brain Health Imaging Center, Center for Addiction and Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Robert Brackbill
- World Trade Center Health Registry, New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mark Farfel
- World Trade Center Health Registry, New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York, NY, USA
| | - Megan Horton
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sandra Lowe
- The World Trade Center Mental Health Program, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Roberto G Lucchini
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - David Prezant
- World Trade Center Health Program, Fire Department of the City of New York, Brooklyn, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Joan Reibman
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rebecca Rosen
- World Trade Center Environmental Health Center, Department of Psychiatry, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kacie Seil
- World Trade Center Health Registry, New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rachel Zeig-Owens
- World Trade Center Health Program, Fire Department of the City of New York, Brooklyn, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Yael Deri
- Department of Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Erica D Diminich
- Program in Public Health, Department of Family, Population, and Preventive Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Bernadette A Fausto
- Center for Molecular & Behavioral Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Sam Gandy
- Research and Development Service, James J. Peters Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
- Mount Sinai Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mary Sano
- Research and Development Service, James J. Peters Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
- Mount Sinai Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Evelyn J Bromet
- Department of Psychiatry, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Benjamin J Luft
- Department of Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
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Mei Z, Wu X, Zhang X, Zheng X, Li W, Fan R, Yu H, Zhang S, Gu Y, Wang X, Xia Y, Meng G, Shen J, Niu K. The occurrence and risk factors associated with post-traumatic stress disorder among discharged COVID-19 patients in Tianjin, China. Brain Behav 2022; 12:e2492. [PMID: 35064764 PMCID: PMC8865157 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious mental health condition that is triggered by a terrifying event. We aimed to investigate the occurrence and risk factors of PTSD among discharged COVID-19 patients. METHODS This study included 144 discharged COVID-19 patients. PTSD was assessed by using validated cut-offs of the impact of event scale-revised (IES-R, score ≥25). All patients completed a detailed questionnaire survey, and clinical parameters were routinely measured in the hospital. Binary logistic regression models were applied to identify factors associated with PTSD. RESULTS Of the 144 participants with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19, the occurrence of PTSD was 16.0%. In multivariable analyses, age above 40 years (adjusted OR [95% CI], 5.19 [2.17-12.32]), female sex (adjusted OR [95% CI], 7.82 [3.18-18.21]), current smoker (adjusted OR [95% CI], 6.72 [3.23-15.26]), and ≥3 involved pulmonary lobes (adjusted OR [95% CI], 5.76 [1.19-15.71]) were significantly associated with a higher risk of PTSD. Conversely, history of hypertension and serum hemoglobin levels were significantly associated with a lower risk of PTSD with adjusted ORs (95% CI) of 0.37 (0.12-0.87) and 0.91 (0.82-0.96), respectively. CONCLUSION Old age, gender (being female), current smoking, bacterial pneumonia, and ≥3 involved pulmonary lobes were associated with an increased occurrence of PTSD among discharged COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaoxian Mei
- Department of Tuberculosis, Tianjin Haihe Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Respiratory Diseases, No.890 JinGu Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Xiaohui Wu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical, Therapeutics and Diagnostics, College of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, No.22 Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Xueli Zhang
- Department of Tuberculosis, Tianjin Haihe Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Respiratory Diseases, No.890 JinGu Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Xingjie Zheng
- Department of Tuberculosis, Tianjin Haihe Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Respiratory Diseases, No.890 JinGu Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Wenxin Li
- Department of Tuberculosis, Tianjin Haihe Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Respiratory Diseases, No.890 JinGu Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Rui Fan
- Department of Tuberculosis, Tianjin Haihe Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Respiratory Diseases, No.890 JinGu Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Hongwei Yu
- Department of Tuberculosis, Tianjin Haihe Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Respiratory Diseases, No.890 JinGu Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Shunming Zhang
- Nutritional Epidemiology Institute and School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, No.22 Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Yeqing Gu
- Nutritional Epidemiology Institute and School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, No.22 Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Xuena Wang
- Nutritional Epidemiology Institute and School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, No.22 Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Yang Xia
- Nutritional Epidemiology Institute and School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, No.22 Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Ge Meng
- Nutritional Epidemiology Institute and School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, No.22 Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Jun Shen
- Department of Tuberculosis, Tianjin Haihe Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Respiratory Diseases, No.890 JinGu Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Kaijun Niu
- Nutritional Epidemiology Institute and School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, No.22 Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, China
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21
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Dille M, Nikolic A, Wahlers N, Fahlbusch P, Jacob S, Hartwig S, Lehr S, Kabra D, Klymenko O, Al-Hasani H, Kotzka J, Knebel B. Long-term adjustment of hepatic lipid metabolism after chronic stress and the role of FGF21. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2022; 1868:166286. [PMID: 34624498 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Chronic stress leads to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and metabolic disorders including fatty liver. We hypothesized that stress-induced molecular mechanisms alter energy metabolism, thereby promoting hepatic lipid accumulation even after a stress-free recovery period. In this context, we investigated fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF21) as protective for energy and glucose homeostasis. FGF21 knockout mice (B6.129S6(SJL)-Fgf21tm1.2Djm; FGF21KO) and control mice (C57BL6; WT) were subjected to chronic variable stress. Mice were examined directly after acute intervention (Cvs) and long-term after 3 months of recovery (3mCvs). In WT, Cvs reduced insulin sensitivity and hepatic lipid accumulation, whilst fatty acid uptake increased. FGF21KO mice responded to Cvs with improved glucose tolerance, insulin resistance but liver triglycerides and plasma lipids were unaltered. Hepatic gene expression was specifically altered by genotype and stress e.g. by PPARa and SREBP-1 regulated genes. The stress-induced alteration of hepatic metabolism persisted after stress recovery. In hepatocytes at 3mCvs, differential gene regulation and secreted proteins indicated a genotype specific progression of liver dysfunction. Overall, at 3mCvs FGF21 was involved in maintaining mitochondrial activity, attenuating de novo lipogenesis, increased fatty acid uptake and histone acetyltransferase activity. Glucocorticoid release and binding to the FGF21 promoter may contribute to prolonged FGF21 release and protection against hepatic lipid accumulation. In conclusion, we showed that stress favors fatty liver disease and FGF21 protected against hepatic lipid accumulation after previous chronic stress loading by i) restored physiological function, ii) modulated gene expression via DNA-modifying enzymes, and iii) maintained energy metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Dille
- Institute for Clinical Biochemistry und Pathobiochemistry, German Diabetes-Center, Leibniz Center for Diabetes Research at Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), München-Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Aleksandra Nikolic
- Institute for Clinical Biochemistry und Pathobiochemistry, German Diabetes-Center, Leibniz Center for Diabetes Research at Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), München-Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Natalie Wahlers
- Institute for Clinical Biochemistry und Pathobiochemistry, German Diabetes-Center, Leibniz Center for Diabetes Research at Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), München-Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Pia Fahlbusch
- Institute for Clinical Biochemistry und Pathobiochemistry, German Diabetes-Center, Leibniz Center for Diabetes Research at Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), München-Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Sylvia Jacob
- Institute for Clinical Biochemistry und Pathobiochemistry, German Diabetes-Center, Leibniz Center for Diabetes Research at Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), München-Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Sonja Hartwig
- Institute for Clinical Biochemistry und Pathobiochemistry, German Diabetes-Center, Leibniz Center for Diabetes Research at Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), München-Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Lehr
- Institute for Clinical Biochemistry und Pathobiochemistry, German Diabetes-Center, Leibniz Center for Diabetes Research at Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), München-Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Dhiraj Kabra
- Institute for Clinical Biochemistry und Pathobiochemistry, German Diabetes-Center, Leibniz Center for Diabetes Research at Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), München-Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Oleksiy Klymenko
- Institute for Clinical Biochemistry und Pathobiochemistry, German Diabetes-Center, Leibniz Center for Diabetes Research at Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), München-Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Hadi Al-Hasani
- Institute for Clinical Biochemistry und Pathobiochemistry, German Diabetes-Center, Leibniz Center for Diabetes Research at Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), München-Neuherberg, Germany; Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jörg Kotzka
- Institute for Clinical Biochemistry und Pathobiochemistry, German Diabetes-Center, Leibniz Center for Diabetes Research at Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), München-Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Birgit Knebel
- Institute for Clinical Biochemistry und Pathobiochemistry, German Diabetes-Center, Leibniz Center for Diabetes Research at Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), München-Neuherberg, Germany.
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22
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Özümerzifon Y, Ross A, Brinza T, Gibney G, Garber CE. Exploring a Dance/Movement Program on Mental Health and Well-Being in Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence During a Pandemic. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:887827. [PMID: 35722545 PMCID: PMC9204421 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.887827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility and benefits of a 12-session dance/movement program for intimate partner violence survivors' mental health and PTSD symptoms during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The specific purposes were fourfold: (1) To determine the feasibility of delivering a virtual dance/movement workshop program; (2) to examine the effects of the program on symptoms of PTSD and psychological distress; (3) to determine whether heart rate variability improves; and (4) to describe the individual and shared experiences of a subgroup of participants of the program. METHODS Forty-five women ages 23-48 years were randomized to a 12-session virtual creative dance/movement program or a usual care control group, and completed questionnaires about PTSD and mental health symptoms, general health, physical activity, and underwent a brief measurement of heart rate variability. A subset of the intervention group participated in a semi-structured focus group. RESULTS The results of the study showed that the female survivors of intimate partner violence who participated in the virtual workshops felt better, and they experienced improved affect and reduced tension. They found new ways to express themselves, attune to their bodies, learn new self-care habits, and build community as they engaged in the workshops. Over the course of the study, the participants' symptoms of PTSD and psychological distress lessened. There were no changes in heart rate variability. CONCLUSIONS This complex study was successfully completed during a global pandemic and resulted in improvements in some mental health symptoms and overall well-being. Given the importance of this work with intimate partner violence survivors, further work exploring dance/movement workshops for participants virtually and in-person is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Allison Ross
- Sanctuary for Families, Inc., New York, NY, United States
| | - Tessa Brinza
- Gina Gibney Dance, Inc., New York, NY, United States
| | - Gina Gibney
- Gina Gibney Dance, Inc., New York, NY, United States
| | - Carol Ewing Garber
- Department of Biobehavioral Sciences, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
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23
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Browne J, Morey MC, Beckham JC, Bosworth HB, Porter Starr KN, Bales CW, McDermott J, Sloane R, Gregg JJ, Hall KS. Diet quality and exercise in older veterans with PTSD: a pilot study. Transl Behav Med 2021; 11:2116-2122. [PMID: 34487181 PMCID: PMC8846334 DOI: 10.1093/tbm/ibab116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Older veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are at increased risk of obesity and cardiometabolic disease. Physical activity and healthy eating are two behaviors that impact health, functional independence, and disease risk in later life, yet few studies have examined the relationship between PTSD and diet quality. This secondary analysis aimed to: (a) characterize the diet quality of older veterans with PTSD in comparison to U.S. dietary guidelines and (b) explore if participation in a supervised exercise intervention spurred simultaneous changes in dietary behavior. Diet quality was assessed with the Dietary Screener Questionnaire (DSQ), which measures daily intake of fiber, calcium, added sugar, whole grain, dairy, and fruits/vegetables/legumes. The sample included 54 military veterans ≥ 60 years old with PTSD who participated in a randomized controlled pilot trial comparing 12 weeks of supervised exercise (n = 36) to wait-list usual care (n = 18). The DSQ was administered at baseline and 12 weeks. Consumption of added sugar exceeded U.S. dietary guideline recommendations and consumption of whole grains, fruits/vegetables/legumes, fiber, calcium, and dairy fell short. Participation in the supervised exercise intervention was not associated with changes in diet quality. Results revealed that the diet quality of older veterans with PTSD is poor, and while the exercise intervention improved health through exercise, it did not make veterans any more likely to adopt a more healthful diet. Interventions targeting diet, or diet + exercise, are needed to manage the increased risk of obesity and cardiometabolic disease present in older veterans with PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Browne
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, VA Durham Healthcare System, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Miriam C Morey
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, VA Durham Healthcare System, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jean C Beckham
- Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA Durham Healthcare System, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Hayden B Bosworth
- Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Health Services Research and Development Service, Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, VA Durham Healthcare System, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Kathryn N Porter Starr
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, VA Durham Healthcare System, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Connie W Bales
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, VA Durham Healthcare System, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jessica McDermott
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, VA Durham Healthcare System, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Richard Sloane
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, VA Durham Healthcare System, Durham, NC, USA
- Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jeffrey J Gregg
- Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Mental and Behavioral Health Service, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Katherine S Hall
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, VA Durham Healthcare System, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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24
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Bichler CS, Niedermeier M, Gufler A, Gálffy M, Sperner-Unterweger B, Kopp M. A case-control study on physical activity preferences, motives, and barriers in patients with psychiatric conditions. Compr Psychiatry 2021; 111:152276. [PMID: 34600310 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2021.152276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical activity in individuals diagnosed with psychiatric conditions (patients) has antidepressant and anxiolytic effects, but levels of physical activity are still low in this population. This study aimed to identify physical activity preferences, motives, and perceived barriers in patients compared to individuals without a diagnosed psychiatric condition (controls). METHODS A total of 230 patients (age = 39.5 ± 14.0 years, 80% female) with major depression (34%), anxiety disorders (38%), or post-traumatic stress disorder (28%) completed a cross-sectional online survey to assess preferences, motives, and perceived barriers to physical activity (measured by the EMI-2). This group consisted of 100 patients with a clinical diagnosis (clinical subset) and 130 with self-reported psychiatric conditions (confirmed by the PHQ-4) from online help forums (online subset). Comparisons between patients of the clinical and the online subsets were performed and are referenced whenever significant. The patients group was compared to a healthy control group matched by sex and age (n = 230, age = 39.4 ± 14.9 years, 80% female). RESULTS More patients reported insufficient physical activity levels and more daily sitting hours (measured by the IPAQ) compared to controls. Patients reported lower preference in more ambitious types of physical activity, such as hiking, cycling, and running. The commonly most preferred type of physical activity in both groups was walking and yoga. Patients had fewer motives and more perceived barriers to physical activity in comparison to the control group. Some differences in motives and perceived barriers to physical activity were also found between patients of the clinical and the online subset. CONCLUSIONS Findings of low physical activity levels in patients are consistent with the literature. Due to the patients' lack of motivation and perception of barriers, health care providers should consider offering different and individualized forms of physical activity. Easier types of physical activity, such as walking and yoga, appear to be the most feasible and provide a good starting point to overcome perceived barriers to physical activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina S Bichler
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, Fuerstenweg 176, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Martin Niedermeier
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, Fuerstenweg 176, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Andrea Gufler
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, Fuerstenweg 176, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Mátyás Gálffy
- University Hospital of Psychiatry II, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Innsbruck Medical University, Anichstraße 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Barbara Sperner-Unterweger
- University Hospital of Psychiatry II, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Innsbruck Medical University, Anichstraße 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Martin Kopp
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, Fuerstenweg 176, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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25
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Littman AJ, Bratman GN, Lehavot K, Engel CC, Fortney JC, Peterson A, Jones A, Klassen C, Brandon J, Frumkin H. Nature versus urban hiking for Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder: a pilot randomised trial conducted in the Pacific Northwest USA. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e051885. [PMID: 34556516 PMCID: PMC8461737 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-051885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate feasibility and acceptability of a group-based nature recreation intervention (nature hiking) and control condition (urban hiking) for military Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). DESIGN AND SETTING A pilot randomised controlled trial conducted in the US Pacific Northwest. PARTICIPANTS Veterans with PTSD due to any cause. INTERVENTIONS Twenty-six participants were randomised to a 12-week intervention involving either six nature hikes (n=13) or six urban hikes (n=13). PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Feasibility was assessed based on recruitment, retention and attendance. Questionnaires and postintervention qualitative interviews were conducted to explore intervention acceptability. Questionnaires assessing acceptability and outcomes planned for the future trial (eg, PTSD symptoms) were collected at baseline, 6 weeks, 12 weeks (immediately after the final hike) and 24 weeks follow-up. RESULTS Of 415 people assessed for eligibility/interest, 97 were interested and passed preliminary eligibility screening, and 26 were randomised. Mean completion of all questionnaires was 91% among those in the nature hiking group and 68% in those in the urban hiking group. Over the course of the intervention, participants in the nature and urban groups attended an average of 56% and 58%, respectively, of scheduled hikes. Acceptability of both urban and nature hikes was high; over 70% reported a positive rating (ie, good/excellent) for the study communication, as well as hike locations, distance and pace. Median PTSD symptom scores (PTSD Checklist-5) improved more at 12 weeks and 24 weeks among those in the nature versus urban hiking group. CONCLUSIONS This pilot study largely confirmed the feasibility and acceptability of nature hiking as a potential treatment for Veterans with PTSD. Adaptations will be needed to improve recruitment and increase hike attendance for a future randomised controlled trial to effectively test and isolate the ways in which nature contact, physical activity and social support conferred by the group impact outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03997344.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyson J Littman
- Seattle-Denver Center of Innovation, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Seattle Epidemiologic Research and Information Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Gregory N Bratman
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Keren Lehavot
- Seattle-Denver Center of Innovation, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Health Systems and Population Health, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Charles C Engel
- Seattle-Denver Center of Innovation, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - John C Fortney
- Seattle-Denver Center of Innovation, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Alexander Peterson
- Seattle Epidemiologic Research and Information Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Alex Jones
- Outdoors for All, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Carolyn Klassen
- Seattle-Denver Center of Innovation, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
- Seattle Epidemiologic Research and Information Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Howard Frumkin
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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26
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Nilsson H, Gustavsson C, Gottvall M, Saboonchi F. Physical activity, post-traumatic stress disorder, and exposure to torture among asylum seekers in Sweden: a cross-sectional study. BMC Psychiatry 2021; 21:452. [PMID: 34530806 PMCID: PMC8444359 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-021-03461-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Forced migrant populations have high rates of trauma-related ill health, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Physical activity (PA) is well-established as an effective stress reliever, while insufficient PA is associated with adverse effects on both mental and physical health. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of different levels of PA and its association with PTSD symptom severity, controlled for exposure to torture, among asylum seekers in Sweden. METHODS A cross-sectional survey study, with data from 455 asylum seekers, originating from Afghanistan, Eritrea, Iraq, Somalia, and Syria, residing at large housing facilities across Sweden. Level of PA was assessed by the Exercise Vital Sign and categorized as; Inactive, Insufficient PA, and Sufficient PA. Prevalence estimates for proportions of different levels of PA were calculated. Analysis of variance were conducted to determine the association between levels of PA and PTSD symptom severity, measured by the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the contribution of PA on PTSD beyond sex, age, and exposure to torture. RESULTS About half of the participants (53.3, 95% CI: 48.6-58.1) met the recommendations for Sufficient PA. One third of the participants (33.3, 95% CI: 28.7-37.8) were insufficiently engaged in PA, and 13.4% (95% CI: 10.1-16.7) were inactive. There was a significant difference in PTSD symptom severity between groups of asylum seekers with different levels of PA (F(2, 316) = 23.15, p < .001). When controlling for sex, age, and exposure to torture, Sufficient PA was found to be associated with less PTSD symptom severity compared to both Insufficient PA (B = 0.297, SE = 0.086, p < .001) and Inactive (B = 0.789, SE = 0.104, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS Insufficient PA was common among the asylum seekers and our findings suggest that more PA is highly associated with lower PTSD symptom severity. An increased focus on assessment and promotion of PA is justified and discussed as particularly pertinent considering the much extended time of asylum-seeking processes. The results support previous evidence of PA as a potentially important factor in the context of PTSD and forced migrants' health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrik Nilsson
- Department of Health Sciences, The Swedish Red Cross University College, PO Box 1059, SE-141 21 Huddinge, Sweden
- Division of Insurance Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
- The Swedish Red Cross Treatment Center for Persons Affected by War and Torture, PO Box 166, SE-201 21 Malmö, Sweden
| | - Catharina Gustavsson
- Department of Health Sciences, The Swedish Red Cross University College, PO Box 1059, SE-141 21 Huddinge, Sweden
- Center for Clinical Research Dalarna, Uppsala University, Nissers väg 3, SE-791 82 Falun, Sweden
| | - Maria Gottvall
- Department of Health Sciences, The Swedish Red Cross University College, PO Box 1059, SE-141 21 Huddinge, Sweden
- Clinical Psychology in Health Care, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Uppsala University, SE-751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Saboonchi
- Department of Health Sciences, The Swedish Red Cross University College, PO Box 1059, SE-141 21 Huddinge, Sweden
- Division of Insurance Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
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27
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Hoerster KD, Tanksley L, Sulayman N, Bondzie J, Brier M, Damschroder L, Coggeshall S, Houseknecht D, Hunter-Merrill R, Monty G, Saelens BE, Sayre G, Simpson T, Wong E, Nelson K. Testing a tailored weight management program for veterans with PTSD: The MOVE! + UP randomized controlled trial. Contemp Clin Trials 2021; 107:106487. [PMID: 34144246 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2021.106487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), prevalent among Veterans, increases risk for having a high Body Mass Index. Although the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) offers an evidence-based behavioral weight management program called MOVE!, participants with PTSD lose less weight than those without mental health conditions, despite comparable participation. PTSD symptoms can interfere with one's ability to be physically active and maintain a healthy diet, the key targets in weight management programs. We developed and piloted a behavioral weight management program called MOVE! + UP that targets PTSD-related weight loss barriers. MOVE! + UP includes 16 group sessions with training in evidence-based weight management strategies, coupled with Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) skills to address PTSD-specific barriers. The 16 sessions also include 30-min community walks to address PTSD-related barriers that may impede exercise. Two individual dietician sessions are provided. This hybrid type 1 randomized controlled trial (RCT) will compare MOVE! + UP to standard care-MOVE!-among 164 Veterans with BMI ≥ 25 who are receiving care for PTSD. We will randomize participants to MOVE! + UP or standard care and will compare absolute post-baseline change in weight at 6 (primary outcome) and 12 (secondary outcome) months, and PTSD symptom severity at 6 and 12 months (secondary outcome). Exploratory analyses will compare the treatment conditions on treatment targets measured at 6 months (e.g., physical activity, eating behavior, social support). Finally, we will estimate intervention costs, and identify MOVE! + UP implementation barriers and facilitators. If effective, MOVE! + UP could be an efficient way to simultaneously address physical and mental health for Veterans with PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine D Hoerster
- VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle Division, Mental Health Service; 1660 South Columbian Way (S-116), Seattle, WA 98108, United States; VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle Division, Health Services Research and Development, 1660 South Columbian Way (S-152), Seattle, WA 98108, United States; University of Washington, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, 100 NE 45(th) Street, Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98105; United States.
| | - Lamont Tanksley
- VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle Division, Mental Health Service; 1660 South Columbian Way (S-116), Seattle, WA 98108, United States.
| | - Nadiyah Sulayman
- VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle Division, Health Services Research and Development, 1660 South Columbian Way (S-152), Seattle, WA 98108, United States.
| | - Juliana Bondzie
- VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle Division, Health Services Research and Development, 1660 South Columbian Way (S-152), Seattle, WA 98108, United States.
| | - Moriah Brier
- VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, Anesthesiology Service, 1660 South Columbian Way, Seattle, WA 98108, United States.
| | - Laura Damschroder
- VA Ann Arbor Center for Clinical Management Research, 2800 Plymouth Rd. NCRC Bldg 16 (152), Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA.
| | - Scott Coggeshall
- VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle Division, Health Services Research and Development, 1660 South Columbian Way (S-152), Seattle, WA 98108, United States.
| | - Dakota Houseknecht
- VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle Division, Health Services Research and Development, 1660 South Columbian Way (S-152), Seattle, WA 98108, United States.
| | - Rachel Hunter-Merrill
- VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle Division, Health Services Research and Development, 1660 South Columbian Way (S-152), Seattle, WA 98108, United States.
| | - Gillian Monty
- VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle Division, Health Services Research and Development, 1660 South Columbian Way (S-152), Seattle, WA 98108, United States.
| | - Brian E Saelens
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, 1920 Terry Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101, United States of America; University of Washington, Department of Pediatrics, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA 98195, United States of America.
| | - George Sayre
- VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle Division, Health Services Research and Development, 1660 South Columbian Way (S-152), Seattle, WA 98108, United States; VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Center of Excellence in Substance Addiction Treatment and Education (CESATE), 1660 South Columbian Way, Seattle, WA 98108, United States; University of Washington, School of Public Health, Department of Health Services, United States.
| | - Tracy Simpson
- VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle Division, Mental Health Service; 1660 South Columbian Way (S-116), Seattle, WA 98108, United States; VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Center of Excellence in Substance Addiction Treatment and Education (CESATE), 1660 South Columbian Way, Seattle, WA 98108, United States; University of Washington, School of Public Health, Department of Health Services, United States.
| | - Edwin Wong
- VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle Division, Health Services Research and Development, 1660 South Columbian Way (S-152), Seattle, WA 98108, United States.
| | - Karin Nelson
- VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle Division, Health Services Research and Development, 1660 South Columbian Way (S-152), Seattle, WA 98108, United States; VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Center of Excellence in Substance Addiction Treatment and Education (CESATE), 1660 South Columbian Way, Seattle, WA 98108, United States; University of Washington, School of Public Health, Department of Health Services, United States; University of Washington, Department of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle, WA 98195, United States.
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28
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Cohen BE. Exploring Posttraumatic Stress Disorder as a Cardiovascular Risk Factor in Women Veterans: The Heart of the Matter. JAMA Cardiol 2021; 6:651-652. [PMID: 33729434 DOI: 10.1001/jamacardio.2021.0236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Beth E Cohen
- Medical Service, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health Care System, San Francisco, California.,Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco
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29
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Browne J, Medenblik A, Pebole M, Gregg JJ, Hall KS. Qualitative Analysis of a Supervised Exercise Program for Older Veterans With PTSD. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2021; 29:565-572. [PMID: 33162307 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2020.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Older veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) experience substantial physical and mental health challenges. Given the well-known and wide-reaching benefits of exercise, exploring the impact of interventions designed specifically for this population would be valuable. As such, the present study explored perspectives from older veterans with PTSD who participated in Warrior Wellness, a 12-week supervised exercise intervention designed for older veterans with PTSD. This study was aimed at evaluating 1) facilitators of engagement, 2) perceived benefits from the intervention, and 3) recommendations about possible modifications to the intervention. DESIGN Qualitative study. SETTING Face-to-face semistructured interviews conducted after the Warrior Wellness trial was completed. PARTICIPANTS Fifteen veterans (100% male, 93% African American or Black, 100% non-Hispanic or Latinx, average age = 68.7 years) who completed the Warrior Wellness exercise program. MEASUREMENTS Semistructured interviews were conducted using an interview guide that assessed veterans' experience in Warrior Wellness and recommendations for future intervention modifications. Interviews were subsequently transcribed and analyzed by thematic analysis. RESULTS Shared experience, program features, camaraderie during workouts, and accountability emerged as facilitators of engagement. Perceived benefits spanned physical health, mental health, and behavioral domains. Finally, veterans provided several suggestions for modifying the intervention such as increasing its duration, adding a nutritional component, and including significant others in enrollment. CONCLUSIONS This study offers valuable insights into the intervention and interpersonal factors that veterans view as important for their engagement in exercise, the perceived benefits of exercise, and the ways in which interventions designed for this population can be refined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Browne
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham VA Health Care System (JB, MP, KH), Durham, NC
| | - Alyssa Medenblik
- Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee (AM), Knoxville, TN
| | - Michelle Pebole
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham VA Health Care System (JB, MP, KH), Durham, NC; Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign (MP), Champaign, IL
| | - Jeffrey J Gregg
- Mental and Behavioral Health Service, Durham VA Health Care System (JJG), Durham, NC; Geriatrics Division, Department of Medicine, Duke University (JJG, KH), Durham, NC
| | - Katherine S Hall
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham VA Health Care System (JB, MP, KH), Durham, NC; Geriatrics Division, Department of Medicine, Duke University (JJG, KH), Durham, NC; Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Duke University (KH), Durham, NC.
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30
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Wooldridge JS, Herbert MS, Dochat C, Afari N. Understanding relationships between posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, binge-eating symptoms, and obesity-related quality of life: the role of experiential avoidance. Eat Disord 2021; 29:260-275. [PMID: 33459212 PMCID: PMC8285449 DOI: 10.1080/10640266.2020.1868062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Obesity, binge-eating symptoms, and PTSD symptoms commonly co-occur. Avoidance, a key feature of PTSD and proposed mechanism of binge-eating, is one potential mechanism for explaining this clinical overlap. The purpose of the current study was to: 1) examine the associations between PTSD symptoms (PTSD Checklist-Civilian; PCL-C) and measures of bingeeating symptoms (Binge Eating Scale; BES) and obesity-related quality of life (Obesity Related Well-Being Questionnaire-97; ORWELL-97) in a sample of veterans with overweight or obesity (N = 89), and 2) determine whether experiential avoidance (The Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II; AAQ-II) explains the relationship between PTSD symptoms and binge-eating symptoms, and PTSD symptoms and obesity-related quality of life, respectively. Scores on the PCL-C, BES, ORWELL-97, and AAQ-II were all significantly correlated. Linear regression analyses indicated that higher PCL-C scores were related to higher scores on the BES and ORWELL-97 after controlling for potentially confounding factors (BMI and race). Effect sizes were in the medium-large range. Further, AAQ-II mediated the relationship between PCL-C and ORWELL-97, but did not mediate the relationship between PCL-C and BES. These findings suggest that experiential avoidance should be considered in interventions addressing co-occurring PTSD, binge-eating, and poor obesity-related well-being. Longitudinal research is needed to better understand directionality of these relationships and changes over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennalee S Wooldridge
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, California, USA.,Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health (CESAMH), San Diego, California, USA
| | - Matthew S Herbert
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, California, USA.,Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health (CESAMH), San Diego, California, USA
| | - Cara Dochat
- San Diego State University/University of California, San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, California, San Diego, USA
| | - Niloofar Afari
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, California, USA.,Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health (CESAMH), San Diego, California, USA
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31
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Escarfulleri S, Ellickson-Larew S, Fein-Schaffer D, Mitchell KS, Wolf EJ. Emotion regulation and the association between PTSD, diet, and exercise: a longitudinal evaluation among US military veterans. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2021; 12:1895515. [PMID: 33907611 PMCID: PMC8049465 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2021.1895515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with premature onset of chronic health conditions such as cardiovascular disease. Diet and exercise are behavioural contributors to physical health, and research suggests they are influenced by psychiatric symptoms, including PTSD. Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine longitudinal associations between PTSD and exercise and diet quality and to test if emotion regulation strategies contribute to the link between PTSD and these health behaviours. Method: A representative sample of US military veterans (n = 860 at Time 1, n = 503 at Time 2, mean age = 63 years, 91.5% male) were assessed twice over the course of approximately three years. Results: Mediation models revealed that the association between baseline PTSD symptom severity and subsequent diet quality was mediated by emotion suppression (measured at Time 2; indirect B = -.03; 95% CI: -.059 to -.002). Trauma exposure also directly predicted diet quality (B = -.31; p = .003). There were no significant direct or indirect associations between PTSD severity or trauma exposure and exercise engagement. Conclusions: These results suggest that PTSD symptoms are associated with worse diet quality and that the consumption of unhealthy food may be driven by efforts to suppress emotion. This carries implications for understanding and treating medical comorbidities among those with traumatic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Karen S Mitchell
- National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Erika J Wolf
- National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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32
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Hruby A, Lieberman HR, Smith TJ. Symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder and their relationship to health-related behaviors in over 12,000 US military personnel: Bi-directional associations. J Affect Disord 2021; 283:84-93. [PMID: 33524663 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.01.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Military personnel are at greater risk of psychological disorders and related symptoms than civilians. Limited participation in health-promoting behaviors may increase presence of these disorders. Alternatively, these symptoms may limit engagement in health-promoting behaviors. Methods Self-reported data from the 2015 Department of Defense Health Related Behaviors Survey were used to assess bi-directional relationships between health-related behaviors (obesity, physical activity [PA], alcohol, smoking, sleep) and self-reported psychological disorders (generalized anxiety disorder [GAD], depression, post-traumatic disorder [PTSD]) in U.S. military personnel. Outcomes Among 12 708 respondents (14.7% female; 28.2% 17-24 y; 13.7% obese), self-reported depression was reported by 9.2%, GAD by 13.9%, and PTSD by 8.2%. Obesity and short sleep were associated with self-reported depression, GAD, and PTSD; current smoking was associated with higher odds of GAD; higher levels of vigorous PA were associated with lower odds of GAD; higher levels of moderate PA associated with lower odds of PTSD; and higher alcohol intake associated with higher odds of depression and PTSD. Self-reported depression, GAD, and PTSD were associated with higher odds of short sleep, obesity, and low levels of PA. Interpretation Obesity, short sleep, and limited engagement in health-promoting behaviors are associated with higher likelihood of self-reported psychological disorders, and vice-versa. Encouraging and improving health-promoting behaviors may contribute to positive mental health in military personnel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adela Hruby
- Military Nutrition Division, US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, MA, United States; Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, MD, United States; Tufts University School of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, and Tufts University Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Harris R Lieberman
- Military Nutrition Division, US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, MA, United States
| | - Tracey J Smith
- Military Nutrition Division, US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, MA, United States.
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33
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Sampson L, Ettman CK, Abdalla SM, Colyer E, Dukes K, Lane KJ, Galea S. Financial hardship and health risk behavior during COVID-19 in a large US national sample of women. SSM Popul Health 2021; 13:100734. [PMID: 33521228 PMCID: PMC7823049 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2021.100734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 has caused over 300,000 US deaths thus far, but its long-term health consequences are not clear. Policies to contain the pandemic have led to widespread economic problems, which likely increase stress and resulting health risk behaviors, particularly among women, who have been hardest hit both by job loss and caregiving responsibilities. Further, women with pre-existing disadvantage (e.g., those without health insurance) may be most at risk for stress and consequent health risk behavior. Our objective was to estimate the associations between financial stressors from COVID-19 and health risk behavior changes since COVID-19, with potential effect modification by insurance status. We used multilevel logistic regression to assess the relationships between COVID-19-related financial stressors (job loss, decreases in pay, trouble paying bills) and changes in health risk behavior (less exercise, sleep, and healthy eating; more smoking/vaping and drinking alcohol), controlling for both individual-level and zip code-level confounders, among 90,971 US women who completed an online survey in March–April 2020. Almost 40% of women reported one or more COVID-19-related financial stressors. Each financial stressor was significantly associated with higher odds of each type of health risk behavior change. Overall, reporting one or more financial stressors was associated with 56% higher odds (OR = 1.56; 95% CI: 1.51, 1.60) of reporting two or more health risk behavior changes. This association was even stronger among women with no health insurance (OR = 2.46; 95% CI: 1.97, 3.07). COVID-19-related economic stress is thus linked to shifts in health risk behaviors among women, which may have physical health consequences for years to come. Further, the relationship between financial hardship and health risk behavior among women may be modified by health insurance status, as a marker for broader socioeconomic context and resources. The most socioeconomically vulnerable women are likely at highest risk for long-term health effects of COVID-19 financial consequences. Over 1/3 of women in this study reported COVID-19-related financial stress. Financial stress was associated with higher odds of health risk behavior changes. This relationship was modified by health insurance status among women. These behavior changes may eventually lead to cardiovascular disease. Women who are already more vulnerable are likely at even higher risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Sampson
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany Street, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Corresponding author. Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Catherine K. Ettman
- Office of the Dean, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany Street, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
- Department of Health Services, Policy and Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Salma M. Abdalla
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany Street, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Elizabeth Colyer
- Sharecare Inc, 255 East Paces Ferry Road North East, Atlanta, GA, 30305, USA
| | - Kimberly Dukes
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology Data Analytics Center, Boston University School of Public Health, 85 East Newton Street, M921, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany Street, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Kevin J. Lane
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany Street, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Sandro Galea
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany Street, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
- Office of the Dean, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany Street, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
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34
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Wooldridge JS, Bosch J, Crawford JN, Morland L, Afari N. Relationships among adverse childhood experiences, posttraumatic stress disorder symptom clusters, and health in women veterans. Stress Health 2020; 36:596-605. [PMID: 32369234 DOI: 10.1002/smi.2953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) increase risk for negative health outcomes. The goal of this study was to examine the relationships among cumulative ACEs, ACEs type, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, PTSD symptom clusters, and physical health symptoms in a sample of women veterans (N = 76). Bivariate correlations were used to determine which ACE domains were associated with PTSD and physical health symptoms. Follow-up linear regressions indicated cumulative ACEs were significantly associated with total PTSD symptoms. Cumulative ACEs were also significantly associated with the avoidance and hyperarousal symptom clusters, but not the re-experiencing symptom cluster. Total PTSD symptoms were significantly related to physical health symptoms. Of the three symptom clusters, only hyperarousal was significantly associated with physical health symptoms. Cross-sectional mediation analyses indicated the total and direct effects of ACEs on physical health were not significant. However, the indirect effect through PTSD was significant (b = 0.46, [95% CI: 0.02, 0.91]), as well as through the avoidance (b = 0.47, [95% CI: 0.06, 0.90]), and hyperarousal symptom clusters (b = 0.56, [95% CI: 0.11, 1.04]). This study highlights the potential impact of ACEs on PTSD symptoms and physical health and suggests that hyperarousal symptoms of PTSD, may play a potential role in the development of physical health problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennalee S Wooldridge
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA.,VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, San Diego, California, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Jeane Bosch
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA.,VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, San Diego, California, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Jennifer N Crawford
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA.,VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, San Diego, California, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Leslie Morland
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA.,VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, San Diego, California, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Niloofar Afari
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA.,VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, San Diego, California, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
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35
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Adams TG, Forte J, Fogle BM, Southwick SM, Pietrzak RH. Self-reported exercise frequency and PTSD: results from the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2020; 142:486-495. [PMID: 32961606 DOI: 10.1111/acps.13234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Physical exercise may serve as a protective factor for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but little is known about whether physical exercise is associated with PTSD in population-based samples of military veterans. METHODS We analyzed cross-sectional data on the relation between self-reported physical exercise frequency and the prevalence of probable PTSD in a nationally representative sample of 2832 U.S. military veterans who participated in the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study. RESULTS A "U-shaped" association best explained the relation between self-reported exercise frequency and the prevalence of probable PTSD. Compared to veterans without probable PTSD, those with probable PTSD were nearly twice as likely to report no weekly exercise (52.3% vs. 29.3%) or daily (7 days/week) exercise (15.2% vs. 8.5%) and were nearly half as likely to report exercising a median of 3.5 days/week (32.6% vs. 62.1%). No exercise was associated with greater severity of emotional numbing and lower severity of anxious arousal symptoms, while daily exercise was associated with greater severity of re-experiencing symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Results of this study suggest a "U-shaped" association between self-reported exercise frequency and the prevalence of probable PTSD among U.S. veterans. Veterans with probable PTSD were more likely than those without probable PTSD to report not exercising at all or exercising every day and were less likely to report exercising 1-6 days per week. Clinical implications of these findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- T G Adams
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Clinical Neurosciences Division, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - J Forte
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Psychology, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, USA
| | - B M Fogle
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Clinical Neurosciences Division, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - S M Southwick
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Clinical Neurosciences Division, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - R H Pietrzak
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Clinical Neurosciences Division, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
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36
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Leddy AM, Weiser SD, Palar K, Seligman H. A conceptual model for understanding the rapid COVID-19-related increase in food insecurity and its impact on health and healthcare. Am J Clin Nutr 2020; 112:1162-1169. [PMID: 32766740 PMCID: PMC7454255 DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/nqaa226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Food insecurity, a well-established determinant of chronic disease morbidity and mortality, is rapidly increasing due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We present a conceptual model to understand the multiple mechanisms through which the economic and public health crises sparked by COVID-19 might increase food insecurity and contribute to poor health outcomes in the short- and long-term. We hypothesize that, in the short-term, increased food insecurity, household economic disruption, household stress, and interruptions in healthcare will contribute to acute chronic disease complications. However, the impact of the pandemic on food security will linger after social-distancing policies are lifted and the health system stabilizes, resulting in increased risk for chronic disease development, morbidity, and mortality among food-insecure households in the long-term. Research is needed to examine the impact of the pandemic-related increase in food insecurity on short- and long-term chronic health outcomes, and to delineate the underlying causal mechanisms. Such research is critical to inform the development of effective programs and policies to address food insecurity and its downstream health impacts during COVID-19 and future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Leddy
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA,Address correspondence to AML (e-mail: )
| | - Sheri D Weiser
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kartika Palar
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Hilary Seligman
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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37
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Hall KS, Morey MC, Beckham JC, Bosworth HB, Sloane R, Pieper CF, Pebole MM. Warrior Wellness: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial of the Effects of Exercise on Physical Function and Clinical Health Risk Factors in Older Military Veterans With PTSD. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glz255 7973256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Military veterans living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) face significant physical and functional health disparities, which are often aggravated over time and in the context aging. Evidence has shown that physical activity can positively impact age-related health conditions, yet exercise trials in older adults with mental disorders are rare. Our study was a tailored and targeted pilot exercise intervention for older veterans with PTSD.
Methods
Fifty-four older veterans with PTSD (mean age = 67.4 years, 90.7% male, 85.2% non-white) were randomized to supervised exercise (n = 38) or wait-list usual care (n = 18) for 12 weeks. Physical activity (MET-min/wk) and aerobic endurance (assessed with the 6-minute walk test) were primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes were physical performance (strength, mobility, balance), cardiometabolic risk factors (eg, waist circumference), and health-related quality of life.
Results
At 12 weeks, a large effect of the intervention on physical activity levels (Cohen’s d = 1.37) was observed compared to wait-list usual care. Aerobic endurance improved by 69 m in the exercise group compared to 10 m in wait-list group, reflecting a moderate between-group effect (Cohen’s d = 0.50). Between-group differences on 12-week changes in physical performance, cardiometabolic risk factors, and health-related quality of life ranged from small to large effects (Cohen’s d = 0.28–1.48), favoring the exercise arm.
Conclusion
Participation in supervised exercise improved aerobic endurance, physical performance, and health-related clinical factors in older veterans with PTSD; a medically complex population with multiple morbidity. Group exercise is a low-cost, low-stigma intervention, and implementation efforts among older veterans with PTSD warrants further consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine S Hall
- VA Durham Healthcare System, Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, North Carolina
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
- VA Durham Healthcare System, Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, North Carolina
| | - Miriam C Morey
- VA Durham Healthcare System, Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, North Carolina
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Jean C Beckham
- VA Durham Healthcare System, Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, North Carolina
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Hayden B Bosworth
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
- VA Durham Healthcare System, Health Services Research and Development, Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, North Carolina
| | - Richard Sloane
- VA Durham Healthcare System, Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, North Carolina
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Carl F Pieper
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Michelle M Pebole
- VA Durham Healthcare System, Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, North Carolina
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Hall KS, Morey MC, Beckham JC, Bosworth HB, Sloane R, Pieper CF, Pebole MM. Warrior Wellness: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial of the Effects of Exercise on Physical Function and Clinical Health Risk Factors in Older Military Veterans With PTSD. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2020; 75:2130-2138. [PMID: 31646339 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glz255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Military veterans living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) face significant physical and functional health disparities, which are often aggravated over time and in the context aging. Evidence has shown that physical activity can positively impact age-related health conditions, yet exercise trials in older adults with mental disorders are rare. Our study was a tailored and targeted pilot exercise intervention for older veterans with PTSD. METHODS Fifty-four older veterans with PTSD (mean age = 67.4 years, 90.7% male, 85.2% non-white) were randomized to supervised exercise (n = 38) or wait-list usual care (n = 18) for 12 weeks. Physical activity (MET-min/wk) and aerobic endurance (assessed with the 6-minute walk test) were primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes were physical performance (strength, mobility, balance), cardiometabolic risk factors (eg, waist circumference), and health-related quality of life. RESULTS At 12 weeks, a large effect of the intervention on physical activity levels (Cohen's d = 1.37) was observed compared to wait-list usual care. Aerobic endurance improved by 69 m in the exercise group compared to 10 m in wait-list group, reflecting a moderate between-group effect (Cohen's d = 0.50). Between-group differences on 12-week changes in physical performance, cardiometabolic risk factors, and health-related quality of life ranged from small to large effects (Cohen's d = 0.28-1.48), favoring the exercise arm. CONCLUSION Participation in supervised exercise improved aerobic endurance, physical performance, and health-related clinical factors in older veterans with PTSD; a medically complex population with multiple morbidity. Group exercise is a low-cost, low-stigma intervention, and implementation efforts among older veterans with PTSD warrants further consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine S Hall
- VA Durham Healthcare System, Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, North Carolina.,Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Miriam C Morey
- VA Durham Healthcare System, Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, North Carolina.,Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Jean C Beckham
- VA Durham Healthcare System, Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, North Carolina.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Hayden B Bosworth
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina.,VA Durham Healthcare System, Health Services Research and Development, Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, North Carolina
| | - Richard Sloane
- VA Durham Healthcare System, Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, North Carolina.,Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Carl F Pieper
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Michelle M Pebole
- VA Durham Healthcare System, Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, North Carolina
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Carmassi C, Bertelloni CA, Avella MT, Cremone I, Massimetti E, Corsi M, Dell'Osso L. PTSD and Burnout are Related to Lifetime Mood Spectrum in Emergency Healthcare Operator. Clin Pract Epidemiol Ment Health 2020; 16:165-173. [PMID: 32874191 PMCID: PMC7431684 DOI: 10.2174/1745017902016010165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Background: PTSD and burnout are frequent conditions among emergency healthcare personnel because exposed to repeated traumatic working experiences. Increasing evidence suggests high comorbidity between PTSD and mood symptoms, particularly depression, although the real nature of this relationship still remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between PTSD, burnout and lifetime mood spectrum, assessed by a specific scale, among health-care professionals of a major University Hospital in Italy. Methods: N=110 Emergency Unit workers of the Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana (Pisa, Italy) were assessed by the TALS-SR, MOODS-SR lifetime version and the ProQOL R-IV. Results: Approximately 60% of participants met at least one PTSD symptom criterion (criterion B, 63.4%; criterion C, 40.2%; criterion D 29.3%; criterion E, 26.8%), according to DSM-5 diagnosis. Almost sixteen percent of the sample reported a full symptomatic DSM-5 PTSD (work-related) diagnosis, and these showed significantly higher scores in all MOODS-SR depressive domains, as well as in the rhythmicity domain, compared with workers without PTSD. Further, mood-depressive and cognition-depressive MOODS-SR domains resulted to be predictive for PTSD. Significant correlations emerged between either PTSD diagnosis and criteria or ProQOL subscales and all the MOOD-SR domains. Conclusion: A significant association emerged among PTSD, burnout and lifetime MOOD Spectrum, particularly the depressive component, in emergency health care operators, suggesting this population should be considered at-risk and undergo regular screenings for depression and PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Carmassi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Maria Teresa Avella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Ivan Cremone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Enrico Massimetti
- ASST, Bergamo Ovest, SSD Servizio Psichiatrico diagnosi e cura, Treviglio, Italy
| | - Martina Corsi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Liliana Dell'Osso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Hoerster KD, Tanksley L, Simpson T, Saelens BE, Unützer J, Black M, Greene P, Sulayman N, Reiber G, Nelson K. Development of a Tailored Behavioral Weight Loss Program for Veterans With PTSD (MOVE!+UP): A Mixed-Methods Uncontrolled Iterative Pilot Study. Am J Health Promot 2020; 34:587-598. [PMID: 32162528 DOI: 10.1177/0890117120908505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) lose less weight in the Veterans Affairs (VA) weight management program (MOVE!), so we developed MOVE!+UP. DESIGN Single-arm pre-post pilot to iteratively develop MOVE!+UP (2015-2018). SETTING Veterans Affairs Medical Center. PARTICIPANTS Overweight Veterans with PTSD (5 cohorts of n = 5-11 [N = 44]; n = 39 received ≥1 MOVE+UP session, with cohorts 1-4 [n = 31] = "Development" and cohort 5 [n = 8] = "Final" MOVE!+UP). INTERVENTION MOVE!+UP weight management for Veterans with PTSD modified after each cohort. Final MOVE!+UP was coled by a licensed clinical psychologist and Veteran peer counselor in 16 two-hour in-person group sessions and 2 individual dietician visits. Sessions included general weight loss support (eg, behavioral monitoring with facilitator feedback, weekly weighing), cognitive-behavioral skills to address PTSD-specific barriers, and a 30-minute walk to a nearby park. MEASURES To inform post-cohort modifications, we assessed weight, PTSD, and treatment targets (eg, physical activity, diet), and conducted qualitative interviews. ANALYSIS Baseline to 16-week paired t tests and template analysis. RESULTS Development cohorts suggested improvements (eg, additional sessions and weight loss information, professional involvement) and did not lose weight (mean [M] = 1.8 lbs (standard deviation [SD] = 8.2); P = .29. Conversely, the final cohort reported high satisfaction and showed meaningful weight (M = -14 pounds [SD = 3.7] and 71% lost ≥5% baseline weight) and PTSD (M = -17.9 [SD = 12.2]) improvements, P < .05. CONCLUSIONS The comprehensive, 16-week, in-person, cofacilitated Final MOVE!+UP was acceptable and may improve the health of people with PTSD. Iterative development likely produced a patient-centered intervention, needing further testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine D Hoerster
- Health Services Research and Development Service, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle Division, Seattle, WA, USA.,Mental Health Service, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle Division, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lamont Tanksley
- Mental Health Service, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle Division, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Tracy Simpson
- Mental Health Service, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle Division, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Center of Excellence in Substance Addiction Treatment and Education, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle Division, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Brian E Saelens
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jürgen Unützer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Marissa Black
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle Division, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Preston Greene
- Health Services Research and Development Service, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle Division, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Nadiyah Sulayman
- Health Services Research and Development Service, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle Division, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Gayle Reiber
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.,Health Services Research Center of Innovation, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Karin Nelson
- Health Services Research and Development Service, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle Division, Seattle, WA, USA.,General Internal Medicine Service, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle Division, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Pebole MM, Hall KS. Insights Following Implementation of an Exercise Intervention in Older Veterans with PTSD. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E2630. [PMID: 31340588 PMCID: PMC6678353 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16142630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) face numerous barriers to exercise. Little is known about behavioral strategies to promote participation in this population. This is a secondary analysis of individual barriers and goals, exercise prescription characteristics, and patient perceptions of a 12-week, community-based, randomized controlled exercise trial targeting older adults with PTSD, (N = 45; mean age = 68; male = 91%). The most common cited goals for participating included weight loss (65%) and increasing strength (65%). Exercise mode varied among those who completed the program (n = 37), with 14 (38%) using exclusively treadmill; eight (22%) using only bike, and 15 (41%) utilizing a combination. Patient-reported exercise duration and intensity progressively increased over the 12 weeks, and duration differed by mode of exercise. We observed high rates of attendance (84%) and completion (88%) to the program. Patient-reported barriers to attendance most often included health problems (62%) and medical appointments (55%). Participant responses to a program evaluation revealed high levels of satisfaction, preferences for group-based programs, and insights about the acceptability of the exercise environment (physical and social). This study is the first to report on goals, barriers, exercise prescription needs, and individual responses to supervised exercise training in a unique population, that is, older veterans with PTSD. Results of this study can inform future health promotion programs targeting older veterans with PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle M Pebole
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, NC 27705, USA
| | - Katherine S Hall
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, NC 27705, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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Pilot randomized controlled trial of exercise training for older veterans with PTSD. J Behav Med 2019; 43:648-659. [PMID: 31264055 DOI: 10.1007/s10865-019-00073-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Exercise training positively impacts mental health, yet remains untested in older adults with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We conducted a randomized controlled pilot trial to test the feasibility and acceptability of exercise training in older veterans with PTSD. Fifty-four veterans ≥ 60 years, with a DSM-V diagnosis of PTSD, were randomized to supervised exercise (n = 36) or wait-list (WL; n = 18). Primary outcomes included recruitment rates, attendance, satisfaction, and retention. Secondary outcomes included changes in PTSD symptoms, depression, health-related quality of life, and sleep quality; assessed at baseline and 12 weeks. There were no adverse events. Attrition was minimal (14%), and adherence to the exercise intervention was high (82%). Clinically significant improvements in PTSD and related conditions were observed following exercise (Cohen's d = 0.36-0.81). Exercise training is safe and acceptable in older adults with PTSD, may improve PTSD symptoms, and broadly impacts PTSD-related conditions. Future definitive trials are warranted.
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PTSD is associated with poor health behavior and greater Body Mass Index through depression, increasing cardiovascular disease and diabetes risk among U.S. veterans. Prev Med Rep 2019; 15:100930. [PMID: 31338278 PMCID: PMC6627033 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2019.100930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes. Dedert and colleagues hypothesized a model whereby PTSD leads to poor health behaviors, depression, and pre-clinical disease markers, and that these factors lead to CVD and diabetes (Ann Behav Med, 2010, 61–78). This study provides a preliminary test of that model. Using data from a mailed cross-sectional survey conducted 2012–2013, path analysis was conducted among N = 657 with complete demographic data. We first analyzed the hypothesized model, followed by four alternatives, to identify the best-fitting model. The alternate model that specified pathways from depression to health behaviors had the best fit. Contrary to hypotheses, higher PTSD symptoms were associated with better physical activity and diet quality. Of the specific indirect pathways from PTSD to Body Mass Index (BMI), only the path through depression was significant. Higher depression symptoms were significantly associated with less physical activity, poorer diet, and greater likelihood of smoking. In addition, the specific indirect effect from depression to BMI through physical activity was significant. Current smoking and higher BMI were associated with greater likelihood of diabetes, and hypertension was associated with greater likelihood of CVD. PTSD symptoms may increase risk for CVD and diabetes through the negative impact of depression on health behaviors and BMI. With or without PTSD, depression may be an important target in interventions targeting cardiovascular and metabolic diseases among veterans. We examined a model of the association of PTSD with CVD and diabetes in veterans. PTSD without depression was associated with better physical activity and diet quality. Depression accounted for associations of PTSD with BMI and poor health behaviors. Health behaviors should be targeted in those with depression to improve health.
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The Relationship between Social Capital within Its Different Contexts and Adherence to a Mediterranean Diet Among Lithuanian Adolescents. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11061332. [PMID: 31197100 PMCID: PMC6627724 DOI: 10.3390/nu11061332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The eating habits of adolescents are a serious current public health problem. Scientists call attention to the availability of social resources for enhancing healthy eating behavior. Social capital defines those resources as trust, reciprocity, social participation, integrity, and coherence, and they are supposed to help people achieve their life goals, in general, and health goals, in particular. Our aim is to investigate the relationship between social capital within its different contexts and adherence to a Mediterranean diet (MD) among Lithuanian adolescents. The nationally representative cross-sectional study included 1863 students (906 boys and 957 girls). The KIDMED index questionnaire (Mediterranean Diet Quality Index in children and adolescents) was used to evaluate the adherence to an MD. Family, neighborhood, and school contexts of social capital were assessed using six items indicating family support, neighborhood trust, social control, vertical trust, horizontal trust, and reciprocity at school. Covariates such as gender, physical activity, parental education, and body mass index were also included in the analysis. Descriptive results showed that only 14% of Lithuanian adolescents followed an MD. Linear regression analysis indicated that family support (β = 0.096) and trust in school teachers (β = 0.074) were related to better rates of adherence, especially regarding the consumption of fruits, vegetables, cereals, fish, and the use of olive oil as a main source of fat. More adolescents who perceived family support and trust in their teachers used these products regularly and were less likely to skip breakfast. These findings could be used as a base for further developing nutrition education programs aimed at enhancing support and trust among families and schoolteachers.
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Relationship between Academic Stress, Physical Activity and Diet in University Students of Education. Behav Sci (Basel) 2019; 9:bs9060059. [PMID: 31195634 PMCID: PMC6616388 DOI: 10.3390/bs9060059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Several research works have shown the relationship between physical activity (PA), adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) and health. Nevertheless, there are few studies that demonstrate the relationship of these habits with academic performance, and specifically with academic stress. (2) Methods: This descriptive, non-experimental, and cross-sectional study aims to analyse the associations between these variables in a sample composed of 515 university students, using as main instruments the KIDMED, PAQ-A and the Scale of Academic Stress. (3) Results: The university students analysed showed higher levels of academic stress for women, and especially in the academic obligations and communication of own ideas. In addition, it was shown that those university students that had a body mass index (BMI) associated with being overweight or under-weight were the respondents with higher levels of stress. Finally, the students with a low adherence to MD had higher scores for stress associated with the communication of their own ideas, while PA was not related to academic stress. When sex and BMI variables were controlled in the regression model, no associations were obtained between stress and diet quality. (4) Conclusions: This study shows interesting implications in the treatment of academic stress. Although stress was not associated with diet and physical activity, it was linked to a worse state of health associated with states of being overweight, being of special interest the treatment of stress in women.
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Hori H, Kim Y. Inflammation and post-traumatic stress disorder. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2019; 73:143-153. [PMID: 30653780 DOI: 10.1111/pcn.12820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Revised: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
While post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is currently diagnosed based solely on classic psychological and behavioral symptoms, a growing body of evidence has highlighted a link between this disorder and alterations in the immune and inflammatory systems. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that PTSD is associated with significantly increased rates of physical comorbidities in which immune dysregulation is involved, such as metabolic syndrome, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and autoimmune diseases. In line with this, a number of blood biomarker studies have reported that compared to healthy controls, individuals with PTSD exhibit significantly elevated levels of proinflammatory markers, such as interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and C-reactive protein. Moreover, various lines of animal and human research have suggested that inflammation is not only associated with PTSD but also can play an important role in its pathogenesis and pathophysiology. In this review, we first summarize evidence suggestive of increased inflammation in PTSD. We then examine findings that suggest possible mechanisms of inflammation in this disorder in terms of two different but interrelated perspectives: putative causes of increased proinflammatory activities and potential consequences that inflammation generates. Given that there is currently a dearth of treatment options for PTSD, possibilities of new therapeutic approaches using pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments/interventions that have anti-inflammatory effects are also discussed. Despite the increasing attention given to the inflammatory pathology of PTSD, there remains much to be elucidated, including more detailed mechanisms of inflammation, potential usefulness of inflammatory biomarkers as diagnostic and prognostic markers, and efficacy of novel treatment strategies targeting inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Hori
- Department of Behavioral Medicine, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshiharu Kim
- Department of Behavioral Medicine, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
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Waszczuk MA, Ruggero C, Li K, Luft BJ, Kotov R. The role of modifiable health-related behaviors in the association between PTSD and respiratory illness. Behav Res Ther 2019; 115:64-72. [PMID: 30401484 PMCID: PMC6622464 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2018.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Revised: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) increases risk of future respiratory illness. However, mechanisms that underpin the association between these common and debilitating conditions remain unknown. The aim of this study was to identify modifiable, health-related behaviors they may explain the link between PTSD and respiratory problems. METHODS World Trade Center responders (N = 452, 89% male, mean age = 55 years) completed baseline PTSD and sleep questionnaires, followed by 2-weeks of daily diaries, actigraphy and ambulatory spirometry to monitor lower respiratory symptoms, pulmonary function, activity levels, stressors, and sleep. Lipid levels were obtained from electronic medical records. RESULTS Cross-sectional mediation analyses revealed that the association between PTSD and self-reported respiratory symptoms was explained by poor sleep, low activity, and daily stressors. The association between PTSD symptoms and pulmonary function was explained by insomnia and low activity. CONCLUSIONS A range of health-related daily behaviors and experiences, especially sleep disturbances and inactivity, may explain excess respiratory illness morbidity in PTSD. The findings were generally consistent across daily self-report and spirometry measures of respiratory problems. Targeting these behaviors might enhance prevention of and intervention in respiratory problems in traumatized populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika A Waszczuk
- Department of Psychiatry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA.
| | - Camilo Ruggero
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
| | - Kaiqiao Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Benjamin J Luft
- Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Roman Kotov
- Department of Psychiatry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
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Hegberg NJ, Hayes JP, Hayes SM. Exercise Intervention in PTSD: A Narrative Review and Rationale for Implementation. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:133. [PMID: 30949075 PMCID: PMC6437073 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a prominent mental health problem in veteran and community populations. There is accumulating evidence to suggest that aerobic exercise may serve as an effective treatment option for individuals with PTSD. The purpose of this review is to summarize the existing literature exploring aerobic exercise and PTSD and briefly discuss potential mechanisms of PTSD symptom reduction. A search of electronic databases and reference sections of relevant articles published through October 1, 2018 revealed 19 relevant studies that examined aerobic exercise and PTSD symptomatology. A narrative review of extant studies provides encouraging evidence that aerobic exercise interventions alone or as an adjunct to standard treatment may positively impact PTSD symptoms. Potential mechanisms by which aerobic exercise could exert a positive impact in PTSD include exposure and desensitization to internal arousal cues, enhanced cognitive function, exercise-induced neuroplasticity, normalization of hypothalamic pituitary axis (HPA) function, and reductions in inflammatory markers. Randomized clinical trials and translational neuroscience approaches are required to clarify the efficacy of exercise intervention for PTSD and elucidate potential mechanisms of exercise-induced PTSD symptom reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole J. Hegberg
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Memory Disorders Research Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jasmeet P. Hayes
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- Chronic Brain Injury Initiative, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Scott M. Hayes
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Memory Disorders Research Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- Chronic Brain Injury Initiative, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
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Pebole MM, Hall KS. Physical activity promotion in women with PTSD: What we need for progress. PSYCHOLOGY OF SPORT AND EXERCISE 2019; 41:127-129. [PMID: 31057332 PMCID: PMC6496957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Researchers explore considerations for studying exercise promotion in women with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). DESIGN Researchers evaluated current studies on exercise promotion and PTSD. METHOD Presents critical reflections on (1) the underrepresentation of women in health promotion and PTSD research, and (2) the impact women's trauma histories may have on exercise behavior. RESULTS The underrepresentation of women in exercise trials leaves unanswered questions as to the generalizability of findings in women. Feasibility and acceptability of these programs among women with PTSD remains untested. Preliminary data indicate unique considerations may exist across the design and implementation domains. CONCLUSIONS Increased studies examining population-specific considerations for women with PTSD are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle M. Pebole
- Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Katherine S. Hall
- Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke University, Department of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
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Nilsson H, Saboonchi F, Gustavsson C, Malm A, Gottvall M. Trauma-afflicted refugees' experiences of participating in physical activity and exercise treatment: a qualitative study based on focus group discussions. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2019; 10:1699327. [PMID: 31853335 PMCID: PMC6913663 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2019.1699327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Refugees with prolonged and repeated experiences of trauma, often in combination with post-migration living difficulties, are subjected to severe levels of stress and stress-related ill health, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Physical activity (PA) is well-established as an effective stress reliever. However, the effect of PA and exercise has received scarce attention in the context of PTSD, and particularly in the field of refugees' health. Objective: The objective of this study was to explore the experience of participation in PA and exercise as part of the treatment for trauma-afflicted refugees. Method: An explorative qualitative research design was used. Six focus group discussions were conducted with 33 female and male participants that had experience of group-based PA and exercise treatment. The gathered data was analysed by qualitative content analysis. Results: The analysis resulted in one over-arching theme reflecting the participants overall experience of PA and exercise as a process of building resilience. Participants experienced improvements in both physical and mental health domains. Increased self-awareness and self-confidence were seen as additional important benefits, and the interruption of daily stressors provided a sense of relief and recovery. The treatment group settings were experienced as becoming a vehicle for overcoming social fear and isolation, which also carried an empowering and strength-building impact over to participants' family life and social relationships. Treatment characteristics were experienced as highly supportive and often referred to as the basis of other positive experiences and perceived health benefits. Conclusions: The result of this study outlines a detailed account of trauma-afflicted refugees' experiences and preferences of PA and exercise-based treatment from a broad range of perspectives. These findings provide a starting point for future research in this field and indicate a particular need for both research and intervention development to include the real-life impact of participating in such treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrik Nilsson
- Department of Health Sciences, The Swedish Red Cross University College, Huddinge, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,The Swedish Red Cross Treatment Center for Persons Affected by War and Torture, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Saboonchi
- Department of Health Sciences, The Swedish Red Cross University College, Huddinge, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Catharina Gustavsson
- Department of Health Sciences, The Swedish Red Cross University College, Huddinge, Sweden.,Center for Clinical Research Dalarna, Uppsala University, Falun, Sweden
| | - Andreas Malm
- Department of Health Sciences, The Swedish Red Cross University College, Huddinge, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,The Swedish Red Cross Treatment Center for Persons Affected by War and Torture, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Maria Gottvall
- Department of Health Sciences, The Swedish Red Cross University College, Huddinge, Sweden.,Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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