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Harwood-Gross A, Nordstrand AE, Bøe HJ, Gjerstad CL. How do you see me? The impact of perceived societal recognition on PTSD symptoms amongst Norwegian peacekeepers. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2024; 15:2314442. [PMID: 38682255 PMCID: PMC11060006 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2024.2314442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: The peacekeeper role is different to that of traditional combat, however, peacekeepers, like combat soldiers, may also be exposed to high levels of dangerous and/or potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs).Objective: It was hypothesized that given the centrality of societal approval for the peacekeeping mission, in addition to the known relevance of perceived social support, perceived societal recognition would influence PTSD symptoms (PTSS) and depression. It was hypothesized that perceived societal recognition would moderate the effect of exposure to potentially traumatic events and PMIEs on psychological outcomes.Method: 8341, predominantly male, former UNIFIL peacekeepers, almost three decades following deployment, answered a survey to determine the impact of perceived social support and perceived societal recognition, on PTSS and depression symptoms. Hierarchical regression analyses were performed for PTSS and depression separately and moderation analysis was performed for perceived societal recognition.Results: Exposure to potentially traumatic events showed the greatest predictive value for PTSS and exposure to PMIEs and potentially traumatic events were equally predictive of depression symptoms. While perceived social support presented the strongest buffer for PTSS and depression symptoms following UNIFIL deployment, perceived societal recognition also significantly contributed to the prediction of both PTSS and depression symptoms. There was a weak moderation effect of perceived societal recognition on trauma type in the development of PTSS.Conclusions: Even decades following peacekeeping deployment, military experiences have a significant impact on psychological functioning. This impact is both from the types of events experienced and from the perception of social and societal support upon return home.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Harwood-Gross
- METIV Israel Psychotrauma Center, Herzog Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Andreas Espetvedt Nordstrand
- Institute of Military Psychiatry, Norwegian Armed Forces, Joint Medical Services, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Hans Jakob Bøe
- Institute of Military Psychiatry, Norwegian Armed Forces, Joint Medical Services, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Christer Lunde Gjerstad
- Institute of Military Psychiatry, Norwegian Armed Forces, Joint Medical Services, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Research, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Kolaja C, Castañeda SF, Woodruff SI, Rull RP, Armenta RF. The relative impact of injury and deployment on mental and physical quality of life among military service members. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274973. [PMID: 36174060 PMCID: PMC9522035 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
US service members injured in the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan were more likely to survive than those in previous conflicts because of advances in medicine and protective gear. However, there is limited research examining the long-term impact of injuries while deployed on physical and mental quality of life (QOL) among service members. We used data from two time-points with an average follow-up period of 4.27 years (SD = 2.13; n = 118,054) to prospectively examine the association between deployment and injury status with QOL. Data were derived from the Millennium Cohort Study surveys (2001 to 2016) and linked with the Department of Defense Trauma Registry (DoD-TR) among a cohort of US service members from all branches and components. The primary predictor (a combination of deployment and injury status) was comprised of the following four categories: 1) not deployed, 2) deployed and not injured, 3) deployed and non-battle injured, and 4) deployed and battle injured. Demographic, military, psychological and behavioral health, and life stress factors were adjusted for in multivariable models. Outcomes of interest were physical and mental QOL from the Short-Form Health Survey for Veterans (VR-36) measured at ~4 year follow-up. Between group comparisons indicated that those deployed and battle-injured had the greatest decline in both mental (-3.82) and physical (-10.13) QOL scores over time (p < .05). While deployment and injury status were associated with poorer mental and physical QOL in adjusted models; only the association between deployment and injury status with physical QOL was clinically meaningful (more than 2.5). In adjusted models, Time 1 mental and physical QOL explained most of the variance (23–25%) in Time 2 mental and physical health QOL as compared to other covariates (e.g., injury and deployment, and other sociodemographic factors increased variance by ~5%). Time 1 QOL was the most significant predictor of later QOL, but those injured while deployed experienced significant and meaningful decrements to long-term physical QOL. This suggests that prevention and rehabilitation interventions should focus on improving physical health among injured service members to avoid long-term adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Kolaja
- Leidos Inc., San Diego, California, United States of America
- Deployment Health Research Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Sheila F. Castañeda
- Leidos Inc., San Diego, California, United States of America
- Deployment Health Research Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Susan I. Woodruff
- San Diego State University, School of Social Work, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Rudolph P. Rull
- Deployment Health Research Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Richard F. Armenta
- Department of Kinesiology, College of Education, Health and Human Services, California State University, San Marcos, San Marcos, California, United States of America
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Reilly ED, Robinson SA, Petrakis BA, Gardner MM, Wiener RS, Castaneda-Sceppa C, Quigley KS. Mobile Intervention to Improve Sleep and Functional Health of Veterans With Insomnia: Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Form Res 2021; 5:e29573. [PMID: 34889746 PMCID: PMC8704109 DOI: 10.2196/29573] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Insomnia is a prevalent and debilitating disorder among veterans. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTI) can be effective for treating insomnia, although many cannot access this care. Technology-based solutions and lifestyle changes, such as physical activity (PA), offer affordable and accessible self-management alternatives to in-person CBTI. Objective This study aims to extend and replicate prior pilot work to examine whether the use of a mobile app for CBTI (cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia coach app [CBT-i Coach]) improves subjective and objective sleep outcomes. This study also aims to investigate whether the use of the CBT-i Coach app with adjunctive PA improves sleep outcomes more than CBT-i Coach alone. Methods A total of 33 veterans (mean age 37.61 years, SD 9.35 years) reporting chronic insomnia were randomized to use either the CBT-i Coach app alone or the CBT-i Coach app with a PA intervention over 6 weeks, with outcome measures of objective and subjective sleep at pre- and posttreatment. Results Although the PA manipulation was unsuccessful, both groups of veterans using the CBT-i Coach app showed significant improvement from baseline to postintervention on insomnia (P<.001), sleep quality (P<.001), and functional sleep outcomes (P=.002). Improvements in subjective sleep outcomes were similar in those with and without posttraumatic stress disorder and mild-to-moderate sleep apnea. We also observed a significant but modest increase in objective sleep efficiency (P=.02). Conclusions These findings suggest that the use of a mobile app–delivered CBTI is feasible and beneficial for improving sleep outcomes in veterans with insomnia, including those with comorbid conditions such as posttraumatic stress disorder or mild-to-moderate sleep apnea. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03305354; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03305354
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Dawna Reilly
- Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, United States.,Social and Community Reintegration Research, VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, United States.,University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Stephanie A Robinson
- Center for Healthcare Outcomes and Implementation Research, VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, United States.,Pulmonary Division, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Beth Ann Petrakis
- Center for Healthcare Outcomes and Implementation Research, VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, United States
| | | | - Renda Soylemez Wiener
- Center for Healthcare Outcomes and Implementation Research, VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, United States.,Pulmonary Division, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Karen S Quigley
- Social and Community Reintegration Research, VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, United States.,Center for Healthcare Outcomes and Implementation Research, VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, United States.,Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
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4
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Alter S, Wilson C, Sun S, Harris RE, Wang Z, Vitale A, Hazlett EA, Goodman M, Ge Y, Yehuda R, Galfalvy H, Haghighi F. The association of childhood trauma with sleep disturbances and risk of suicide in US veterans. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 136:54-62. [PMID: 33561736 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sleep dysregulation is prevalent among veterans and is associated with increased risk of suicidal ideation and behaviors. A confluence of risk factors have been identified to date that contribute to increase risk for suicidal behavior. How these risk factors including childhood trauma, comorbid psychopathology, impulsivity, and hostility together with sleep disturbance contribute to suicide risk remains an open question. These factors have never been examined simultaneously in a unified mediation model, as investigated in the present study, to determine their relative contribution to suicide risk. METHODS Veterans (N = 105) were recruited across 3-groups, including Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) with/without a history of a suicide attempt (n = 35 and n = 37, respectively), and non-psychiatric controls, who had no history of mental illness or suicidal behavior (n = 33). The participants were assessed using validated self-report assessments with in-depth phenotyping for relevant risk factors associated with suicidal behavior including childhood adversity, depression severity, impulsivity, hostility, and sleep quality. These factors were included in mediation models using path analysis. RESULTS Across all subjects including those with MDD and non-psychiatric controls, mediation analysis showed that higher levels of childhood trauma had an indirect effect on poor sleep quality (p = 0.001). This effect was orthogonal, being independently mediated by both MDD psychopathology (p = 0.003), and higher traits of impulsivity (p = 0.001) and hostility (p = 0.015). Amongst MDD veterans, childhood trauma was directly associated with increased suicide risk (p = 0.034), irrespective of their severity of depression, or their degree of hostility and impulsivity. LIMITATIONS include use of self-report data, and the inability to establish causal inferences with cross-sectional design. CONCLUSION Childhood adversity as a significant pre-deployment risk factor for disturbed sleep and elevated suicide risk, potentially important for incorporation in clinical practice for suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Shengnan Sun
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | | | - Zhaoyu Wang
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Amanda Vitale
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Erin A Hazlett
- James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, USA; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Marianne Goodman
- James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, USA; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Yongchao Ge
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Rachel Yehuda
- James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, USA; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | | | - Fatemeh Haghighi
- James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, USA; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA.
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Gjerstad CL, Bøe HJ, Falkum E, Nordstrand AE, Tønnesen A, Reichelt JG, Lystad JU. Caring for Coronavirus Healthcare Workers: Lessons Learned From Long-Term Monitoring of Military Peacekeepers. Front Psychol 2020; 11:566199. [PMID: 33192842 PMCID: PMC7604419 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.566199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The current outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is of unprecedented proportions in several regards. Recent reports suggest that many frontline healthcare workers (HCWs) suffer from mental health problems, including posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). Previous studies have identified several key factors associated with short-term PTSS in pandemic HCWs, yet limited data is available on factors associated with long-term PTSS. Understanding the psychological impact of the pandemic on HCWs is important in planning for future outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases. In the current study, we look to findings from a highly relevant subsection of the trauma field, the military domain. OBJECTIVE Pandemic HCWs and military peacekeepers may experience similar stressors in the line of duty. This study investigated whether factors linked to short-term PTSS in pandemic HCWs were also associated with long-term PTSS in military peacekeepers. MATERIALS AND METHODS Peacekeepers who reported pandemic-relevant stressors during deployment to a UN peacekeeping mission were included in the study (N = 1,627). PTSS was self-reported using the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist - Military Version. Descriptive instruments were used to assess possible factors associated with PTSS. A multiple linear regression analysis was performed to explore associations between these factors and PTSS. RESULTS Our model accounted for 50% of the variance in PTSS, F(1503,11) = 139.00, p < 0.001. Age, relationship and employment status, preparedness, working environment, social support after deployment, barriers to disclose, recognition, and loneliness were all significantly associated with PTSS on average 30 years after deployment. The most important risk factors of long-term PTSS were personal barriers to disclose one's experiences and current unemployment. CONCLUSION Several factors linked to short-term PTSS in pandemic HCWs were associated with long-term PTSS in peacekeepers. We discuss how these findings may be used to prevent long-term PTSS in HCWs involved in the current COVID-19 outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christer Lunde Gjerstad
- Institute of Military Psychiatry, Norwegian Armed Forces Joint Medical Services, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hans Jakob Bøe
- Institute of Military Psychiatry, Norwegian Armed Forces Joint Medical Services, Oslo, Norway
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Kongsberg DPS, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, Kongsberg, Norway
| | - Erik Falkum
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Department of Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Andreas Espetvedt Nordstrand
- Institute of Military Psychiatry, Norwegian Armed Forces Joint Medical Services, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Arnfinn Tønnesen
- Institute of Military Psychiatry, Norwegian Armed Forces Joint Medical Services, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - June Ullevoldsæter Lystad
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Department of Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Section of Early Psychoses Treatment, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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6
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Gjerstad CL, Bøe HJ, Falkum E, Martinsen EW, Nordstrand AE, Tønnesen A, Reichelt JG, Lystad JU. Prevalence and Correlates of Mental Health Problems in Norwegian Peacekeepers 18-38 Years Postdeployment. J Trauma Stress 2020; 33:762-772. [PMID: 32810318 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2019] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Peacekeeping missions involve experiences that may impact the mental health of participating soldiers. However, research on the long-term mental health consequences of peacekeeping is sparse. The present study aimed to find the prevalence of mental health problems (MHPs), possible MHP predictors, and associations between predictors and MHPs in Norwegian peacekeepers 18-38 years after deployment to a United Nations peacekeeping mission. We used data from a cross-sectional, postdeployment survey of Norwegian peacekeepers who served in Lebanon between 1978 and 1998 (N = 10,605). Participants were assessed for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD); anxiety; depression; insomnia; alcohol misuse; drug misuse; and exposure to pre-, peri-, and postdeployment stressors. Logistic regressions were executed to explore key variables associated with MHPs. Total MHP prevalence was 15.1%, 95% CI [14.4, 15.8]. The estimates for specific disorders were 0.1% for drug misuse, 3.4% for alcohol misuse, 4.0% for depression, 6.2% for PTSD, 6.4% for anxiety, and 9.3% for insomnia. Postdeployment stressors, OR = 1.91, 95% CI [1.79, 2.04]; employment status, OR = 1.41, 95% CI [1.33, 1.48]; and traumatic exposure during deployment, OR = 1.11, 95% CI [1.09, 1.12], were positively related to PTSD, χ2(17, N = 8,568) = 1,791.299, p < .001. Similar patterns were found for the other MHPs. Considering that most participants (84.9%) reported low symptom levels, our findings challenge the widespread public perception that most peacekeepers have MHPs. Moreover, our results indicate that future peacekeepers should be prepared for challenges they may face not only during deployment but also in the years following their homecoming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christer Lunde Gjerstad
- Institute of Military Psychiatry, Norwegian Armed Forces Joint Medical Services, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hans Jakob Bøe
- Institute of Military Psychiatry, Norwegian Armed Forces Joint Medical Services, Oslo, Norway.,Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Kongsberg DPS, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, Kongsberg, Norway
| | - Erik Falkum
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Research, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Egil Wilhelm Martinsen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Research, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Andreas Espetvedt Nordstrand
- Institute of Military Psychiatry, Norwegian Armed Forces Joint Medical Services, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Psychology, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Arnfinn Tønnesen
- Institute of Military Psychiatry, Norwegian Armed Forces Joint Medical Services, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - June Ullevoldsaeter Lystad
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Research, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Section of Early Psychosis Treatment, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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7
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Moore BA, Hale WJ, Nabity PS, Koehn TR, McGeary D, Peterson AL. A Retrospective, Epidemiological Review of Hemiplegic Migraines in a Military Population. Mil Med 2020; 184:781-787. [PMID: 30877794 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usz040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Revised: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Headaches are one of the world's most common disabling conditions. They are also both highly prevalent and debilitating among military personnel and can have a significant impact on fitness for duty. Hemiplegic migraines are an uncommon, yet severely incapacitating, subtype of migraine with aura for which there has been a significant increase amongst US military personnel over the past decade. To date, there has not been a scientific report on hemiplegic migraine in United States military personnel. MATERIALS AND METHODS The aim of this study was to provide an overview of hemiplegic migraine, to analyze data on the incidence of hemiplegic migraine in US military service members, and to evaluate demographic factors associated with hemiplegic migraine diagnoses. First time diagnoses of hemiplegic migraine were extracted from the Defense Medical Epidemiological Database according to ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes for hemiplegic migraine. One sample Chi-Square goodness of fit tests were conducted on weighted demographic samples to determine whether significant proportional differences existed between gender, age, military grade, service component, race, and marital status. RESULTS From 1997 to 2007 there were no cases of hemiplegic migraine recorded in the Defense Medical Epidemiological Database. However, from 2008 to 2017 there was a significant increase in the number of initial diagnoses of hemiplegic migraine, from 4 in 2008 to a high of 101 in 2016. From 2008 to 2017, 597 new cases of hemiplegic migraine were reported among US military service members. Disproportional incidence of hemiplegic migraine was observed for gender, X2 (1, 597) = 297.37, p <.001, age, X2 (5, 597) = 62.60, p <.001, service component, X2 (3, 597) = 31.48, p <.001, pay grade X2 (3, 597) = 57.96, p <.001, and race, X2 (2, 597) = 37.32, p <.001, but not for marital status X2 (1, 597) = 2.57, p >.05. CONCLUSION Over the past decade, there has been a significant increase in the number of initial diagnoses of hemiplegic migraine in Active Duty United States military personnel. Based on these diagnosis rates, there is evidence to suggest that hemiplegic migraine has a higher incidence and prevalence rate among post 9/11 service members of the United States military as compared to the general population. Given the sudden increase in new patients diagnosed with hemiplegic migraine in the past decade, the global prevalence estimates of hemiplegic migraine should be reconsidered. Additionally, the impact of hemiplegic migraine on service member's duties and responsibilities deserves further consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian A Moore
- University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX.,University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7550 Interstate Highway 10 West, Suite 1325, San Antonio, TX
| | - Willie J Hale
- University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX
| | - Paul S Nabity
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7550 Interstate Highway 10 West, Suite 1325, San Antonio, TX
| | - Tyler R Koehn
- Brooke Army Medical Center, Department of Neurology, 3551 Roger Brooke Drive, Fort Sam Houston JBSA, TX
| | - Donald McGeary
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7550 Interstate Highway 10 West, Suite 1325, San Antonio, TX
| | - Alan L Peterson
- University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX.,University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7550 Interstate Highway 10 West, Suite 1325, San Antonio, TX.,South Texas Veterans Health Care System, 7400 Merton Minter Boulevard, San Antonio, TX
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8
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Fried D, McAndrew LM, Helmer DA, Markowitz S, Quigley KS. Interrelationships between symptom burden and health functioning and health care utilization among veterans with persistent physical symptoms. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2020; 21:124. [PMID: 32611312 PMCID: PMC7329405 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-020-01193-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Background Between 10 and 50% of primary care patients present with persistent physical symptoms (PPS). Patients with PPS tend to utilize excessive or inappropriate health care services, while being stuck in a deleterious cycle of inactivity, deconditioning, and further worsening of symptoms and disability. Since military deployment (relative to non-deployment) is associated with greater likelihood of PPS, we examined the interrelationships of health care utilization, symptom burden and functioning among a sample of recently deployed Veterans with new onset persistent physical symptoms. Methods This study analyzed a cohort of 790 U.S. soldiers who recently returned from deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan. Data for this analysis were obtained at pre- and post-deployment. We used moderation analyses to evaluate interactions between physical symptom burden and physical and mental health functioning and four types of health care utilization one-year after deployment, after adjusting for key baseline measures. Results Moderation analyses revealed significant triple interactions between physical symptom burden and health functioning and: primary care (F = 3.63 [2, 303], R2Δ = .02, p = 0.03), specialty care (F = 6.81 [2, 303] R2Δ =0.03, p < .001), allied therapy care (F = 3.76 [2, 302], R2Δ = .02, p = 0.02), but not mental health care (F = 1.82 [1, 303], R2Δ = .01, p = .16), one-year after deployment. Conclusions Among U.S. Veterans with newly emerging persistent physical symptoms one-year after deployment, increased physical symptom burden coupled with decreased physical and increased mental health functioning was associated with increased medical care use in the year after deployment. These findings support whole health initiatives aimed at improving health function/well-being, rather than merely symptom alleviation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Fried
- Department of Veterans Affairs, NJ War Related Illness & Injury Study Center, 385 Tremont Ave. Mailstop 129, East Orange, NJ, 07018, USA. .,Department of Epidemiology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 185 South Orange Avenue, MSB, Newark, NJ, 07101, USA.
| | - Lisa M McAndrew
- Department of Veterans Affairs, NJ War Related Illness & Injury Study Center, 385 Tremont Ave. Mailstop 129, East Orange, NJ, 07018, USA
| | - Drew A Helmer
- Department of Veterans Affairs, NJ War Related Illness & Injury Study Center, 385 Tremont Ave. Mailstop 129, East Orange, NJ, 07018, USA.,New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 185 South Orange Avenue, MSB, Newark, NJ, 07101, USA
| | | | - Karen S Quigley
- Interdisciplinary Affective Science Laboratory, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.,Department of Veterans Affairs, Bedford Memorial Hospital, 200 Springs Rd, Bedford, MA, 01730, USA
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9
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Dieter JN, Engel SD. Traumatic Brain Injury and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Comorbid Consequences of War. Neurosci Insights 2019; 14:1179069519892933. [PMID: 32363347 PMCID: PMC7176398 DOI: 10.1177/1179069519892933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Scientific literature is reviewed supporting a “consequence of war syndrome (CWS)” in Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation New Dawn soldiers. CWS constituents include chronic pain and insomnia, other physical complaints, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and neuropsychological deficits. The foundation of CWS lies with the chronic stressors inherent to deployment and the cascade of biological events mediated and maintained by hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation. Such dysregulation is modified by the individual’s specific experiences at war, difficulty reintegrating to post-deployment life, and the onset or exacerbation of the chronic and comorbid physical, emotional, and cognitive disorders. The circuit network between the prefrontal cortex (PFC), amygdala, and hippocampus is particularly sensitive to the consequences of war. The review’s specific conclusions are as follows: HPA axis dysregulation contributes to the chronic insomnia and hyperarousal seen in soldiers. There is considerable symptom overlap between PTSD and blast-related head injury, and it is difficult to determine the relative contributions of the two disorders to abnormal imaging studies. In some cases, traumatic brain injury (TBI) may directly precipitate PTSD symptoms. While not intuitive, the relationship between TBI and postconcussion syndrome appears indirect and mediated through PTSD. Blast-related or conventional head injury may have little long-term impact on neuropsychological functioning; contrarily, PTSD particularly accounts for current cognitive deficits. The psychological experience of CWS includes a “war-within” where soldiers continue to battle an internalized enemy. Successful treatment of CWS entails transdisciplinary care that addresses each of the constituent disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Ni Dieter
- Intrepid Spirit Center, Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, U.S. Army, Fort Hood, TX, USA
| | - Scot D Engel
- Intrepid Spirit Center, Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, U.S. Army, Fort Hood, TX, USA
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10
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Reilly ED, Robinson SA, Petrakis BA, Kuhn E, Pigeon WR, Wiener RS, McInnes DK, Quigley KS. Mobile App Use for Insomnia Self-Management: Pilot Findings on Sleep Outcomes in Veterans. Interact J Med Res 2019; 8:e12408. [PMID: 31342904 PMCID: PMC6685127 DOI: 10.2196/12408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Sleep disturbance is a major health concern among US veterans who have served since 2001 in a combat theater in Iraq or Afghanistan. We report subjective and objective sleep results from a pilot trial assessing self-management–guided use of a mobile app (CBT-i Coach, which is based on cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia) as an intervention for insomnia in military veterans. Objective The primary aim of this study was to evaluate changes in subjective and objective sleep outcomes from pre to postintervention. Methods Subjective outcomes included the Insomnia Severity Index, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory, and sleep-related functional status. A wearable sleep monitor (WatchPAT) measured objective sleep outcomes, including sleep efficiency, percent rapid eye movement (REM) during sleep, sleep time, and sleep apnea. A total of 38 participants were enrolled in the study, with 18 participants being withdrawn per the protocol because of moderate or severe sleep apnea and 9 others who dropped out or withdrew. Thus, 11 participants completed the full 6-week CBT-i Coach self-management intervention (ie, completers). Results Completer results indicated significant changes in subjective sleep measures, including reduced reports of insomnia (Z=–2.68, P=.007) from pre (mean 16.63, SD 5.55) to postintervention (mean 12.82, SD 3.74), improved sleep quality (Z=–2.37, P=.02) from pre (mean 12.82, SD 4.60) to postintervention (mean 10.73, SD 3.32), and sleep-related functioning (Z=2.675, P=.007) from pre (mean 13.86, SD 3.69) to postintervention (mean 15.379, SD 2.94). Among the objective measures, unexpectedly, objective sleep time significantly decreased from pre to postintervention (χ22=7.8, P=.02). There were no significant changes in percent REM sleep or sleep efficiency. Conclusions These findings suggest that the CBT-i Coach app can improve subjective sleep and that incorporating objective sleep measures into future, larger clinical trials or clinical practice may yield important information, particularly by detecting previously undetected sleep apnea. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02392000; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02392000
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin D Reilly
- Center for Social and Community Reintegration Research, Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial VA Hospital, Bedford, MA, United States
| | - Stephanie A Robinson
- Center for Healthcare Outcomes and Implementation Research, Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial VA Hospital, Bedford, MA, United States
| | - Beth Ann Petrakis
- Center for Healthcare Outcomes and Implementation Research, Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial VA Hospital, Bedford, MA, United States
| | - Eric Kuhn
- National Center for PTSD, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, United States.,Stanford University School of Medicine, Standford, CA, United States
| | - Wilfred R Pigeon
- Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention, Canandaigua VA Medical Center, Canandaigua, NY, United States.,University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Renda Soylemez Wiener
- Center for Healthcare Outcomes and Implementation Research, Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial VA Hospital, Bedford, MA, United States.,Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - D Keith McInnes
- Center for Healthcare Outcomes and Implementation Research, Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial VA Hospital, Bedford, MA, United States.,Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Karen S Quigley
- Center for Social and Community Reintegration Research, Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial VA Hospital, Bedford, MA, United States.,Center for Healthcare Outcomes and Implementation Research, Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial VA Hospital, Bedford, MA, United States.,Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
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11
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McAndrew LM, Slotkin S, Kimber J, Maestro K, Phillips LA, Martin JL, Credé M, Eklund A. Cultural incongruity predicts adjustment to college for student veterans. J Couns Psychol 2019; 66:678-689. [PMID: 31204835 DOI: 10.1037/cou0000363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about what predicts student service members' and veterans' (SSM/V) adjustment to college. In qualitative research, SSM/V report feeling they do not belong and are misunderstood by college communities, a phenomenon that counseling psychologists call cultural incongruity. The goal of the current study was to quantitatively examine the relationship between cultural incongruity and adjustment to college. We surveyed 814 SSM/V about their adjustment to college using the Student Adaptation to College Questionnaire. Cultural incongruity was operationalized in two ways: feelings of not belonging were measured via direct report and the association with adjustment to college assessed with regression. Feelings of being misunderstood about academic barriers were assessed by comparing SSM/V's perceptions of academic barriers and SSM/V's perceptions of how others view the SSM/V's academic barriers and the association with adjustment was assessed using polynomial regression and response surface analysis. Cultural incongruity predicted adjustment to college. After controlling for other known predictors, feelings of not belonging accounted for 18% of the variance in adjustment to college. Polynomial regression showed that feeling understood about academic barriers protected against the negative impact of the barrier on adjustment to college. Cultural incongruity predicts adjustment to college for SSM/V. Helping SSM/V feel their unique barriers to college adjustment are understood may blunt the impact of these barriers. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).
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12
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McAndrew LM, Lu SE, Phillips LA, Maestro K, Quigley KS. Mutual maintenance of PTSD and physical symptoms for Veterans returning from deployment. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2019; 10:1608717. [PMID: 31164966 PMCID: PMC6534228 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2019.1608717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Revised: 02/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The mutual maintenance model proposes that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and chronic physical symptoms have a bi-directional temporal relationship. Despite widespread support for this model, there are relatively few empirical tests of the model and these have primarily examined patients with a traumatic physical injury. Objective: To extend the assessment of this model, we examined the temporal relationship between PTSD and physical symptoms for military personnel deployed to combat (i.e., facing the risk of death) who were not evacuated for traumatic injury. Methods: The current study used a prospective, longitudinal design to understand the cross-lagged relationships between PTSD and physical symptoms before, immediately after, 3 months after, and 1 year after combat deployment. Results: The cross-lagged results showed physical symptoms at every time point were consistently related to greater PTSD symptoms at the subsequent time point. PTSD symptoms were related to subsequent physical symptoms, but only at one time-point with immediate post-deployment PTSD symptoms related to physical symptoms at three months after deployment. Conclusion: The findings extend prior work by providing evidence that PTSD and physical symptoms may be mutually maintaining even when there is not a severe traumatic physical injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M. McAndrew
- War Related Illness and Injury Study Center, Veterans Affairs, New Jersey Health Care System, East Orange, NJ, USA
- Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology, University at Albany, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Shou-En Lu
- War Related Illness and Injury Study Center, Veterans Affairs, New Jersey Health Care System, East Orange, NJ, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - L. Alison Phillips
- War Related Illness and Injury Study Center, Veterans Affairs, New Jersey Health Care System, East Orange, NJ, USA
- Psychology Department, Iowa State University, Ames, USA
| | - Kieran Maestro
- War Related Illness and Injury Study Center, Veterans Affairs, New Jersey Health Care System, East Orange, NJ, USA
- Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology, University at Albany, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Karen S. Quigley
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Bedford Memorial Hospital, Bedford, MA, USA
- Interdisciplinary Affective Science Laboratory, Northeastern University, Boston, USA
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13
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McAndrew LM, Helmer DA, Lu SE, Chandler HK, Slotkin S, Quigley KS. Longitudinal relationship between onset of physical symptoms and functional impairment. J Behav Med 2018; 41:819-826. [PMID: 29948542 DOI: 10.1007/s10865-018-9937-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Patients with chronic physical symptoms (e.g., chronic pain) often have significant functional impairment (i.e., disability). The fear avoidance model is the dominant theoretical model of how the relationship between chronic physical symptoms and functional impairment develops and proposes a cyclical/bidirectional relationship. There has never been a definitive test of the proposed bi-directional relationship. The current study followed 767 Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom soldiers from pre-deployment, when they were relatively healthy, to 1 year after deployment, when it was anticipated that symptoms would increase or develop. Over the four assessment time points, physical symptom severity consistently predicted worse functional impairment at the subsequent time point. Functional impairment did not show a consistent relationship with worsening of physical symptom severity. These findings suggest that changes to functional impairment do not have a short-term impact on physical symptom severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M McAndrew
- War Related Illness and Injury Study Center, Veterans Affairs - New Jersey Health Care System, 385 Tremont Ave, East Orange, NJ, 07081, USA. .,Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology, University at Albany, Albany, USA.
| | - Drew A Helmer
- War Related Illness and Injury Study Center, Veterans Affairs - New Jersey Health Care System, 385 Tremont Ave, East Orange, NJ, 07081, USA.,New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, USA
| | - Shou-En Lu
- War Related Illness and Injury Study Center, Veterans Affairs - New Jersey Health Care System, 385 Tremont Ave, East Orange, NJ, 07081, USA.,School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, USA
| | - Helena K Chandler
- War Related Illness and Injury Study Center, Veterans Affairs - New Jersey Health Care System, 385 Tremont Ave, East Orange, NJ, 07081, USA
| | - Sarah Slotkin
- Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology, University at Albany, Albany, USA
| | - Karen S Quigley
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Bedford Memorial Hospital, Bedford, USA.,Interdisciplinary Affective Science Laboratory, Northeastern University, Boston, USA
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14
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Fitzgerald JM, Gorka SM, Kujawa A, DiGangi JA, Proescher E, Greenstein JE, Aase DM, Schroth C, Afshar K, Kennedy AE, Hajcak G, Phan KL. Neural indices of emotional reactivity and regulation predict course of PTSD symptoms in combat-exposed veterans. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2018; 82:255-262. [PMID: 29122638 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2017.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Revised: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
After diagnosis, veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) display significant variability in the natural course of illness (Bonanno et al., 2012)). Cross-sectional work reveals that abnormal neural response during emotion reactivity-measured using the late positive potential (LPP)-correlates with PTSD symptom severity; however, whether the LPP during emotional reactivity and regulation predicts symptoms over time is unknown. The current study examined the LPP during emotion reactivity and regulation as predictors of PTSD symptoms over one year in OEF/OIF/OND combat-exposed veterans. At baseline, participants completed an Emotion Regulation Task (ERT) during electroencephalogram recording. The Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) was completed at baseline (N=86), 6-months (N=54) and 1-year (N=49) later. During ERT, participants viewed negative pictures; partway through they were instructed to "reappraise" (i.e., reduce negative affect/regulate) or "look" (i.e., passively react). Change in LPP during emotional reactivity (ΔLPP-E) and reappraisal (ΔLPP-R) were calculated and used in multilevel mixed modeling to predict CAPS over time. Findings demonstrated that deficiency in reappraisal (ΔLPP-R) predicted more overall symptoms over time, while greater neural responses to emotion (ΔLPP-E) and greater change in neural response as a function of reappraisal (ΔLPP-R) predicted a decline in avoidance symptoms over time. Together, results support the utility of neural markers of emotional reactivity and regulation as predictors of PTSD symptoms-and change in symptoms-across one year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacklynn M Fitzgerald
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Psychology, Chicago, IL, United States; University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Psychiatry, Chicago, IL, United States.
| | - Stephanie M Gorka
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Psychiatry, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Autumn Kujawa
- Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Julia A DiGangi
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Psychiatry, Chicago, IL, United States; Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Eric Proescher
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
| | | | - Darrin M Aase
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
| | | | - Kaveh Afshar
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Psychiatry, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Amy E Kennedy
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Psychiatry, Chicago, IL, United States; Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Greg Hajcak
- Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
| | - K Luan Phan
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Psychology, Chicago, IL, United States; University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Psychiatry, Chicago, IL, United States; Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States; University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology and the Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Chicago, IL, United States
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15
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Lubens P, Bruckner TA. A Review of Military Health Research Using a Social–Ecological Framework. Am J Health Promot 2018; 32:1078-1090. [DOI: 10.1177/0890117117744849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Objective: We aim to contextualize the growing body of research on the sequelae of military service in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. We employ a social–ecological (SE) framework for the taxonomy of military health research and classify risk as arising from the individual, family, community, and the institutional levels. We intend for this review to inform enhanced health promotion efforts in military communities. Data Source: Articles reviewed were extracted from Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus. Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria: Research focused on somatic and psychological sequelae of combat deployment published from 2001—the year the war in Afghanistan began—through the end of 2014. We excluded studies of non-US military personnel, other systematic reviews, meta-analyses, book chapters, and theoretical papers. Data Extraction: We examined and summarized the aims, participants, methods, study design, SE framework tier, risk factors, and health outcomes. Data Synthesis: Studies were categorized according to SE tier, whether they focused on somatic, behavioral, or psychological outcomes, and by risk factor. Results: Of the 352 peer-reviewed papers, 84% focused on war’s sequelae on the index military personnel, and 75% focused on mental or behavioral health outcomes—mostly on post-traumatic stress disorder. We find comparatively little research focusing on the family, community, or institutional tiers. Conclusions: We know relatively little about how family and community respond to the return of personnel from combat deployment; how family resources affect the health of returning military personnel; and how a war’s persistence presents challenges for federal, state, and local agencies to meet military health-care needs. Such work is especially salient as US troops return home from war—particularly in communities where there are substantial military populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Lubens
- Program in Public Health, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Tim A. Bruckner
- Program in Public Health, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
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16
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Health-related quality of life among US military personnel injured in combat: findings from the Wounded Warrior Recovery Project. Qual Life Res 2018; 27:1393-1402. [DOI: 10.1007/s11136-018-1806-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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17
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Traumatic Brain Injury Severity, Comorbidity, Social Support, Family Functioning, and Community Reintegration Among Veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq Wars. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2017.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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18
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McAndrew LM, Phillips LA, Helmer DA, Maestro K, Engel CC, Greenberg LM, Anastasides N, Quigley KS. High healthcare utilization near the onset of medically unexplained symptoms. J Psychosom Res 2017; 98:98-105. [PMID: 28554378 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2017.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients with medically unexplained syndromes (MUS) often do not receive appropriate healthcare. A critical time for effective healthcare is the inception of MUS. The current study examined data from a prospective longitudinal study of Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) soldiers to understand the relationship of increasing physical symptom burden to healthcare utilization. METHODS Data was examined from a prospective study of OEF/OIF soldiers assessed before and one year after deployment (n=336). Physical symptom burden was measured with the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-15). Analyses were conducted with polynomial regression and response surface analysis (RSA). RESULTS Increases in physical symptom burden predicted greater healthcare utilization one year after deployment: primary care practitioner (slope=-0.26, F=4.07, p=0.04), specialist (slope=-0.43, F=8.67, p=0.003), allied health therapy (e.g., physical therapy) (slope=-0.41, F=5.71, p=0.02) and mental health (slope=-0.32, F=4.04, p=0.05). There were no significant difference in utilization between those with consistently high levels and those with increases in physical symptom burden. CONCLUSION This is the first prospective study to examine, and show, a relationship between onset of clinically significant physical symptoms and greater healthcare utilization. Our data suggest that patients with increasing physical symptom burden have the same level of healthcare as patients with chronic physical symptom burden. Needed next steps are to better understand the quality of care at inception and determine how to intervene so that recommended approaches to care are provided from the onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M McAndrew
- War Related Illness and Injury Study Center, Department of Veterans Affairs New Jersey Health Care System, United States; Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology, University at Albany, United States.
| | - L Alison Phillips
- War Related Illness and Injury Study Center, Department of Veterans Affairs New Jersey Health Care System, United States; Iowa State University, Department of Psychology, United States.
| | - Drew A Helmer
- War Related Illness and Injury Study Center, Department of Veterans Affairs New Jersey Health Care System, United States; Rutgers University Jersey Medical School, United States.
| | - Kieran Maestro
- War Related Illness and Injury Study Center, Department of Veterans Affairs New Jersey Health Care System, United States; Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology, University at Albany, United States.
| | - Charles C Engel
- Behavioral and Policy Sciences, RAND Corporation, United States.
| | - Lauren M Greenberg
- War Related Illness and Injury Study Center, Department of Veterans Affairs New Jersey Health Care System, United States.
| | - Nicole Anastasides
- War Related Illness and Injury Study Center, Department of Veterans Affairs New Jersey Health Care System, United States.
| | - Karen S Quigley
- Center for Healthcare Outcomes and Implementation Research, Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial VA Hospital, Bedford, MA, United States; Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States.
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19
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Gorman JL, Harber KD, Shiffrar M, Quigley KS. Ostracism, resources, and the perception of human motion. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/ejsp.2213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Karen S. Quigley
- Northeastern University; Boston Massachusetts USA
- Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial VA Hospital; Bedford Massachusetts USA
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20
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McAndrew LM, Markowitz S, Lu SE, Borders A, Rothman D, Quigley KS. Resilience during war: Better unit cohesion and reductions in avoidant coping are associated with better mental health function after combat deployment. PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA : THEORY, RESEARCH, PRACTICE AND POLICY 2017; 9:52-61. [PMID: 27455138 PMCID: PMC6549499 DOI: 10.1037/tra0000152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The majority of individuals who endure traumatic events are resilient; however, we do not yet understand why some individuals are more resilient than others. We used data from a prospective longitudinal study Army National Guard and Reserve personnel to examine how unit cohesion (military-specific social support) and avoidant coping relate to resilience over the first year after return from deployment. METHOD Soldiers (N = 767) were assessed at 4 phases: predeployment (P1), immediately postdeployment (P2), 3 months' postdeployment (P3), and 1-year postdeployment (P4). RESULTS After controlling for predeployment avoidant coping and overall social support, higher unit cohesion was associated with a reduction in avoidant coping (from P1 to P3). This reduction in avoidant coping (from P1 to P3) mediated the relationship between unit cohesion (P2) and improvement in mental health function (from P1 to P3). CONCLUSIONS The results are consistent with the hypothesis that higher unit cohesion may mitigate increases in avoidant coping in military personnel after a combat deployment and in turn may improve mental health function. (PsycINFO Database Record
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M McAndrew
- NJ War Related Illness & Injury Study Center, Department of Veterans Affairs
| | | | - Shou-En Lu
- Department of Veterans Affairs, NJ War Related Illness & Injury Study Center
| | - Ashley Borders
- Department of Veterans Affairs, NJ War Related Illness & Injury Study Center
| | - David Rothman
- Department of Veterans Affairs, NJ War Related Illness & Injury Study Center
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McAndrew LM, Helmer DA, Phillips LA, Chandler HK, Ray K, Quigley KS. Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans report symptoms consistent with chronic multisymptom illness one year after deployment. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 53:59-70. [PMID: 27006173 DOI: 10.1682/jrrd.2014.10.0255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2014] [Revised: 07/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Many Veterans returning from service in Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom (OIF/OEF) experience chronic pain. What is not known is whether for some OIF/OEF Veterans this pain is part of a larger condition of diffuse multisystem symptoms consistent with chronic multisymptom illness (CMI). We use data from a prospective longitudinal study of OIF/OEF Veterans to determine the frequency of CMI. We found that 1 yr after deployment, 49.5% of OIF/OEF Veterans met criteria for mild to moderate CMI and 10.8% met criteria for severe CMI. Over 90% of Veterans with chronic pain met criteria for CMI. CMI was not completely accounted for either by posttraumatic stress disorder or by predeployment levels of physical symptoms. Veterans with symptoms consistent with CMI reported significantly worse physical health function than Veterans who did not report symptoms consistent with CMI. This study suggests that the presence of CMI should be considered in the evaluation of OIF/OEF Veterans. Further, it suggests the pain management for these Veterans may need to be tailored to take CMI into consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M McAndrew
- War Related Illness and Injury Study Center, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) New Jersey Health Care System, East Orange, NJ
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22
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Pugh MJ, Finley EP, Wang CP, Copeland LA, Jaramillo CA, Swan AA, Elnitsky CA, Leykum LK, Mortensen EM, Eapen BA, Noel PH, Pugh JA. A retrospective cohort study of comorbidity trajectories associated with traumatic brain injury in veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Brain Inj 2016; 30:1481-1490. [DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2016.1219055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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23
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McCutchan PK, Liu X, LeardMann CA, Smith TC, Boyko EJ, Gore KL, Freed MC, Engel CC. Deployment, combat, and risk of multiple physical symptoms in the US military: a prospective cohort study. Ann Epidemiol 2016; 26:122-128. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2015.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2015] [Revised: 11/29/2015] [Accepted: 12/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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24
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Koek RJ, Langevin JP, Krahl SE, Kosoyan HJ, Schwartz HN, Chen JWY, Melrose R, Mandelkern MJ, Sultzer D. Deep brain stimulation of the basolateral amygdala for treatment-refractory combat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): study protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial with blinded, staggered onset of stimulation. Trials 2014; 15:356. [PMID: 25208824 PMCID: PMC4168122 DOI: 10.1186/1745-6215-15-356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2014] [Accepted: 08/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Combat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) involves significant suffering, impairments in social and occupational functioning, substance use and medical comorbidity, and increased mortality from suicide and other causes. Many veterans continue to suffer despite current treatments. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has shown promise in refractory movement disorders, depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder, with deep brain targets chosen by integration of clinical and neuroimaging literature. The basolateral amygdala (BLn) is an optimal target for high-frequency DBS in PTSD based on neurocircuitry findings from a variety of perspectives. DBS of the BLn was validated in a rat model of PTSD by our group, and limited data from humans support the potential safety and effectiveness of BLn DBS. METHODS/DESIGN We describe the protocol design for a first-ever Phase I pilot study of bilateral BLn high-frequency DBS for six severely ill, functionally impaired combat veterans with PTSD refractory to conventional treatments. After implantation, patients are monitored for a month with stimulators off. An electroencephalographic (EEG) telemetry session will test safety of stimulation before randomization to staggered-onset, double-blind sham versus active stimulation for two months. Thereafter, patients will undergo an open-label stimulation for a total of 24 months. Primary efficacy outcome is a 30% decrease in the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) total score. Safety outcomes include extensive assessments of psychiatric and neurologic symptoms, psychosocial function, amygdala-specific and general neuropsychological functions, and EEG changes. The protocol requires the veteran to have a cohabiting significant other who is willing to assist in monitoring safety and effect on social functioning. At baseline and after approximately one year of stimulation, trauma script-provoked 18FDG PET metabolic changes in limbic circuitry will also be evaluated. DISCUSSION While the rationale for studying DBS for PTSD is ethically and scientifically justified, the importance of the amygdaloid complex and its connections for a myriad of emotional, perceptual, behavioral, and vegetative functions requires a complex trial design in terms of outcome measures. Knowledge generated from this pilot trial can be used to design future studies to determine the potential of DBS to benefit both veterans and nonveterans suffering from treatment-refractory PTSD. TRIAL REGISTRATION PCC121657, 19 March 2014.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralph J Koek
- />Psychiatry Service, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System (VAGLAHS), 11301 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90073 USA
- />David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, USA
- />16111 Plummer St. (116A-11), North Hills, CA 91343 USA
| | - Jean-Philippe Langevin
- />David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, USA
- />Neurosurgery Service, VAGLAHS, 11301 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, C 90073 USA
| | - Scott E Krahl
- />David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, USA
- />Research and Development Service, VAGLAHS, 11301 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90073 USA
| | - Hovsep J Kosoyan
- />David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, USA
- />Research and Development Service, VAGLAHS, 11301 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90073 USA
| | - Holly N Schwartz
- />Psychiatry Service, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System (VAGLAHS), 11301 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90073 USA
- />David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, USA
| | - James WY Chen
- />David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, USA
- />Neurology Service, VAGLAHS, 11301 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90073 USA
| | - Rebecca Melrose
- />David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, USA
- />Brain, Behavior, and Aging Research Center, VAGLAHS, 11301 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90073 USA
| | - Mark J Mandelkern
- />David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, USA
- />Imaging Department, Radiology Service, VAGLAHS, 11301 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90073 USA
- />Physics Department, UC Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697 USA
| | - David Sultzer
- />Psychiatry Service, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System (VAGLAHS), 11301 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90073 USA
- />David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, USA
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Associations between lifetime traumatic events and subsequent chronic physical conditions: a cross-national, cross-sectional study. PLoS One 2013; 8:e80573. [PMID: 24348911 PMCID: PMC3864645 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0080573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2013] [Accepted: 10/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Associations between lifetime traumatic event (LTE) exposures and subsequent physical ill-health are well established but it has remained unclear whether these are explained by PTSD or other mental disorders. This study examined this question and investigated whether associations varied by type and number of LTEs, across physical condition outcomes, or across countries. Methods Cross-sectional, face-to-face household surveys of adults (18+) were conducted in 14 countries (n = 38, 051). The Composite International Diagnostic Interview assessed lifetime LTEs and DSM-IV mental disorders. Chronic physical conditions were ascertained by self-report of physician's diagnosis and year of diagnosis or onset. Survival analyses estimated associations between the number and type of LTEs with the subsequent onset of 11 physical conditions, with and without adjustment for mental disorders. Findings A dose-response association was found between increasing number of LTEs and odds of any physical condition onset (OR 1.5 [95% CI: 1.4–1.5] for 1 LTE; 2.1 [2.0–2.3] for 5+ LTEs), independent of all mental disorders. Associations did not vary greatly by type of LTE (except for combat and other war experience), nor across countries. A history of 1 LTE was associated with 7/11 of the physical conditions (ORs 1.3 [1.2–1.5] to 1.7 [1.4–2.0]) and a history of 5+ LTEs was associated with 9/11 physical conditions (ORs 1.8 [1.3–2.4] to 3.6 [2.0–6.5]), the exceptions being cancer and stroke. Conclusions Traumatic events are associated with adverse downstream effects on physical health, independent of PTSD and other mental disorders. Although the associations are modest they have public health implications due to the high prevalence of traumatic events and the range of common physical conditions affected. The effects of traumatic stress are a concern for all medical professionals and researchers, not just mental health specialists.
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