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Shorer S, Weinberg M, Koko Y, Marom D. "My Scar": Posttraumatic Loneliness as a Source of Pain and Resource for Coping. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2024; 34:649-661. [PMID: 38243742 PMCID: PMC11103923 DOI: 10.1177/10497323241226599] [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: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Contemporary understanding of combat trauma's psychological effects emphasizes the interpersonal ways survivors process their experiences. Yet cases of incongruence between survivors who want to share their traumatic experience and close others who are not ready to take part in this challenging task are common. Hence, many trauma survivors are compelled to cope with the posttraumatic consequences mostly alone. The present study followed the interpretive phenomenological approach to examine the experience of loneliness, as described by 15 male combat veterans dealing with posttraumatic stress. Participants completed semistructured qualitative interviews in which they shared their knowledge regarding postservice distress, loneliness, coping, and growth. Two main themes emerged: "The Loneliness Complex," highlighting this phenomenon's multifaceted, layered, and cyclical nature; and "Emotional Growth after Loneliness," presenting the positive potential of loneliness. These findings emphasize the importance of interpersonal relations in trauma survivors' recovery process. Participants described how experiences with peers can serve as a pivotal point for coping with postservice distress and how internalization of positive interpersonal interactions seems to be a crucial psychological resource for further rehabilitation and growth. Being a multilayered and cyclical condition, loneliness might serve trauma survivors in their search of safety, while also bearing the potential to motivate them to act upon their condition and promote emotional growth. Clinicians should acknowledge the risks trauma survivors take by leaving their lonely yet safe place, as they are encouraged to process their traumatic experiences and share their inner world with others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shai Shorer
- School of Social Work, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health studies, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- B’Shvil, Or Yehuda, Israel
| | - Michael Weinberg
- School of Social Work, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health studies, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Yael Koko
- School of Social Work, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health studies, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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Williamson C, Croak B, Simms A, Fear NT, Sharp ML, Stevelink SAM. Risk and protective factors for self-harm and suicide behaviours among serving and ex-serving personnel of the UK Armed Forces, Canadian Armed Forces, Australian Defence Force and New Zealand Defence Force: A systematic review. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299239. [PMID: 38669252 PMCID: PMC11051630 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299239] [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: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Self-harm and suicide behaviours are a major public health concern. Several factors are associated with these behaviours among military communities. Identifying these factors may have important implications for policy and clinical services. The aim of this review was to identify the risk and protective factors associated with self-harm and suicide behaviours among serving and ex-serving personnel of the United Kingdom Armed Forces, Canadian Armed Forces, Australian Defence Force and New Zealand Defence Force. METHODS A systematic search of seven online databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Global Health, PsycINFO, PTSDpubs and CINAHL) was conducted alongside cross-referencing, in October 2022. Following an a priori PROSPERO approved protocol (CRD42022348867), papers were independently screened and assessed for quality. Data were synthesised using a narrative approach. RESULTS Overall, 28 papers were included: 13 from Canada, 10 from the United Kingdom, five from Australia and none from New Zealand. Identified risk factors included being single/ex-relationship, early service leavers, shorter length of service (but not necessarily early service leavers), junior ranks, exposure to deployment-related traumatic events, physical and mental health diagnoses, and experience of childhood adversity. Protective factors included being married/in a relationship, higher educational attainment, employment, senior ranks, and higher levels of perceived social support. CONCLUSION Adequate care and support are a necessity for the military community. Prevention and intervention strategies for self-harm and suicide behaviours may be introduced early and may promote social networks as a key source of support. This review found a paucity of peer-reviewed research within some populations. More peer-reviewed research is needed, particularly among these populations where current work is limited, and regarding modifiable risk and protective factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Williamson
- King’s Centre for Military Health Research, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bethany Croak
- King’s Centre for Military Health Research, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Amos Simms
- Academic Department of Military Mental Health, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- British Army, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola T. Fear
- King’s Centre for Military Health Research, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- Academic Department of Military Mental Health, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marie-Louise Sharp
- King’s Centre for Military Health Research, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sharon A. M. Stevelink
- King’s Centre for Military Health Research, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Psychological Medicine, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
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Mojallal M, Simons RM, Simons JS, Swaminath S. Daily exposure to combat-related cues and posttraumatic stress symptoms among veterans: Moderating effects of peri- and postdeployment experiences. J Trauma Stress 2024; 37:57-68. [PMID: 37985123 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
One of the central symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a heightened reactivity to trauma cues. The current study used experience sampling to investigate the associations between exposure to combat-related cues and PTSD symptoms in 93 U.S. veterans who served in support of recent military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. We also examined the effects of peri- and postdeployment factors, including exposure to combat, unit support during deployment, and postdeployment social support on PTSD. Participants completed eight brief random surveys daily for 2 weeks using palmtop computers. The results indicated that more daytime exposure to trauma cues was associated with experiencing more PTSD symptoms at the within-person level, B = 3.18. At the between-person level, combat exposure, B = 4.20, was associated with more PTSD symptoms, whereas unit support, B = -0.89, was associated with experiencing fewer symptoms. At the cross-level interaction, unit support, B = -0.80, moderated the association between trauma cue exposure and PTSD symptom count. Contrary to our hypothesis, postdeployment social support, B = -0.59, was not associated with PTSD symptoms. These findings suggest a functional association between exposure to trauma cues and PTSD symptoms among recent-era U.S. veterans and underscore the importance of unit support during deployment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Mojallal
- Department of Psychology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota, USA
| | - Raluca M Simons
- Department of Psychology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Simons
- Department of Psychology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota, USA
| | - Surabhi Swaminath
- Department of Psychology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota, USA
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Herodes M, Le N, Anderson LJ, Migula D, Miranda G, Paulsen L, Garcia JM. Metabolic and quality of life effects of growth hormone replacement in patients with TBI and AGHD: A pilot study. Growth Horm IGF Res 2023; 71:101544. [PMID: 37295336 PMCID: PMC10527000 DOI: 10.1016/j.ghir.2023.101544] [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: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Traumatic brain injury (TBI), a common cause of adult growth hormone deficiency (AGHD), affects 20% of Veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan (OEF/OIF/OND). Growth hormone replacement therapy (GHRT) improves quality of life (QoL) in AGHD but remains unexplored in this population. This pilot, observational study investigates the feasibility and efficacy of GHRT in AGHD following TBI. DESIGN In this 6-month study of combat Veterans with AGHD and TBI starting GHRT (N = 7), feasibility (completion rate and rhGH adherence) and efficacy (improvements in self-reported QoL) of GHRT were measured (primary outcomes). Secondary outcomes included body composition, physical and cognitive function, psychological and somatic symptoms, physical activity, IGF-1 levels and safety parameters. It was hypothesized that participants would adhere to GHRT and that QoL would significantly improve after six months. RESULTS Five subjects (71%) completed all study visits. All patients administered daily rhGH injections, 6 (86%) of whom consistently administered the clinically-prescribed dose. While QoL demonstrated numeric improvement, this change did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.17). Significant improvements were observed in total lean mass (p = 0.02), latissimus dorsi strength (p = 0.05), verbal learning (Trial 1, p = 0.02; Trial 5, p = 0.03), attention (p = 0.02), short-term memory (p = 0.04), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms (p = 0.03). Body weight (p = 0.02) and total fat mass (p = 0.03) increased significantly. CONCLUSION GHRT is a feasible and well-tolerated intervention for U.S. Veterans with TBI-related AGHD. It improved key areas impacted by AGHD and symptoms of PTSD. Larger, placebo-controlled studies testing the efficacy and safety of this intervention in this population are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Herodes
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA; Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Nancy Le
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lindsey J Anderson
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Dorota Migula
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Gary Miranda
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA; Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lauren Paulsen
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jose M Garcia
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA; Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.
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Suntai Z, Laha-Walsh K, Albright DL. Perspectives on a good death: A comparative study of veterans and civilians. DEATH STUDIES 2023; 48:276-285. [PMID: 37288754 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2023.2219641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to identify any differences between veterans and non-veterans in the importance of domains of the Good Death Inventory. Participants were recruited from Amazon Mechanical Turk to complete a Qualtrics survey on the importance of the 18 domains of the Good Death Inventory scale. Logistic regression models were then used to analyze any differences between veterans (n = 241) and nonveterans (n = 1151). Results showed that veterans (mostly aged 31-50, men, and White) were more likely to indicate that pursuing all treatment possible and maintaining their pride were important aspects of a good death. The results support other studies that have found military culture to be a significant factor in the way veterans view preferences at the end of life. Interventions may include increasing access to palliative care and hospice services for military members and veterans and providing education/training on end-of-life care for healthcare providers who work with this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zainab Suntai
- Diana R. Garland School of Social Work, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
| | | | - David L Albright
- School of Social Work, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
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Kim B, Petrakis BA, Sliwinski SK, McInnes DK, Gifford AL, Smelson DA. Staff and Veteran Perspectives on Residential Treatment Programs' Responses to COVID-19: A Qualitative Study Guided by the WHO's After Action Review Framework. Community Ment Health J 2023; 59:600-608. [PMID: 36318435 PMCID: PMC9628288 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-022-01038-1] [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: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Healthcare must rapidly and systematically learn from earlier COVID-19 responses to prepare for future crises. This is critical for VA's Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation and Treatment Programs (RRTPs), offering 24/7 care to Veterans for behavioral health and/or homelessness. We adapted the World Health Organization's After Action Review (AAR) to conduct semi-structured small-group discussions with staff from two RRTPs and Veterans who received RRTP care during COVID-19, to examine COVID-19's impact on these programs. Six thematic categories emerged through qualitative analysis (participant-checked and contextualized with additional input from program leadership), representing participants' recommendations including: Keep RRTPs open (especially when alternative programs are inaccessible), convey reasons for COVID-19 precautions and programming changes to Veterans, separate recovery-oriented programming from COVID-19-related information-sharing, ensure Wi-Fi availability for telehealth and communication, provide technology training during orientation, and establish safe procedures for off-site appointments. AAR is easily applicable for organizations to debrief and learn from past experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Kim
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Boston Healthcare System, 150 South Huntington Avenue, 02130, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, 02115, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Beth Ann Petrakis
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Bedford Healthcare System, 200 Springs Road, 01730, Bedford, MA, USA
| | - Samantha K Sliwinski
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Boston Healthcare System, 150 South Huntington Avenue, 02130, Boston, MA, USA
| | - D Keith McInnes
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Bedford Healthcare System, 200 Springs Road, 01730, Bedford, MA, USA
- Department of Health Law, Policy, and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany Street, 02118, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Allen L Gifford
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Boston Healthcare System, 150 South Huntington Avenue, 02130, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Health Law, Policy, and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany Street, 02118, Boston, MA, USA
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, 02118, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David A Smelson
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Bedford Healthcare System, 200 Springs Road, 01730, Bedford, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 55 North Lake Avenue, 01655, Worcester, MA, USA
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