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Holliday R, Holder N, Edwards ER, Wong S, Jordan SE, Stewart K, Stimmel M, Monteith LL. Lower rates of VA service use among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander veterans with criminal-legal involvement. Gen Hosp Psychiatry 2024:S0163-8343(24)00073-2. [PMID: 38641461 DOI: 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2024.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Holliday
- Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center for Suicide Prevention, 1700 N. Wheeling St., Aurora, CO 80045, USA; University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17th Pl., Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
| | - Nicholas Holder
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health Care System, 4150 Clement St., San Francisco, CA 94121, USA; University of California, San Francisco Medical Center, 505 Parnassus Ave., San Francisco, CA 94122, USA
| | - Emily R Edwards
- VISN 2 MIRECC, Department of Veterans Affairs, 130 W Kingsbridge Rd, Bronx, NY 10468, USA; Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Sara Wong
- Veterans Affairs Pacific Islands Health Care System, 459 Patterson Rd., Honolulu, HI 96819, USA
| | - Shiloh E Jordan
- Veterans Affairs Pacific Islands Health Care System, 459 Patterson Rd., Honolulu, HI 96819, USA
| | - Katharine Stewart
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Veteran Justice Programs; 810 Vermont Ave NW, Washington D.C. 20420, USA
| | - Matthew Stimmel
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Veteran Justice Programs; 810 Vermont Ave NW, Washington D.C. 20420, USA
| | - Lindsey L Monteith
- Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center for Suicide Prevention, 1700 N. Wheeling St., Aurora, CO 80045, USA; University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17th Pl., Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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Edwards ER, Epshteyn G, Diehl CK, Ruiz D, Coolidge B, Weiss NH, Stein L. Prison or treatment? Gender, racial, and ethnic inequities in mental health care utilization and criminal justice history among incarcerated persons with borderline and antisocial personality disorders. Law Hum Behav 2024; 48:104-116. [PMID: 38602804 DOI: 10.1037/lhb0000557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Borderline and antisocial personality disorders are characterized by pervasive psychosocial impairment, disproportionate criminal justice involvement, and high mental health care utilization. Although some evidence suggests that systemic bias may contribute to demographic inequities in criminal justice and mental health care among persons experiencing these mental health conditions, no research to date has explicitly examined such differences. HYPOTHESES Women and White persons would be more likely to endorse internalizing symptoms and have a more extensive history of mental health service utilization, whereas men, persons from minoritized racial groups, and persons identifying as Hispanic/Latino would be more likely to endorse externalizing symptoms and have more extensive histories of involvement with the criminal justice system. METHOD This study examined gender, racial, and ethnic differences in symptom presentation, criminal justice history, and mental health care utilization in a sample of 314 adults with comorbid borderline and antisocial personality disorders enrolled in prison-based substance use treatment programs in the United States. RESULTS Results suggested that men with these personality disorders were more likely to have early extensive criminal justice involvement, whereas women and White people had more extensive mental health treatment histories. Women were also more likely to endorse a range of internalizing symptoms, and White and non-Hispanic participants were more likely to endorse a history of reckless behavior. Notably, however, many associations-particularly, racial differences in symptom presentation and mental health utilization history and gender differences in symptom presentation-did not persist after we controlled for preincarceration employment and educational attainment. CONCLUSION Results highlight a range of gender, racial, and ethnic inequities in criminal justice involvement and mental health utilization among this high-risk high-need population. Findings attest to the likely impact of societal, structural, and systemic factors on trajectories of persons affected by this comorbidity. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R Edwards
- Veterans Integrated Services Network 2 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center
| | - Gabriella Epshteyn
- Veterans Integrated Services Network 2 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center
| | | | - Danny Ruiz
- Veterans Integrated Services Network 2 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center
| | - Brettland Coolidge
- Veterans Integrated Services Network 2 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center
| | | | - Lynda Stein
- Department of Psychology, University of Rhode Island
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Geraci JC, Edwards ER, May D, Halliday T, Smith-Isabell N, El-Meouchy P, Lowell S, Armstrong N, Cantor G, DeJesus C, Dichiara A, Goodman M. Veteran Cultural Competence Training: Initial Effectiveness and National-Level Implementation. Psychiatr Serv 2024; 75:32-39. [PMID: 37554004 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.202100437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Because service professionals often lack cultural competence in working with veterans, veterans often perceive such professionals as "not understanding." The authors developed, evaluated, and implemented Veteran Cultural Competence Training (VCCT), combining educational and experiential components in an in-person training focused on building awareness, knowledge, and skills to better work with veterans. METHODS Study 1 was a type 1 effectiveness-implementation hybrid trial examining VCCT effectiveness in a sample of social service professionals (N=41) compared with a matched comparison group (N=41) via the Multicultural Counseling Self-Efficacy Scale-Veteran Form (MCSE-V) instrument. In study 2, the authors used the reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance (RE-AIM) framework to conduct a type 2 effectiveness-implementation hybrid trial and implemented VCCT with an expanded population (N=312) during eight training sessions in three U.S. states. RESULTS Results from study 1 indicated that VCCT significantly increased self-efficacy of trainees in veteran cultural competence compared with the matched group (p<0.001). In study 2, the RE-AIM framework highlighted the importance of building coalitions and utilizing implementation facilitation to maintain fidelity. The within-group effectiveness of VCCT was statistically significant and maintained across settings and professions (p<0.001), and trainees were satisfied with VCCT. Maintenance analysis revealed expansion of VCCT after implementation in terms of the number of training sessions (N=9), regions hosting the training (N=5), staff hired (N=13), and trainee applications (N=1,018). CONCLUSIONS VCCT effectively increases self-efficacy in veteran cultural competence. Gains appeared across different professions, demographic characteristics, and locations. Participation in VCCT may increase professionals' competence in understanding veteran culture, thereby potentially improving veteran services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph C Geraci
- Transitioning Servicemember/Veteran and Suicide Prevention Center, Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 2, Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New York City (Geraci, Edwards, May, Halliday, Smith-Isabell, Dichiara, Goodman); Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans, VISN 17, Doris Miller Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Waco, Texas (Geraci, Goodman); Resilience Center for Veterans & Families, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York City (May, Halliday); Fielding Graduate University, Santa Barbara, California (El-Meouchy, Lowell); Institute for Veterans & Military Families, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York (Armstrong, Cantor); Department of Psychology, Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York (DeJesus)
| | - Emily R Edwards
- Transitioning Servicemember/Veteran and Suicide Prevention Center, Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 2, Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New York City (Geraci, Edwards, May, Halliday, Smith-Isabell, Dichiara, Goodman); Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans, VISN 17, Doris Miller Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Waco, Texas (Geraci, Goodman); Resilience Center for Veterans & Families, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York City (May, Halliday); Fielding Graduate University, Santa Barbara, California (El-Meouchy, Lowell); Institute for Veterans & Military Families, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York (Armstrong, Cantor); Department of Psychology, Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York (DeJesus)
| | - David May
- Transitioning Servicemember/Veteran and Suicide Prevention Center, Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 2, Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New York City (Geraci, Edwards, May, Halliday, Smith-Isabell, Dichiara, Goodman); Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans, VISN 17, Doris Miller Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Waco, Texas (Geraci, Goodman); Resilience Center for Veterans & Families, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York City (May, Halliday); Fielding Graduate University, Santa Barbara, California (El-Meouchy, Lowell); Institute for Veterans & Military Families, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York (Armstrong, Cantor); Department of Psychology, Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York (DeJesus)
| | - Tiffany Halliday
- Transitioning Servicemember/Veteran and Suicide Prevention Center, Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 2, Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New York City (Geraci, Edwards, May, Halliday, Smith-Isabell, Dichiara, Goodman); Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans, VISN 17, Doris Miller Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Waco, Texas (Geraci, Goodman); Resilience Center for Veterans & Families, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York City (May, Halliday); Fielding Graduate University, Santa Barbara, California (El-Meouchy, Lowell); Institute for Veterans & Military Families, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York (Armstrong, Cantor); Department of Psychology, Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York (DeJesus)
| | - Natesha Smith-Isabell
- Transitioning Servicemember/Veteran and Suicide Prevention Center, Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 2, Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New York City (Geraci, Edwards, May, Halliday, Smith-Isabell, Dichiara, Goodman); Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans, VISN 17, Doris Miller Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Waco, Texas (Geraci, Goodman); Resilience Center for Veterans & Families, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York City (May, Halliday); Fielding Graduate University, Santa Barbara, California (El-Meouchy, Lowell); Institute for Veterans & Military Families, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York (Armstrong, Cantor); Department of Psychology, Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York (DeJesus)
| | - Paul El-Meouchy
- Transitioning Servicemember/Veteran and Suicide Prevention Center, Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 2, Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New York City (Geraci, Edwards, May, Halliday, Smith-Isabell, Dichiara, Goodman); Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans, VISN 17, Doris Miller Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Waco, Texas (Geraci, Goodman); Resilience Center for Veterans & Families, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York City (May, Halliday); Fielding Graduate University, Santa Barbara, California (El-Meouchy, Lowell); Institute for Veterans & Military Families, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York (Armstrong, Cantor); Department of Psychology, Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York (DeJesus)
| | - Sarah Lowell
- Transitioning Servicemember/Veteran and Suicide Prevention Center, Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 2, Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New York City (Geraci, Edwards, May, Halliday, Smith-Isabell, Dichiara, Goodman); Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans, VISN 17, Doris Miller Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Waco, Texas (Geraci, Goodman); Resilience Center for Veterans & Families, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York City (May, Halliday); Fielding Graduate University, Santa Barbara, California (El-Meouchy, Lowell); Institute for Veterans & Military Families, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York (Armstrong, Cantor); Department of Psychology, Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York (DeJesus)
| | - Nicholas Armstrong
- Transitioning Servicemember/Veteran and Suicide Prevention Center, Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 2, Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New York City (Geraci, Edwards, May, Halliday, Smith-Isabell, Dichiara, Goodman); Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans, VISN 17, Doris Miller Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Waco, Texas (Geraci, Goodman); Resilience Center for Veterans & Families, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York City (May, Halliday); Fielding Graduate University, Santa Barbara, California (El-Meouchy, Lowell); Institute for Veterans & Military Families, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York (Armstrong, Cantor); Department of Psychology, Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York (DeJesus)
| | - Gilly Cantor
- Transitioning Servicemember/Veteran and Suicide Prevention Center, Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 2, Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New York City (Geraci, Edwards, May, Halliday, Smith-Isabell, Dichiara, Goodman); Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans, VISN 17, Doris Miller Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Waco, Texas (Geraci, Goodman); Resilience Center for Veterans & Families, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York City (May, Halliday); Fielding Graduate University, Santa Barbara, California (El-Meouchy, Lowell); Institute for Veterans & Military Families, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York (Armstrong, Cantor); Department of Psychology, Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York (DeJesus)
| | - Chris DeJesus
- Transitioning Servicemember/Veteran and Suicide Prevention Center, Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 2, Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New York City (Geraci, Edwards, May, Halliday, Smith-Isabell, Dichiara, Goodman); Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans, VISN 17, Doris Miller Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Waco, Texas (Geraci, Goodman); Resilience Center for Veterans & Families, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York City (May, Halliday); Fielding Graduate University, Santa Barbara, California (El-Meouchy, Lowell); Institute for Veterans & Military Families, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York (Armstrong, Cantor); Department of Psychology, Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York (DeJesus)
| | - Ariana Dichiara
- Transitioning Servicemember/Veteran and Suicide Prevention Center, Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 2, Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New York City (Geraci, Edwards, May, Halliday, Smith-Isabell, Dichiara, Goodman); Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans, VISN 17, Doris Miller Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Waco, Texas (Geraci, Goodman); Resilience Center for Veterans & Families, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York City (May, Halliday); Fielding Graduate University, Santa Barbara, California (El-Meouchy, Lowell); Institute for Veterans & Military Families, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York (Armstrong, Cantor); Department of Psychology, Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York (DeJesus)
| | - Marianne Goodman
- Transitioning Servicemember/Veteran and Suicide Prevention Center, Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 2, Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New York City (Geraci, Edwards, May, Halliday, Smith-Isabell, Dichiara, Goodman); Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans, VISN 17, Doris Miller Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Waco, Texas (Geraci, Goodman); Resilience Center for Veterans & Families, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York City (May, Halliday); Fielding Graduate University, Santa Barbara, California (El-Meouchy, Lowell); Institute for Veterans & Military Families, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York (Armstrong, Cantor); Department of Psychology, Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York (DeJesus)
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Kearns JC, Edwards ER, Finley EP, Geraci JC, Gildea SM, Goodman M, Hwang I, Kennedy CJ, King AJ, Luedtke A, Marx BP, Petukhova MV, Sampson NA, Seim RW, Stanley IH, Stein MB, Ursano RJ, Kessler RC. A practical risk calculator for suicidal behavior among transitioning U.S. Army soldiers: results from the Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Servicemembers-Longitudinal Study (STARRS-LS). Psychol Med 2023; 53:7096-7105. [PMID: 37815485 PMCID: PMC10575670 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291723000491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Risk of suicide-related behaviors is elevated among military personnel transitioning to civilian life. An earlier report showed that high-risk U.S. Army soldiers could be identified shortly before this transition with a machine learning model that included predictors from administrative systems, self-report surveys, and geospatial data. Based on this result, a Veterans Affairs and Army initiative was launched to evaluate a suicide-prevention intervention for high-risk transitioning soldiers. To make targeting practical, though, a streamlined model and risk calculator were needed that used only a short series of self-report survey questions. METHODS We revised the original model in a sample of n = 8335 observations from the Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Servicemembers-Longitudinal Study (STARRS-LS) who participated in one of three Army STARRS 2011-2014 baseline surveys while in service and in one or more subsequent panel surveys (LS1: 2016-2018, LS2: 2018-2019) after leaving service. We trained ensemble machine learning models with constrained numbers of item-level survey predictors in a 70% training sample. The outcome was self-reported post-transition suicide attempts (SA). The models were validated in the 30% test sample. RESULTS Twelve-month post-transition SA prevalence was 1.0% (s.e. = 0.1). The best constrained model, with only 17 predictors, had a test sample ROC-AUC of 0.85 (s.e. = 0.03). The 10-30% of respondents with the highest predicted risk included 44.9-92.5% of 12-month SAs. CONCLUSIONS An accurate SA risk calculator based on a short self-report survey can target transitioning soldiers shortly before leaving service for intervention to prevent post-transition SA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaclyn C. Kearns
- National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Emily R. Edwards
- Transitioning Servicemember/Veteran And Suicide Prevention Center (TASC), VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Erin P. Finley
- Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans, VISN 17, Doris Miller VA Medical Center, Waco, TX, USA
- Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation, and Policy (CSHIIP), VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Joseph C. Geraci
- Transitioning Servicemember/Veteran And Suicide Prevention Center (TASC), VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans, VISN 17, Doris Miller VA Medical Center, Waco, TX, USA
- Resilience Center for Veterans & Families, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sarah M. Gildea
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marianne Goodman
- Transitioning Servicemember/Veteran And Suicide Prevention Center (TASC), VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
- Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans, VISN 17, Doris Miller VA Medical Center, Waco, TX, USA
| | - Irving Hwang
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Chris J. Kennedy
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andrew J. King
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alex Luedtke
- Department of Statistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Brian P. Marx
- National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Maria V. Petukhova
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nancy A. Sampson
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Richard W. Seim
- Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans, VISN 17, Doris Miller VA Medical Center, Waco, TX, USA
| | - Ian H. Stanley
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO USA
- Center for COMBAT Research, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Murray B. Stein
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- School of Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Robert J. Ursano
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ronald C. Kessler
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Edwards ER, Goldsmith MM, Tran HN, Bulanchuk NK, Epshteyn G, Wrobleski J, May DG, Snyder S, Lee AS, Schofield KF, Gorman D, Dichiara A, Geraci JC. Supporting the nation's transitioning veterans: Narrative review of practices and recommendations for psychotherapy and counseling of veterans separating from military service. Psychol Serv 2023; 20:876-888. [PMID: 36048089 DOI: 10.1037/ser0000701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Each year, approximately 200,000 service members transition out of military service and return to civilian life. For many, the stresses of this military-to-civilian transition are vast and include instabilities in mental health, relationships, employment, education, and housing. Given their unique training, mental health professionals often find themselves on the front lines of efforts to support this population. However, to date, literature to guide work with this population has been scant and disorganized. This narrative review provides practitioners both within and outside the Veterans Health Administration with an overview of relevant literature in this area and offers concrete, practical recommendations for how to best support transitioning Veterans through psychotherapy and counseling. Three major themes are reviewed: (a) Engagement strategies, including clinical style, mitigation of privacy concerns, and consideration of broader psychosocial issues; (b) contextual considerations, including challenges of the "Thank You for Your Service" phenomenon, identity considerations, and circumstances of discharge; and (c) information about available services. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hannah N Tran
- VISN 2 MIRECC, United States Department of Veterans Affairs
| | - Nicole K Bulanchuk
- Department of Counseling and Clinical Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University
| | | | | | - David G May
- VISN 2 MIRECC, United States Department of Veterans Affairs
| | - Shayne Snyder
- VISN 2 MIRECC, United States Department of Veterans Affairs
| | - Alice S Lee
- VISN 2 MIRECC, United States Department of Veterans Affairs
| | | | - Daniel Gorman
- VISN 2 MIRECC, United States Department of Veterans Affairs
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Edwards ER, Coolidge B, Ruiz D, Epshteyn G, Krauss A, Gorman D, Connelly B, Redden C, El-Meouchy P, Geraci J. Situational stress and suicide attempt behavior in Army soldiers and veterans: Insights from the Army Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Servicemembers-Longitudinal Study. Suicide Life Threat Behav 2023; 53:642-654. [PMID: 37306332 DOI: 10.1111/sltb.12970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Prevention of suicide-related behaviors is considered a top clinical priority within the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense. Despite previous literature attesting to the likely importance of situational stress as a key correlate of acute changes in suicide risk, longitudinal research into associations between situational stress and suicide-related outcomes among military personnel has been relatively limited. METHODS The current study examined associations between situational stress, recent suicide attempt, and future suicide attempt using data from 14,508 Army soldiers and recently discharged veterans enrolled in the Army Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Servicemembers-Longitudinal Studies (STARRS-LS). RESULTS Recent situational stress was more common among recently discharged veterans (vs. soldiers), those with a recent suicide attempt (vs. those without), and those with a subsequent suicide attempt (vs. those without). Job loss was more closely associated with suicide attempts among soldiers, whereas financial crisis, police contact, and death, illness, or injury of close others were more closely associated with suicide attempts among recently discharged veterans. CONCLUSION Findings further highlight situational stress as a salient risk factor for suicide-related outcomes among military personnel, particularly among recently discharged veterans. Implications for screening and treatment of at-risk military personnel are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R Edwards
- VISN 2 Mental Illness, Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Department of Veterans Affairs, Bronx, New York, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Brettland Coolidge
- VISN 2 Mental Illness, Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Department of Veterans Affairs, Bronx, New York, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Danny Ruiz
- VISN 2 Mental Illness, Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Department of Veterans Affairs, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Gabriella Epshteyn
- VISN 2 Mental Illness, Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Department of Veterans Affairs, Bronx, New York, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Alison Krauss
- VA VISN 17 Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Waco, Texas, USA
| | - Daniel Gorman
- VISN 2 Mental Illness, Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Department of Veterans Affairs, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Brigid Connelly
- VISN 2 Mental Illness, Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Department of Veterans Affairs, Bronx, New York, USA
- Department of Counseling & Clinical Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Clare Redden
- VISN 2 Mental Illness, Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Department of Veterans Affairs, Bronx, New York, USA
- Department of Counseling & Clinical Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Paul El-Meouchy
- Department of Psychology, Fielding Graduate University, Santa Barbara, California, USA
| | - Joseph Geraci
- VISN 2 Mental Illness, Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Department of Veterans Affairs, Bronx, New York, USA
- Department of Counseling & Clinical Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
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Geraci JC, Dichiara A, Greene A, Gromatsky M, Finley E, Kilby D, Frankfurt S, Edwards ER, Kurz AS, Sokol Y, Sullivan SR, Mobbs M, Seim RW, Goodman M. Supporting servicemembers and veterans during their transition to civilian life using certified sponsors: A three-arm randomized controlled trial. Psychol Serv 2023; 20:248-259. [PMID: 37384439 PMCID: PMC10755060 DOI: 10.1037/ser0000764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Transitioning servicemembers and veterans (TSMVs) face difficulties throughout their reintegration to civilian life, including challenges with employment, poor social connection, and elevated risk for suicide. To meet the needs of this high-risk population, national initiatives have leveraged community-based interventions. Authors conducted a three-arm randomized controlled trial (n = 200) to evaluate two community-based interventions. The first, Team Red, White, and Blue (RWB), connects TSMVs to their community through physical/social activities. The second, Expiration Term of Service Sponsorship Program (ETS-SP) provides one-on-one certified sponsors to TSMVs who provide support during the reintegration process. TSMVs were assessed at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months. The primary hypothesis was not supported as reintegration difficulties and social support were not significantly different for participants randomly assigned to the two community-based interventions (Arm-2/RWB and Arm-3/RWB + ETS-SP), when the data from the separate arms were collapsed and combined, compared to the waitlist. The results did support the secondary hypothesis as Arm-3/RWB + ETS-SP had less reintegration difficulties over 12 months and initially had more social support compared to Arm-2/RWB, which suggest that augmenting interventions with sponsors outperforms participation in community-based interventions alone. Overall, the results show some limitations of the studied community-based interventions, as implemented and researched within this study. The authors identified factors that may have contributed to the null findings for the primary hypothesis, which can be addressed in future studies, such as addressing the unique needs of TSMVs, enrolling TSMVs into interventions prior to military discharge, measuring and improving participation levels, and providing stepped-care interventions based on risk levels. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph C. Geraci
- Transitioning Servicemember/Veteran And Suicide Prevention Center (TASC), VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY
- Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans, VISN 17, Doris Miller VA Medical Center, Waco, TX
- Resilience Center for Veterans & Families, Teachers College, Columbia University, NY, NY
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Ariana Dichiara
- Transitioning Servicemember/Veteran And Suicide Prevention Center (TASC), VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY
| | - Ashley Greene
- Transitioning Servicemember/Veteran And Suicide Prevention Center (TASC), VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Molly Gromatsky
- Transitioning Servicemember/Veteran And Suicide Prevention Center (TASC), VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Erin Finley
- Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans, VISN 17, Doris Miller VA Medical Center, Waco, TX
- Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation, and Policy (CSHIIP), VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System
| | - Daniel Kilby
- Transitioning Servicemember/Veteran And Suicide Prevention Center (TASC), VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY
- Resilience Center for Veterans & Families, Teachers College, Columbia University, NY, NY
| | - Sheila Frankfurt
- Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans, VISN 17, Doris Miller VA Medical Center, Waco, TX
- Central Texas Veterans Healthcare System, Temple, TX
| | - Emily R. Edwards
- Transitioning Servicemember/Veteran And Suicide Prevention Center (TASC), VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - A. Solomon Kurz
- Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans, VISN 17, Doris Miller VA Medical Center, Waco, TX
| | - Yosef Sokol
- Transitioning Servicemember/Veteran And Suicide Prevention Center (TASC), VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Sarah R. Sullivan
- Transitioning Servicemember/Veteran And Suicide Prevention Center (TASC), VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY
| | - Meaghan Mobbs
- Transitioning Servicemember/Veteran And Suicide Prevention Center (TASC), VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY
| | - Richard W. Seim
- Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans, VISN 17, Doris Miller VA Medical Center, Waco, TX
| | - Marianne Goodman
- Transitioning Servicemember/Veteran And Suicide Prevention Center (TASC), VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY
- Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans, VISN 17, Doris Miller VA Medical Center, Waco, TX
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
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8
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Krauss A, Edwards ER, Ruiz D, Epshteyn G, Coolidge B, Goodman M. Understanding changes in aggression among U.S. army soldiers: The role of trauma exposure during deployment. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 164:202-208. [PMID: 37356353 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Aggression is one of the leading concerns reported by United States service members and veterans. Trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms have emerged as key drivers of aggression. Research to date, however, has largely overlooked the effect of aggression on increasing risk of trauma exposure and subsequent PTSD. The current study addresses this gap by examining whether (a) pre-deployment aggression predicts trauma exposure on deployment and post-deployment PTSD, (b) trauma exposure on deployment and post-deployment PTSD predict post-deployment aggression, and (c) trauma exposure on deployment and post-deployment PTSD symptoms explain changes in aggressive behavior from pre-to post-deployment. Data from the Army Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Servicemembers (Army STARRS) Pre/Post Deployment Study (PPDS) on nationally representative sample of 8558 Active-duty Army soldiers were analyzed. Results revealed positive correlations between pre-deployment aggression (assessed via items from the Joint Mental Health Advisory Team 7), trauma exposure on deployment (assessed via items from the Deployment Stress Scale), post-deployment PTSD symptoms (assessed via items from the civilian PTSD Checklist and PTSD Checklist for DSM-5), and post-deployment aggression. Further, pre-deployment aggression predicted trauma exposure on deployment and post-deployment PTSD; trauma exposure on deployment and post-deployment PTSD predicted post-deployment aggression; and changes in aggression from pre-to post-deployment were partially mediated by trauma exposure on deployment and post-deployment PTSD symptoms. Collectively, these findings highlight the utility of identifying and addressing pre-deployment aggression in mitigating trauma exposure and later psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Krauss
- VA VISN 17 Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Waco, TX, USA.
| | - Emily R Edwards
- VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education And Clinical Center (MIRECC), James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Danny Ruiz
- VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education And Clinical Center (MIRECC), James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Gabriella Epshteyn
- VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education And Clinical Center (MIRECC), James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA; Department of Psychology, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA
| | - Brettland Coolidge
- VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education And Clinical Center (MIRECC), James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA; Department of Psychology, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Marianne Goodman
- VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education And Clinical Center (MIRECC), James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA; Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai Hospital, New York, NY, USA
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9
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Gromatsky M, Sullivan SR, Greene AL, Govindarajulu U, Mitchell EL, Edwards ER, Lane R, Hamerling-Potts KK, Spears AP, Goodman M. An open trial of VA CONNECT: Caring for Our Nation's Needs Electronically during the COVID-19 Transition. Psychiatry Res Commun 2023; 3:100122. [PMID: 37101559 PMCID: PMC10108571 DOI: 10.1016/j.psycom.2023.100122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic impacted emotional well-being due to safety concerns, grief, employment impacts, and social interaction limitations. Face-to-face mental health treatment restrictions were especially impactful to veterans who often gain social enrichment from Veterans Health Administration (VHA) care. We present results from a novel group-based telehealth intervention, VA Caring for Our Nation's Needs Electronically during the COVID-19 Transition (VA CONNECT), which integrates skills training and social support to develop a COVID-19 Safety & Resilience Plan. Veterans (n = 29) experiencing COVID-related stress participated in an open trial of this 10-session, manualized group VHA telehealth intervention. We examined whether COVID-19-related stress, adjustment disorder symptoms, and loneliness decreased, and coping strategy use increased after participation in VA CONNECT. Between baseline and two-month follow-up, participants reported a significant reduction in perceived stress and adjustment disorder symptoms, and an increase in planning coping skills use. Significant changes were not observed in loneliness or other specific coping strategies. Findings may support the utility of VA CONNECT as an intervention for pandemic-related stress and improving certain coping skills. Future research should explore group-based telehealth interventions like VA CONNECT with other populations within and outside of the VA, which have value during major disruptions to face-to-face mental healthcare access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly Gromatsky
- VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sarah R Sullivan
- VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
- Hunter College and The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ashley L Greene
- VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Usha Govindarajulu
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Center for Biostatistics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Emily L Mitchell
- VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Emily R Edwards
- VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Robert Lane
- VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kyra K Hamerling-Potts
- VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Angela Page Spears
- VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
- Department of Counseling & Clinical Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marianne Goodman
- VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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10
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Holliday R, Desai A, Edwards ER, Borges LM. Personality Disorder Diagnosis Among Justice-Involved Veterans: An Investigation of VA Using Veterans. J Nerv Ment Dis 2023; 211:402-406. [PMID: 37040142 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000001627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Justice-involved veterans are more likely to experience myriad mental health sequelae. Nonetheless, examination of personality psychopathology among justice-involved veterans remains limited, with studies focused on males within correctional settings. We examined Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) electronic medical records for 1,534,108 (12.28% justice-involved) male and 127,230 (8.79% justice-involved) female veterans. Male and female veterans accessing VA justice-related services were both approximately three times more likely to have a personality disorder diagnosis relative to those with no history of using justice-related services. This effect persisted after accounting for VA use (both overall and mental health), age, race, and ethnicity. Augmenting and tailoring VA justice-related services to facilitate access to evidence-based psychotherapy for personality psychopathology may promote optimal recovery and rehabilitation among these veterans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alisha Desai
- Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center for Suicide Prevention
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11
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Edwards ER, Epshteyn G, Snyder S, Gorman D, Coolidge B, Marcano E, Tsai J, Goodman M. Dialectical behavior therapy for justice-involved veterans: Changes in treatment targets in a small, pre-post design clinical trial. Psychol Serv 2023; 20:98-107. [PMID: 37053393 PMCID: PMC10570393 DOI: 10.1037/ser0000766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
[Correction Notice: An Erratum for this article was reported online in Psychological Services on Jul 13 2023 (see record 2023-89801-001). In the article, the title was incorrect and should have been "Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Justice-Involved Veterans: Changes in Treatment Targets in a Small, Pre-Post Design Clinical Trial." This error did not impact the results or conclusions. All versions of this article have been corrected.] Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Justice-Involved Veterans (DBT-J; Edwards, Dichiara, Epshteyn, et al., 2022) was recently developed as an integrative psychotherapy + case management intervention to address the range of complex criminogenic, mental health, substance use, and case management needs commonly faced by justice-involved veterans. Research to date suggests delivery of DBT-J to be both acceptable and feasible (Edwards, Dichiara, Epshteyn, et al., 2022). However, data on therapeutic change experienced by DBT-J participants has been limited. The present study represents an initial investigation into longitudinal changes in criminogenic risk, psychological distress, substance use, case management needs, and quality of life experienced by 20 justice-involved veterans across their course of DBT-J participation. Results reflected notable improvements across treatment targets from pre- to posttreatment; these gains were largely maintained at 1-month follow-up. Such findings attest to the potential utility of DBT-J and to the need for continued research into the efficacy of this intervention. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R Edwards
- VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC)
| | | | - Shayne Snyder
- VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC)
| | - Daniel Gorman
- VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC)
| | | | - Eddie Marcano
- Veterans Justice Outreach Program, James J. Peters Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center
| | - Jack Tsai
- National Center for Homelessness Among Veterans, United States Department of Veterans Affairs
| | - Marianne Goodman
- VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC)
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12
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Edwards ER, Dichiara A, Epshteyn G, Snyder S, Linzer S, Riglietti K, Weishoff N, Lee A, Tsai J, Marcano E, Geraci J, Goodman M. Dialectical behavior therapy for justice-involved veterans (DBT-J): Feasibility and acceptability. Psychol Serv 2022; 20:2022-85638-001. [PMID: 35913851 PMCID: PMC10481711 DOI: 10.1037/ser0000691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Justice-involved veterans are a high-risk, high-need subgroup serviced by behavioral health services within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) system. Justice-involved veterans often have complex mental health and substance use difficulties, a myriad of case management needs, and a range of criminogenic needs that are difficult to treat with traditional outpatient VHA services. The present study represents an initial evaluation of dialectical behavior therapy for justice-involved veterans (DBT-J), a novel psychotherapy program providing 16 weeks of skills-based group therapy and individualized case management services to veterans with current or recent involvement with the criminal justice system. A total of 13 veterans were successfully enrolled into this initial acceptability and feasibility trial. Results broadly suggested DBT-J to be characterized by high ease of implementation, successful recruitment efforts, strong participant attendance and retention, high treatment fidelity, and high acceptability by veteran participants, DBT-J providers, and adjunctive care providers alike. Although continued research using comparison conditions is necessary, veterans who completed participation in DBT-J tended to show reductions in criminogenic risk across the course of treatment. Cumulatively, these findings suggest DBT-J holds potential as a VHA-based intervention to address the various needs of justice-involved veterans. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R. Edwards
- Transitioning Service Member/Veteran and Suicide Prevention Center (TASC), VISN 2, MIRECC, James J Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, NY
| | - Ariana Dichiara
- Transitioning Service Member/Veteran and Suicide Prevention Center (TASC), VISN 2, MIRECC, James J Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY
| | - Gabriella Epshteyn
- Transitioning Service Member/Veteran and Suicide Prevention Center (TASC), VISN 2, MIRECC, James J Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY
- Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Shayne Snyder
- Transitioning Service Member/Veteran and Suicide Prevention Center (TASC), VISN 2, MIRECC, James J Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY
- Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Shoshana Linzer
- Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, Bronx, NY
| | - Kristen Riglietti
- Transitioning Service Member/Veteran and Suicide Prevention Center (TASC), VISN 2, MIRECC, James J Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY
- Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Nicole Weishoff
- Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, Bronx, NY
| | - Alice Lee
- Transitioning Service Member/Veteran and Suicide Prevention Center (TASC), VISN 2, MIRECC, James J Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY
- Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Jack Tsai
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, NY
- National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans, Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, DC
- School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX
| | - Eddie Marcano
- Veterans Justice Outreach, James J Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY
| | - Joseph Geraci
- Transitioning Service Member/Veteran and Suicide Prevention Center (TASC), VISN 2, MIRECC, James J Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY
- Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Marianne Goodman
- Transitioning Service Member/Veteran and Suicide Prevention Center (TASC), VISN 2, MIRECC, James J Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
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13
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Geraci JC, Finley EP, Edwards ER, Frankfurt S, Kurz AS, Kamdar N, Vanneman ME, Lopoo LM, Patnaik H, Yoon J, Armstrong N, Greene AL, Cantor G, Wrobleski J, Young E, Goldsmith M, Seim RW, Goodman M. Partnered implementation of the veteran sponsorship initiative: protocol for a randomized hybrid type 2 effectiveness-implementation trial. Implement Sci 2022; 17:43. [PMID: 35804354 PMCID: PMC9264302 DOI: 10.1186/s13012-022-01212-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The USA is undergoing a suicide epidemic for its youngest Veterans (18-to-34-years-old) as their suicide rate has almost doubled since 2001. Veterans are at the highest risk during their first-year post-discharge, thus creating a "deadly gap." In response, the nation has developed strategies that emphasize a preventive, universal, and public health approach and embrace the value of community interventions. The three-step theory of suicide suggests that community interventions that reduce reintegration difficulties and promote connectedness for Veterans as they transition to civilian life have the greatest likelihood of reducing suicide. Recent research shows that the effectiveness of community interventions can be enhanced when augmented by volunteer and certified sponsors (1-on-1) who actively engage with Veterans, as part of the Veteran Sponsorship Initiative (VSI). METHOD/DESIGN The purpose of this randomized hybrid type 2 effectiveness-implementation trial is to evaluate the implementation of the VSI in six cities in Texas in collaboration with the US Departments of Defense, Labor and Veterans Affairs, Texas government, and local stakeholders. Texas is an optimal location for this large-scale implementation as it has the second largest population of these young Veterans and is home to the largest US military installation, Fort Hood. The first aim is to determine the effectiveness of the VSI, as evidenced by measures of reintegration difficulties, health/psychological distress, VA healthcare utilization, connectedness, and suicidal risk. The second aim is to determine the feasibility and potential utility of a stakeholder-engaged plan for implementing the VSI in Texas with the intent of future expansion in more states. The evaluators will use a stepped wedge design with a sequential roll-out to participating cities over time. Participants (n=630) will be enrolled on military installations six months prior to discharge. Implementation efforts will draw upon a bundled implementation strategy that includes strategies such as ongoing training, implementation facilitation, and audit and feedback. Formative and summative evaluations will be guided by the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework and will include interviews with participants and periodic reflections with key stakeholders to longitudinally identify barriers and facilitators to implementation. DISCUSSION This evaluation will have important implications for the national implementation of community interventions that address the epidemic of Veteran suicide. Aligned with the Evidence Act, it is the first large-scale implementation of an evidence-based practice that conducts a thorough assessment of TSMVs during the "deadly gap." TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov ID number: NCT05224440 . Registered on 04 February 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph C Geraci
- Transitioning Servicemember/Veteran And Suicide Prevention Center (TASC), VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA. .,Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans, VISN 17, Doris Miller VA Medical Center, Waco, TX, USA. .,Resilience Center for Veterans & Families, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA. .,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Erin P Finley
- Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans, VISN 17, Doris Miller VA Medical Center, Waco, TX, USA.,Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation, and Policy (CSHIIP), VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, New York, USA
| | - Emily R Edwards
- Transitioning Servicemember/Veteran And Suicide Prevention Center (TASC), VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sheila Frankfurt
- Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans, VISN 17, Doris Miller VA Medical Center, Waco, TX, USA.,Central Texas Veterans Healthcare System, Temple, TX, USA
| | - A Solomon Kurz
- Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans, VISN 17, Doris Miller VA Medical Center, Waco, TX, USA
| | - Nipa Kamdar
- Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, VA, VA, Houston, USA
| | - Megan E Vanneman
- Informatics, Decision-Enhancement and Analytic Sciences (IDEAS) Center, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.,Division of Epidemiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.,Division of Health System Innovation and Research, Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Leonard M Lopoo
- Department of Public Administration and International Affairs, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Hannah Patnaik
- Department of Public Administration and International Affairs, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Jean Yoon
- VA Health Economics Resource Center, VA Palo Alto Healthcare System, Livermore, CA, USA.,Center for Primary Care and Outcomes Research, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Nicholas Armstrong
- Institute for Veterans and Military Families, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Ashley L Greene
- Transitioning Servicemember/Veteran And Suicide Prevention Center (TASC), VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gilly Cantor
- Institute for Veterans and Military Families, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Joseph Wrobleski
- Transitioning Servicemember/Veteran And Suicide Prevention Center (TASC), VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA.,Resilience Center for Veterans & Families, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Erin Young
- Transitioning Servicemember/Veteran And Suicide Prevention Center (TASC), VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA.,Resilience Center for Veterans & Families, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.,Global Mental Health Lab, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Matthew Goldsmith
- Transitioning Servicemember/Veteran And Suicide Prevention Center (TASC), VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA.,Resilience Center for Veterans & Families, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Richard W Seim
- Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans, VISN 17, Doris Miller VA Medical Center, Waco, TX, USA
| | - Marianne Goodman
- Transitioning Servicemember/Veteran And Suicide Prevention Center (TASC), VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA.,Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans, VISN 17, Doris Miller VA Medical Center, Waco, TX, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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14
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Edwards ER, Tran H, Wrobleski J, Rabhan Y, Yin J, Chiodi C, Goodman M, Geraci J. Prevalence of Personality Disorders Across Veteran Samples: A Meta-Analysis. J Pers Disord 2022; 36:339-358. [PMID: 35647770 DOI: 10.1521/pedi.2022.36.3.339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Despite priorities around mental health, Veteran health care organizations have historically considered personality disorders to be preexisting conditions ineligible for disability benefits. However, growing evidence suggests potentially elevated prevalence of these disorders among military and Veteran samples and attests to implications of risk. The current study provides a meta-analytic review of literature on the prevalence of personality disorders in Veteran samples. Analysis of 27 unique samples, comprising 7,161 Veterans, suggests alarmingly high rates of Veteran personality disorders. Prevalence was highest for paranoid (23%) and borderline (21%) personality disorders and lowest for histrionic (0.8%) personality disorder. Rates were generally highest among Veterans experiencing substance use or elevated suicide risk and among studies establishing diagnoses through clinical interview (versus official medical record review). Results attest to the need for Veteran health care organizations to acknowledge personality disorders in this population, through both research and treatment, and to consider reclassifying personality disorders as potential "service-connected conditions."
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R Edwards
- VISN 2 MIRECC, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, New York
| | - Hannah Tran
- Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Joseph Wrobleski
- VISN 2 MIRECC, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, New York.,Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | | | - Justin Yin
- Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | | | - Marianne Goodman
- VISN 2 MIRECC, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, New York
| | - Joseph Geraci
- VISN 2 MIRECC, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, New York.,Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, New York
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15
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Gromatsky M, Edwards ER, Sullivan SR, van Lissa CJ, Lane R, Spears AP, Mitchell EL, Armey MF, Cáceda R, Goodman M. Characteristics of suicide attempts associated with lethality and method: A latent class analysis of the Military Suicide Research Consortium. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 149:54-61. [PMID: 35231792 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
While suicide prevention is a national priority, particularly among service members and veterans (SMVs), understanding of suicide-related outcomes remains poor. Person-centered approaches (e.g., latent class analysis) have promise to identify unique risk profiles and subgroups in the larger population. The current study identified latent subgroups characterized by prior self-directed violence history and proximal risk factors for suicide among suicide attempt survivors, and compared subgroups on demographics and most-lethal attempt characteristics. Participants included civilians and SMVs reporting lifetime suicide attempt(s) (n = 2643) from the Military Suicide Research Consortium. Two classes emerged from Common Data Elements: suicide attempt and non-suicidal self-injury frequency, suicide attempt method, perceived likelihood of future suicide, suicide disclosure, suicide intent, and perceived and actual lethality of attempt. A Higher-Risk History class was characterized by greater intent to die, certainty about attempt fatality and method lethality, belief injury would be medically unfixable, and likelihood of prior non-suicidal self-injury. A Lower-Risk History class was characterized by greater ambivalence toward death and methods. Higher-Risk class members were more likely to be male, older, SMVs, have less formal education, use firearms as most-lethal attempt method, and require a higher degree of medical attention. Lower-Risk class members were more likely to be female, civilian, use cutting as most-lethal attempt method, and require less medical attention for attempts. Findings have implications for risk assessments and highlight the importance of subjective perceptions about suicidal behavior. Further investigation of real-time individual-level is necessary, especially for SMVs who may be at greatest risk for potentially lethal suicidal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly Gromatsky
- VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Emily R Edwards
- VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sarah R Sullivan
- VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Caspar J van Lissa
- Methodology & Statistics, Social and Behavioural Sciences, Utrecht University, Netherlands; Open Science Community Utrecht, Utrecht University, Netherlands
| | - Robert Lane
- VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Angela Page Spears
- Department of Counseling and Clinical Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Emily L Mitchell
- VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Michael F Armey
- Psychosocial Research Program, Butler Hospital, Providence, RI, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Ricardo Cáceda
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA; Psychiatry Service, Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Northport, NY, USA
| | - Marianne Goodman
- VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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16
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Edwards ER, Epshteyn G, Dichiara A, Snyder S, Gorman D. Historical Trends in Veteran Community Substance Use Treatment: 2000-2019. Subst Use Misuse 2022; 57:1642-1645. [PMID: 35819019 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2022.2096235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Background: Substance use is a significant health crisis for the Veteran population. Prior research has thoroughly examined Veteran substance use within Veterans Health Administration (VHA) settings. However, such data tends to be outdated, and there is minimal research on substance use services delivered outside of VHA systems. This study examines historical patterns of Veteran substance use using a large sample of community-based substance-use treatment admissions. Methods: Data were drawn from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Data Archive Treatment Episode Data Set-Admissions. Of the 39,425,886 total admissions between 2000 and 2019, 1,361,339 were of Veterans. Analyses compared Veteran versus non-Veteran admissions on demographics and historical trends in nature of substance-use admissions. Results: Relative to non-Veterans, Veteran admissions were more likely to be prompted by alcohol use. Over time, heterogeneity in substances prompting admissions has increased dramatically for both Veterans and non-Veterans, with particularly notable increases in opiate and stimulant use. Conclusion: Results suggest Veterans admitted to community substance-use treatment are unique relative to their non-Veteran peers. Development and implementation of treatments to target a range of substances while also considering the environmental challenges (e.g., homelessness) commonly faced by this population appear essential to best servicing community-based Veterans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R Edwards
- Transitioning Service Member/Veteran and Suicide Prevention Center, VISN 2 MIRECC, James J Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA.,Deparment of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Gabriella Epshteyn
- Transitioning Service Member/Veteran and Suicide Prevention Center, VISN 2 MIRECC, James J Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA.,Department of Counseling & Clinical Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ariana Dichiara
- Transitioning Service Member/Veteran and Suicide Prevention Center, VISN 2 MIRECC, James J Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA.,Wholeview Wellness, New York, New York, USA
| | - Shayne Snyder
- Transitioning Service Member/Veteran and Suicide Prevention Center, VISN 2 MIRECC, James J Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA.,Department of Counseling & Clinical Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Daniel Gorman
- Transitioning Service Member/Veteran and Suicide Prevention Center, VISN 2 MIRECC, James J Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
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17
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Edwards ER, Dichiara A, Gromatsky M, Tsai J, Goodman M, Pietrzak R. Understanding risk in younger Veterans: Risk and protective factors associated with suicide attempt, homelessness, and arrest in a nationally representative Veteran sample. Military Psychology 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/08995605.2021.1982632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ariana Dichiara
- VISN 2 MIRECC, James J Peters VAMC, Bronx, New York, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs, National Center on Homelessness among Veterans, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Jack Tsai
- Department of Veterans Affairs, National Center on Homelessness among Veterans, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Public Health, University of Texas School of Public Health, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | | | - Robert Pietrzak
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs, National Center for PTSD, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
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18
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Edwards ER, Kober H, Rinne GR, Griffin SA, Axelrod S, Cooney EB. Skills-homework completion and phone coaching as predictors of therapeutic change and outcomes in completers of a DBT intensive outpatient programme. Psychol Psychother 2021; 94:504-522. [PMID: 33774902 DOI: 10.1111/papt.12325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) emphasizes generalization of skills to the patient's real-world context as a primary mechanism of change in treatment. To promote generalization, DBT includes weekly skills-focused homework assignments and as-needed phone coaching. Despite this central function of generalization in DBT, research on these treatment components is limited. The current study addresses this research gap by assessing the association of homework and phone coaching to DBT treatment outcomes. DESIGN A longitudinal study design explored the extent to which (a) completion of skills homework and (b) frequency of phone coaching were associated with therapeutic changes and treatment outcomes in a DBT intensive outpatient programme (DBT-IOP). METHOD Medical records and diary cards of 56 patients who had completed a four-month treatment cycle of DBT-IOP were reviewed and coded for proportion of skills homework completed, frequency of phone coaching calls, and reported urges for and engagement in suicide, non-suicidal self-injury, illicit or non-prescribed substance use, and alcohol use behaviours. RESULTS Completion of skills homework and frequency of phone coaching were significantly associated with (a) reduced urges for suicide, non-suicidal self-injury, illicit or non-prescribed substance use, and alcohol use from the beginning to end of treatment and (b) a lower likelihood of engaging in any of these behaviours during the final month of treatment. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that within a DBT programme modified for an intensive outpatient setting, skills homework and phone coaching may enhance therapeutic change and outcomes in target behaviours. These generalization methods appear to be important ingredients of DBT effectiveness. PRACTITIONER POINTS In dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), therapeutic skills homework and phone coaching are specifically designed to promote generalization of skills from the therapeutic context to the patient's real-world contexts. In a DBT intensive outpatient programme, patient engagement with therapeutic homework and phone coaching were associated with favourable therapeutic change and outcomes in target urges and behaviours. Clinicians may consider a patient's lack of homework completion and/or phone coaching to be early warning signs of poor therapeutic progress within dialectical behaviour therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R Edwards
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,James J. Peters VA Medical Center, VISN 2 MIRECC, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Hedy Kober
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Gabrielle R Rinne
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | | | - Seth Axelrod
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Emily B Cooney
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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19
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Sokol Y, Gromatsky M, Edwards ER, Greene AL, Geraci JC, Harris RE, Goodman M. The deadly gap: Understanding suicide among veterans transitioning out of the military. Psychiatry Res 2021; 300:113875. [PMID: 33901974 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2021.113875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In the period following separation from the military, service members face the challenge of transitioning to a post-military civilian life. Some evidence suggests these transitioning Veterans are at higher risk for suicide compared with both the broader Veteran population and the United States public, yet they often do not receive adequate support and resources. In this review, we use the Three-Step Theory of suicide to outline characteristics of transitioning Veterans and the transition process that may affect suicide risk. We then highlight relevant services available to this specific subgroup of Veterans and make recommendations that address barriers to care. Cumulatively, this literature suggests transitioning Veterans fall within a "deadly gap" between the end of their military service and transition into civilian life. This "deadly gap" consists of limited psychiatric services and increased suicide risk factors which together may explain the increase in suicide during this transition period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosef Sokol
- Transitioning Servicemember/Veteran and Suicide Prevention Center (TASC), United States; VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, United States; Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai Hospital, United States.
| | - Molly Gromatsky
- Transitioning Servicemember/Veteran and Suicide Prevention Center (TASC), United States; VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, United States; Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai Hospital, United States
| | - Emily R Edwards
- Transitioning Servicemember/Veteran and Suicide Prevention Center (TASC), United States; VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, United States; Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai Hospital, United States
| | - Ashley L Greene
- Transitioning Servicemember/Veteran and Suicide Prevention Center (TASC), United States; VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, United States; Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai Hospital, United States
| | - Joseph C Geraci
- Transitioning Servicemember/Veteran and Suicide Prevention Center (TASC), United States; VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, United States; Resilience Center for Veterans & Families, Teachers College, Columbia University, United States; Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai Hospital, United States; Columbia University, United States; Syracuse University, Institute for Veterans and Military Families, United States
| | - Rachel E Harris
- VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, United States; William Paterson University, United States
| | - Marianne Goodman
- Transitioning Servicemember/Veteran and Suicide Prevention Center (TASC), United States; VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, United States; Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai Hospital, United States
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20
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Gromatsky M, Edwards ER, Sullivan SR, Goodman M, Hazlett EA. Distinguishing veterans with suicidal ideation from suicide attempt history: The role of emotion reactivity. Suicide Life Threat Behav 2021; 51:572-585. [PMID: 33665891 DOI: 10.1111/sltb.12744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Growing evidence suggests emotion reactivity-sensitivity and intensity of emotional experience-may represent a diathesis for suicide risk. However, our understanding of its ability to differentiate risk for suicidal ideation (SI) from suicide attempt (SA) is limited. METHOD This study compares Veterans with SI (n = 81) to Veterans with SA (n = 177) history on factors relevant to emotion reactivity to determine which variable(s) best differentiate groups. Variables examined are multimodal: (a) self-report: childhood trauma, combat exposure; (b) clinician-assessed: non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), structured diagnostic interview of psychopathology; and (c) psychophysiological: affect-modulated startle (AMS; proxy for amygdala reactivity and emotion reactivity) to unpleasant pictures was examined in a subset (n = 90). RESULTS SA history was independently predicted by NSSI history, MDD, PTSD, and SUD diagnosis. Childhood trauma and combat exposure did not differentiate groups. The composite risk index demonstrated good accuracy (AUC=0.71, sensitivity=0.90, specificity=0.49). Only AMS independently predicted SA history when added to the model and accuracy was improved (AUC=0.82, sensitivity=0.85, specificity=0.56). CONCLUSION NSSI history, MDD, PTSD, and SUD diagnosis may be salient risk factors for this population. However, emotion reactivity is a more parsimonious predictor of SA history among Veterans suggesting it is an important treatment target among Veterans with SI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly Gromatsky
- VISN 2 Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Emily R Edwards
- VISN 2 Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Bronx, NY, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sarah R Sullivan
- VISN 2 Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Marianne Goodman
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Erin A Hazlett
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
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21
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Edwards ER, Rose NLJ, Gromatsky M, Feinberg A, Kimhy D, Doucette JT, Goodman M, McClure MM, Perez-Rodriguez MM, New AS, Hazlett EA. Alexithymia, Affective Lability, Impulsivity, and Childhood Adversity in Borderline Personality Disorder. J Pers Disord 2021; 35:114-131. [PMID: 33650890 DOI: 10.1521/pedi_2021_35_513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Long-standing theories of borderline personality disorder (BPD) suggest that symptoms develop at least in part from childhood adversity. Emotion dysregulation may meaningfully mediate these effects. The current study examined three factors related to emotion dysregulation-alexithymia, affective lability, and impulsivity-as potential mediators of the relation between childhood adversity and BPD diagnosis in 101 individuals with BPD and 95 healthy controls. Path analysis compared three distinct models informed by the literature. Results supported a complex mediation model wherein (a) alexithymia partially mediated the relation of childhood adversity to affective lability and impulsivity; (b) affective lability mediated the relation of childhood adversity to BPD diagnosis; and (c) affective lability and impulsivity mediated the relation of alexithymia to BPD diagnosis. Findings suggest that affective lability and alexithymia are key to understanding the relationship between childhood adversity and BPD. Interventions specifically targeting affective lability, impulsivity, and alexithymia may be particularly useful for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R Edwards
- Mental Health Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC VISN-2), James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, New York
| | - Nina L J Rose
- Mental Health Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC VISN-2), James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, New York.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Molly Gromatsky
- Mental Health Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC VISN-2), James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, New York
| | - Abigail Feinberg
- Mental Health Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC VISN-2), James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, New York.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - David Kimhy
- Mental Health Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC VISN-2), James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, New York.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - John T Doucette
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
| | - Marianne Goodman
- Mental Health Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC VISN-2), James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, New York.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Margaret M McClure
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.,Department of Psychology, Fairfield University, Fairfield, Connecticut
| | | | - Antonia S New
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Erin A Hazlett
- Mental Health Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC VISN-2), James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, New York.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
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22
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Gromatsky M, Sullivan SR, Mitchell EL, Spears AP, Edwards ER, Goodman M. Feasibility and acceptability of VA CONNECT: Caring for our nation's needs electronically during the COVID-19 transition. Psychiatry Res 2021; 296:113700. [PMID: 33422845 PMCID: PMC9754814 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 has transformed day-to-day functioning and exacerbated mental health concerns. The current study examines preliminary feasibility and acceptability of a VA CONNECT - a novel 10-session, manualized telehealth group intervention integrating skills training and social support to develop a Safety & Resilience Plan for Veterans experiencing COVID-related stress. Data from the first 20 participants support the intervention's feasibility and acceptability. Strengths, limitations, and suggestions for improvement of the intervention are noted. Collaboration with other VA researchers would aid in protocol dissemination and evaluation of VA CONNECT's utility for reducing COVID-19-related stress, loneliness, and mental health symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly Gromatsky
- VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, The Bronx, NY, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.
| | - Sarah R. Sullivan
- VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, The Bronx, NY, United States,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Emily L. Mitchell
- VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, The Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Angela Page Spears
- VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, The Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Emily R. Edwards
- VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, The Bronx, NY, United States,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Marianne Goodman
- VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, The Bronx, NY, United States,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
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23
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Edwards ER, Liu Y, Ruiz D, Brosowsky NP, Wupperman P. Maladaptive Emotional Schemas and Emotional Functioning: Evaluation of an Integrated Model Across Two Independent Samples. J Rat-Emo Cognitive-Behav Ther 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10942-020-00379-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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24
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R. Edwards
- Department of Psychology, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, New York, New York, USA,
- Department of Psychology, CUNY Graduate Center, New York, New York, USA,
| | - Peggilee Wupperman
- Department of Psychology, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, New York, New York, USA,
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25
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Edwards ER, Gromatsky M, Sissoko DRG, Hazlett EA, Sullivan SR, Geraci J, Goodman M. Arrest history and psychopathology among veterans at risk for suicide. Psychol Serv 2020; 19:146-156. [PMID: 33119341 DOI: 10.1037/ser0000454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
While preliminary evidence suggests an association between legal involvement and suicide risk among veterans, no research to date has explored the prevalence and/or correlates of legal involvement among veterans at high risk for suicide. The current study examined the relation of suicide attempt, suicidal ideation, and psychopathology to history of criminal arrest in a sample of 286 veterans at risk for suicide. Results indicated approximately half (47%) of at-risk veterans had a history of arrest. Inconsistent with hypotheses, arrest history was not associated with history of suicide attempt, current suicidal ideation, or severity of psychopathological symptoms. Arrest history was, however, associated with diagnoses of substance use disorder and antisocial personality disorder in this high-suicide risk sample. Further, likelihood of an antisocial personality disorder diagnosis was associated with higher frequency of past arrests. Taken together, results indicate that many veterans at risk for suicide have a history of arrest, and at-risk veterans with such history likely have a specific pattern of psychopathology, including antisocial personality traits and substance use. As such, legal status and history of justice involvement may be important considerations when assessing suicide risk and management of this high-risk population. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
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26
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Edwards ER, Barnes S, Govindarajulu U, Geraci J, Tsai J. Mental health and substance use patterns associated with lifetime suicide attempt, incarceration, and homelessness: A latent class analysis of a nationally representative sample of U.S. veterans. Psychol Serv 2020; 18:619-631. [PMID: 32852993 DOI: 10.1037/ser0000488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
A substantial proportion of U.S. military veterans experience mental health and/or substance use disorders. As public awareness of these difficulties rises, so too does interest in the relation between veteran behavioral health and high-risk events, namely suicide attempts, incarceration, and homelessness. Using latent class analysis and a large, nationally representative sample of community veterans, the current study examined common patterns of veteran behavioral health disorders and the associations between these patterns and high-risk events. Results suggest four classes of veterans, including a "healthy" class (comprising 69% of the total sample), a "substance use disorder" class (16%), a "personality disorder-substance use disorder" class (8%), and a "depressive disorder" class (7%). Veterans in the healthy class had the lowest rates of suicide attempt (2%), incarceration (14%), and homelessness (3%), whereas veterans in the personality disorder-substance use disorder class had the highest rates of these events (27%, 45%, and 22%, respectively). Results attest to the importance of investing clinical resources into addressing the needs of veterans experiencing complex behavioral health patterns, particularly personality and substance use disorders. Implications for the health care of veterans are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jack Tsai
- National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans
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Geraci JC, Mobbs M, Edwards ER, Doerries B, Armstrong N, Porcarelli R, Duffy E, Loos CM, Kilby D, Juanamarga J, Cantor G, Sutton L, Sokol Y, Goodman M. Expanded Roles and Recommendations for Stakeholders to Successfully Reintegrate Modern Warriors and Mitigate Suicide Risk. Front Psychol 2020; 11:1907. [PMID: 32973608 PMCID: PMC7471060 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This article draws upon the legends of warriors from ancient Greece and other traditions to illuminate the journey of Modern Warriors (MWs) who have served in the United States military over the last century. It then turns to stakeholders that can assist current MWs in their reintegration to civilian life and mitigate suicide risk. Until this point, without an existing and coordinated local, federal, non-profit, and private system, rates of suicide for post-9/11 MWs after leaving the military have greatly increased, especially for young and women MWs. This is due in part to the military satisfying many of MWs’ needs by providing units, leaders, and a mission during the Departure and Initiation stages of the MW journey. However, as MWs exit the military and face the difficult task of reintegration, the absence of units, leaders, and mission leads to deteriorating psychological health and increasing suicide risk. Written primarily by post-9/11 MWs, this article proposes recommendations for stakeholders to better reintegrate MWs and mitigate suicide risk. The authors strive to develop a system that satisfies MWs’ reintegration needs and enables MWs to be well positioned to continue their next ‘mission’ – to serve and improve society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph C Geraci
- Transitioning Servicemember/Veteran and Suicide Prevention Center, VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, The Bronx, NY, United States.,Resilience Center for Veterans and Families, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York City, NY, United States.,Institute for Veterans and Military Families, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - Meaghan Mobbs
- Resilience Center for Veterans and Families, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Emily R Edwards
- Transitioning Servicemember/Veteran and Suicide Prevention Center, VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, The Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Bryan Doerries
- Theater of War Productions, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Nicholas Armstrong
- Institute for Veterans and Military Families, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | | | - Elana Duffy
- Pathfinder.vet, New York City, NY, United States
| | | | - Daniel Kilby
- Transitioning Servicemember/Veteran and Suicide Prevention Center, VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, The Bronx, NY, United States.,Resilience Center for Veterans and Families, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Josephine Juanamarga
- Resilience Center for Veterans and Families, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Gilly Cantor
- Institute for Veterans and Military Families, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - Loree Sutton
- NYC Department of Veterans' Services, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Yosef Sokol
- Transitioning Servicemember/Veteran and Suicide Prevention Center, VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, The Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Marianne Goodman
- Transitioning Servicemember/Veteran and Suicide Prevention Center, VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, The Bronx, NY, United States
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Edwards ER, Shivaji S, Micek A, Wupperman P. Distinguishing alexithymia and emotion differentiation conceptualizations through linguistic analysis. Personality and Individual Differences 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2019.109801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Edwards ER, Cassata WS, Velsko CA, Yeamans CB, Shaughnessy DA. Determination of relative krypton fission product yields from 14 MeV neutron induced fission of 238U at the National Ignition Facility. Rev Sci Instrum 2016; 87:11D838. [PMID: 27910394 DOI: 10.1063/1.4963155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Precisely-known fission yield distributions are needed to determine a fissioning isotope and the incident neutron energy in nuclear security applications. 14 MeV neutrons from DT fusion at the National Ignition Facility induce fission in depleted uranium contained in the target assembly hohlraum. The fission yields of Kr isotopes (85m, 87, 88, and 89) are measured relative to the cumulative yield of 88Kr and compared to previously tabulated values. The results from this experiment and England and Rider are in agreement, except for the 85mKr/88Kr ratio, which may be the result of incorrect nuclear data.
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Affiliation(s)
- E R Edwards
- Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - W S Cassata
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94551, USA
| | - C A Velsko
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94551, USA
| | - C B Yeamans
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94551, USA
| | - D A Shaughnessy
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94551, USA
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Fox G, Gabbe BJ, Richardson M, Oppy A, Page R, Edwards ER, Hau R, Ekegren CL. Twelve-month outcomes following surgical repair of the Achilles tendon. Injury 2016; 47:2370-2374. [PMID: 27424531 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2016.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Revised: 05/27/2016] [Accepted: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Incidence of Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) has increased over recent years, and debate regarding optimal management has been widely documented. Most papers have focused on surgical success, complications and short term region-specific outcomes. Inconsistent use of standardised outcome measures following surgical ATR repair has made it difficult to evaluate the impact of ATR on a patient's health status post-surgery, and to compare this to other injury types. This study aimed to report the frequency of surgical repairs of the Achilles tendon over a five-year period within an orthopaedic trauma registry, and to investigate return to work (RTW) status, health status and functional outcomes at 12 months post-surgical repair of the Achilles tendon. METHODS Two hundred and four adults registered by the Victorian Orthopaedic Trauma Outcomes Registry (VOTOR) who underwent surgical repair of the Achilles tendon between July 2009 and June 2014 were included in this prospective cohort study. The Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS-E), 3-level European Quality of Life 5 Dimension measure (EQ-5D-3L), and RTW status 12 months following surgical ATR repair were collected through structured telephone interviews conducted by trained interviewers. RESULTS At 12 months, 92% of patients were successfully followed up. Of those working prior to injury, 95% had returned to work. 42% of patients reported a full recovery on the GOS-E scale. The prevalence of problems on the EQ-5D-3L at 12 months was 0.5% for self-care, 11% for anxiety, 13% for mobility, 16% for activity, and 22% for pain. 16% of patients reported problems with more than one domain. The number of surgical repairs of the Achilles tendon within the VOTOR registry decreased by 68% over the five-year study period. CONCLUSIONS Overall, patients recover well following surgical repair of the Achilles tendon. However, in this study, deficits in function persisted for over half of patients at 12 months post-injury. The decreased incidence of surgical Achilles tendon repair may reflect a change in practice at VOTOR hospitals whereby surgery may be becoming less favoured for initial ATR management.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Fox
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - B J Gabbe
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - A Oppy
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Australia
| | - R Page
- Department of Orthopaedics, University Hospital Geelong, Geelong, Australia; School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - E R Edwards
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - R Hau
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Northern Hospital, Epping, Australia
| | - C L Ekegren
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
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Edwards ER, Micek A, Mottarella K, Wupperman P. Emotion Ideology Mediates Effects of Risk Factors on Alexithymia Development. J Rat-Emo Cognitive-Behav Ther 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s10942-016-0254-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Edwards ER, Jedlovec DR, Carrera JA, Yeamans CB. Development of Enhanced, Permanently-Installed, Neutron Activation Diagnostic Hardware for NIF. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1088/1742-6596/717/1/012091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Antunes EF, Edwards ER, Botelho EC, Costa ML, Corat EJ, Massi M. Epoxy composite with milimetric carbon nanotubes. J Nanosci Nanotechnol 2011; 11:9025-9031. [PMID: 22400296 DOI: 10.1166/jnn.2011.3478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Composite of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and epoxy resin DGEBA were obtained with DDM hardener. The MWCNT were synthesized with length of millimeters by camphor/ferrocene pyrolysis. Different cure temperatures of DGEBA/DDM with addition of up to 1% MWCNT were studied to evaluate eventual changes in cure kinetics by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). No change was detected in glass transition temperature with insertion of MWCNT although the cure enthalpy has been reduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- E F Antunes
- Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais (INPE). Av. dos Astronautas, 1758-CEP: 12.245-970, São José dos Campos/SP, Brazil
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) are common in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Little is known, however, about how NPS vary by MCI subtype (i.e. amnestic, single domain non-memory, and multiple domain). In addition, it is unclear whether NPS increase risk of progression to dementia. We investigated the distribution of NPS across MCI subtypes and determined whether NPS increase risk of progression to dementia. METHOD Participants were 521 patients diagnosed with MCI at the Alzheimer's Research Centers of California between 1988 and 1999. At baseline, patients were classified into MCI subtypes and were assessed for NPS. RESULTS The mean number of NPS was 2.3 (range 0-9.6; 74% had > or =1 NPS). Patients with > or =4 NPS had more medical comorbidities and greater functional impairment (p < or = 0.0001 for both). Patients with > or =4 NPS were more likely than patients with 0-3 NPS to have amnestic MCI (81% vs 71%, respectively, p = 0.03), and patients with amnestic MCI were more likely than those with other subtypes to exhibit depressive symptoms. Patients with > or =4 NPS had nearly 2.5 times the odds of developing dementia at follow-up than patients with 0-3 NPS (adjusted OR = 2.44, 95% CI 1.07, 5.55). CONCLUSION NPS are common in MCI patients. Those with an elevated number of NPS may be more likely to have the amnestic subtype of MCI, and depression may be more common in amnestic MCI than in other subtypes. An elevated number of NPS may increase risk of progression to dementia for patients with MCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R Edwards
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Urquhart DM, Edwards ER, Graves SE, Williamson OD, McNeil JJ, Kossmann T, Richardson MD, Harrison DJ, Hart MJ, Cicuttini FM. Characterisation of orthopaedic trauma admitted to adult level 1 trauma centres. Injury 2006; 37:120-7. [PMID: 16414050 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2005.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2005] [Accepted: 10/19/2005] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the vast number of traumatic injuries that are orthopaedic in nature, comprehensive epidemiological data that characterise orthopaedic trauma are limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the nature of orthopaedic trauma admitted to adult Level 1 Trauma Centres. METHODS Data were obtained from the Victorian Orthopaedic Trauma Outcomes Registry (VOTOR), which includes all patients with orthopaedic trauma admitted to the two adult Level 1 Trauma Centres in Victoria (Australia). Information was collected from the medical record and hospital databases on patients' demographics and injury event, diagnoses and management. RESULTS Data were analysed on 784 patients recruited between August 2003 and March 2004. Patients were mainly young (<65 years) (70.7%), male (59.1%) and injured in a transport collision (51.3%). Fractures of the femur (23.7%) and spine (23.5%) were the most common injuries and were predominately managed with operative (87.6%) and conservative (78.8%) methods, respectively. Differences in most parameters were evident between younger (<65 years) and older (> or =65 years) patients. CONCLUSIONS This study presents epidemiological data on patients with orthopaedic trauma who were admitted to adult Level 1 Trauma Centres. This information is critical for the future monitoring and evaluation of the outcomes of orthopaedic trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- D M Urquhart
- Department of Epidemiology & Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
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Edwards ER, Graves SE, McNeil JJ, Williamson OD, Urquhart DM, Cicuttini FM. Orthopaedic trauma: establishment of an outcomes registry to evaluate and monitor treatment effectiveness. Injury 2006; 37:95-6. [PMID: 15979074 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2005.02.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2004] [Revised: 01/25/2005] [Accepted: 02/26/2005] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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Abstract
The authors investigated 499 patients that were found to be cognitively normal at the Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers of California between 1988 and 1999. Patients reported high rates of depression (39%) and family history of dementia (51%). Thirty-six percent returned for follow-up, and of those, 65% received a diagnosis of dementia or mild cognitive impairment. Patients evaluated at memory clinics who are considered cognitively normal may merit periodic re-evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R Edwards
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, USA
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Androgen receptors are located throughout the brain, especially in regions involved with learning and memory. Different lengths of a CAG (glutamine) repeat polymorphism in exon 1 of the androgen receptor gene may influence androgen action, with longer repeat lengths conferring decreased androgen sensitivity. METHODS We sought to determine if this CAG polymorphism was associated with cognition in older men. RESULTS Among 301 community-dwelling white men (mean age, 73.0 +/- 7.1), greater CAG repeat length was associated with lower scores on three cognitive tests (p <.05 for all). In addition, 12 participants (9.8%) had cognitive impairment in the low tertile of CAG repeat length whereas 29 (16.3%) had cognitive impairment in the two higher tertiles (odds ratio = 1.8; 95% confidence interval =.9-3.7). CONCLUSIONS Research should be directed at identifying the mechanism for this association and to determine if treatment with testosterone prevents cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine Yaffe
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco 94121, USA
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Yaffe K, Edwards ER, Covinsky KE, Lui LY, Eng C. Depressive symptoms and risk of mortality in frail, community-living elderly persons. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2003; 11:561-7. [PMID: 14506090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Depression and depressive symptoms have been associated with increased rates of mortality in a variety of populations, but have not been studied in frail, community-living elderly persons. The authors determined whether depressive symptoms were associated with mortality in a frail, multi-ethnic cohort. METHODS Authors conducted a prospective study of 250 participants enrolled in a program for patients in the community eligible for nursing home placement, determining the occurrence of depressive symptoms at enrollment and survival after 18 months of follow-up, using Cox proportional-hazards models to determine whether depressive symptoms were independently associated with mortality. RESULTS At enrollment, 73 of the participants (29%) were judged to have depression. Among depressed participants, 26% died, versus 17% of those with fewer depressive symptoms. After they adjusted for various demographic factors, 18-month mortality was almost 70% higher in those with depressive symptoms than in those with fewer symptoms. Women with more depressive symptoms showed nearly a 2.5-fold increase in risk of mortality than women with fewer symptoms, whereas more depressed men were not at increased risk of mortality compared with less depressed men. CONCLUSION Depressive symptoms constitute a risk factor for mortality in frail elderly persons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine Yaffe
- University of California, San Francisco, Departments of Psychiatry, Neurology, and Epidemiology, San Francisco, California, USA.
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Abstract
In a prospective study, 63 tibial shaft fractures were managed by intramedullary nailing with a solid nail inserted without reaming. The patients were followed to union or a definitive outcome (non-union or death). Three patients died early in the post operative course as a result of other injuries. This left 60 nails in the series for complete follow up. Eighty-two per cent of the fractures were the result of motor vehicle accidents, 44 nails were inserted within 72 h of injury. Fifty-six fractures united (93%) at a mean of 21.1 weeks (8-52). There were 4 non-unions among this population of multiply injured patients. All closed fractures united at a mean of 19.5 weeks. Those nailed acutely united at a mean of 16.8 weeks. The open fracture group (classified according to Gustilo and Anderson) included the 4 non-unions (2 type II, 1 type IIIa and 1 type IIIb). A union rate of 86.2% was achieved in these fractures. All type I fractures united. One deep infection occurred in the series. The major complication identified in the current series was failure of the distal cross bolts.
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Affiliation(s)
- R D Angliss
- Alfred Hospital Trauma Unit, Melbourne, Australia
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Abstract
We describe a congenital deformity of the foot which is characterised by calcaneus at the ankle and valgus at the subtalar joint; spontaneous improvement does not occur and serial casting results in incomplete or impermanent correction of the deformities. Experience with five feet in four children indicates that release of the ligaments and tendons anterior and lateral to the ankle and lateral to the subtalar joint is the minimum surgery necessary; subtalar arthrodesis may be required in addition. The foot deformity described may occur as an isolated condition or in association with multiple congenital anomalies. The possibility of a neurological deficit should always be excluded.
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Edwards ER, Menelaus MB. Externally rotated leg posture and gait in infants. Med J Aust 1986; 144:528-30. [PMID: 3713568 DOI: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.1986.tb112278.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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