1
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Tate DF, Wade BSC, Velez CS, Bigler ED, Davenport ND, Dennis EL, Esopenko C, Hinds SR, Kean J, Kennedy E, Kenney K, Mayer AR, Newsome MR, Philippi CL, Pugh MJ, Scheibel RS, Taylor BA, Troyanskaya M, Werner JK, York GE, Walker W, Wilde EA. Persistent MRI Findings Unique to Blast and Repetitive Mild TBI: Analysis of the CENC/LIMBIC Cohort Injury Characteristics. Mil Med 2024:usae031. [PMID: 38401164 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usae031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION MRI represents one of the clinical tools at the forefront of research efforts aimed at identifying diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Both volumetric and diffusion MRI findings in mild TBI (mTBI) are mixed, making the findings difficult to interpret. As such, additional research is needed to continue to elucidate the relationship between the clinical features of mTBI and quantitative MRI measurements. MATERIAL AND METHODS Volumetric and diffusion imaging data in a sample of 976 veterans and service members from the Chronic Effects of Neurotrauma Consortium and now the Long-Term Impact of Military-Relevant Brain Injury Consortium observational study of the late effects of mTBI in combat with and without a history of mTBI were examined. A series of regression models with link functions appropriate for the model outcome were used to evaluate the relationships among imaging measures and clinical features of mTBI. Each model included acquisition site, participant sex, and age as covariates. Separate regression models were fit for each region of interest where said region was a predictor. RESULTS After controlling for multiple comparisons, no significant main effect was noted for comparisons between veterans and service members with and without a history of mTBI. However, blast-related mTBI were associated with volumetric reductions of several subregions of the corpus callosum compared to non-blast-related mTBI. Several volumetric (i.e., hippocampal subfields, etc.) and diffusion (i.e., corona radiata, superior longitudinal fasciculus, etc.) MRI findings were noted to be associated with an increased number of repetitive mTBIs versus. CONCLUSIONS In deployment-related mTBI, significant findings in this cohort were only observed when considering mTBI sub-groups (blast mechanism and total number/dose). Simply comparing healthy controls and those with a positive mTBI history is likely an oversimplification that may lead to non-significant findings, even in consortium analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- David F Tate
- Department of Neurology, Traumatic Brain Injury and Concussion Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
- George E. Wahlen VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System, Salt Lake City, UT 84148, USA
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84604, USA
| | - Benjamin S C Wade
- Department of Neurology, Traumatic Brain Injury and Concussion Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Carmen S Velez
- Department of Neurology, Traumatic Brain Injury and Concussion Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
- George E. Wahlen VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System, Salt Lake City, UT 84148, USA
| | - Erin D Bigler
- Department of Neurology, Traumatic Brain Injury and Concussion Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84604, USA
- Departments of Neuroscience, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84604, USA
| | - Nicholas D Davenport
- Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN 55417, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55454, USA
| | - Emily L Dennis
- Department of Neurology, Traumatic Brain Injury and Concussion Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
- George E. Wahlen VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System, Salt Lake City, UT 84148, USA
| | - Carrie Esopenko
- Department of Rehabilitation and Human Performance, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Sidney R Hinds
- Department of Neurology, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Jacob Kean
- George E. Wahlen VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System, Salt Lake City, UT 84148, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
| | - Eamonn Kennedy
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
| | - Kimbra Kenney
- Department of Neurology, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Andrew R Mayer
- The Mind Research Network, University of New Mexico Health Science Center, Albuquerque, NM 87106, USA
| | - Mary R Newsome
- Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- H. Ben Taub Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Carissa L Philippi
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri-St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63121, St. Louis
| | - Mary J Pugh
- George E. Wahlen VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System, Salt Lake City, UT 84148, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
| | - Randall S Scheibel
- Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- H. Ben Taub Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Brian A Taylor
- Department of Imaging Physics, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Maya Troyanskaya
- Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- H. Ben Taub Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - John K Werner
- Department of Neurology, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Gerald E York
- Imaging Associates of Alaska, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA
| | - William Walker
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Elisabeth A Wilde
- Department of Neurology, Traumatic Brain Injury and Concussion Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
- George E. Wahlen VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System, Salt Lake City, UT 84148, USA
- Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- H. Ben Taub Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Grove JL, Young JR, Chen Z, Blakey SM, Beckham JC, Calhoun PS, Dedert EA, Goldston DB, Pugh MJ, Kimbrel NA. Experiential Avoidance, Pain, and Suicide Risk in a National Sample of Gulf War Veterans. Arch Suicide Res 2024; 28:295-309. [PMID: 36573028 PMCID: PMC10291004 DOI: 10.1080/13811118.2022.2160681] [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: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pain confers risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Experiential avoidance (EA), which is relevant to both pain and suicide risk, has not been studied as a potential mechanism for this relationship. The present study tested the hypothesis that pain indirectly impacts suicide risk through EA in a national sample of Gulf War veterans. METHODS Participants included a stratified random sample of United States veterans (N = 1,012, 78% male) who had served in the Gulf War region between August 1990 and July 1991. Validated scales were used to quantify levels of pain, EA, and suicide risk. RESULTS Regression analyses indicated independent associations between pain, EA, and suicide risk; moreover, the association between pain and suicide risk was no longer significant once EA was included in model. Bootstrapping analyses confirmed that EA partially accounted for the cross-sectional association between pain and suicide risk, independent of common co-occurring problems, such as depression, PTSD, and alcohol use disorder symptoms. CONCLUSIONS EA could be a key modifiable risk factor to target in people experiencing pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy L. Grove
- Duke University School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
| | - Jonathan R. Young
- Duke University School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
- Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System
- VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC)
| | - Zhengxi Chen
- Duke University School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
- Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System
- VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC)
| | - Shannon M. Blakey
- Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System
- VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC)
- Dr. Shannon Blakey is now affiliated with RTI International
| | - Jean C. Beckham
- Duke University School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
- Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System
- VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC)
| | - Patrick S. Calhoun
- Duke University School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
- Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System
- VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC)
- VA Health Services Research and Development Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation (ADAPT)
| | - Eric A. Dedert
- Duke University School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
- Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System
- VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC)
- VA Health Services Research and Development Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation (ADAPT)
| | - David B. Goldston
- Duke University School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
| | - Mary J. Pugh
- VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System
- University of Utah, School of Medicine, Department of Medicine
| | - Nathan A. Kimbrel
- Duke University School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
- Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System
- VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC)
- VA Health Services Research and Development Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation (ADAPT)
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Ravyts SG, Eshera YM, Griffin SC, Halverson T, Grove JL, Beckham JC, Pugh MJ, Kimbrel NA, Calhoun PS. Sleep Apnea Among Gulf War Veterans: An Examination of VA Utilization Rates, Treatment Initiation, and Health Outcomes. Behav Sleep Med 2023:1-11. [PMID: 38156829 DOI: 10.1080/15402002.2023.2299675] [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] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) among veterans is frequently underdiagnosed and undertreated. The present study sought to: 1) characterize the prevalence and rate of treatment of OSA among VA users and non-users and 2) examine the associations between diagnosed or probable OSA and key physical and mental health outcomes. METHODS Gulf-War I-era Veterans were recruited as part of a national survey assessing mental and physical health concerns, healthcare needs, and healthcare utilization. OSA diagnoses were self-reported while sleep apnea risk was assessed via the STOP-Bang. Veterans also completed questionnaires assessing overall health, pain, depression, PTSD, and psychosocial functioning. RESULTS 1,153 veterans were included in the present analyses (Mean age = 58.81; 21.84% female). Compared to non-VA healthcare users, veterans receiving care at the VA were more likely to have been diagnosed with OSA (p < .001) and report receiving treatment for OSA (p = .005). Compared to veterans at low risk for OSA, veterans at elevated risk reported higher levels of pain (p = .001), depression (p = .02), and poorer psychosocial functioning (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS OSA diagnoses appear to be more common among VA healthcare users. Findings suggest that OSA remains underdiagnosed and associated with important physical and mental health consequences. Additional screening for OSA, especially among non-VA clinics, is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott G Ravyts
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yasmine M Eshera
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Sarah C Griffin
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, NC, USA
- VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Tate Halverson
- Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, NC, USA
- VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jeremy L Grove
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jean C Beckham
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, NC, USA
- VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Mary J Pugh
- Veterans Affairs Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Nathan A Kimbrel
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, NC, USA
- VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- VA Health Services Research and Development Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Patrick S Calhoun
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, NC, USA
- VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Durham, NC, USA
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Patel TA, Mann AJ, Halverson TF, Nomamiukor FO, Calhoun PS, Beckham JC, Pugh MJ, Kimbrel NA. The association of military sexual assault and nonsuicidal self-injury in U.S. Gulf War-I era veterans. Mil Psychol 2023:1-11. [PMID: 37294600 DOI: 10.1080/08995605.2023.2222630] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Military sexual assault (MSA) is a prevalent issue among military personnel that has been linked to adverse mental and physical health outcomes, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The present study sought to investigate the relationship between MSA and nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) in a national sample of Gulf War-I Era U.S. veterans. The study analyzed data from 1,153 Gulf War-I veterans collected through a cross-sectional survey that assessed demographic information, clinical outcomes, military background, and history of MSA and NSSI. MSA was found to be significantly associated with NSSI at the bivariate level (OR = 2.19, p < .001). Further, MSA remained significantly associated with NSSI (AOR = 2.50, p = .002) after controlling for relevant demographics and clinical outcomes. Veterans with a history of MSA were approximately two and half times more likely to engage in NSSI than veterans who had not experienced MSA. The present findings provide preliminary evidence linking MSA and NSSI. Further, the findings highlight the importance of assessing MSA and NSSI in veteran populations, particularly among those seeking treatment for PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tapan A Patel
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida
| | - Adam J Mann
- Department of Psychology, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio
| | - Tate F Halverson
- Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina
- Education and Clinical Center, VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Faith O Nomamiukor
- Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina, Greensboro, North Carolina
| | - Patrick S Calhoun
- Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina
- Education and Clinical Center, VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Durham, North Carolina
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
- VA Health Services Research and Development Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Jean C Beckham
- Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina
- Education and Clinical Center, VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Durham, North Carolina
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
- VA Health Services Research and Development Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Mary J Pugh
- VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System, Informatics Decision-Enhancement and Analytic Center of Innovation, Salt Lake City, Utah
- School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Nathan A Kimbrel
- Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina
- Education and Clinical Center, VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Durham, North Carolina
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
- VA Health Services Research and Development Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham, North Carolina
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5
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Patel TA, Blakey SM, Halverson TF, Mann AJD, Calhoun PS, Beckham JC, Pugh MJ, Kimbrel NA. Experiential Avoidance, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, and Self-Injurious Thoughts and Behaviors: A Moderation Analysis in a National Veteran Sample. Int J Cogn Ther 2023; 1:10.1007/s41811-023-00164-2. [PMID: 37360585 PMCID: PMC10288701 DOI: 10.1007/s41811-023-00164-2] [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] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Experiential avoidance (EA) is associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (SITBs) across different populations, and extant literature has demonstrated a strong relationship between PTSD and SITBs. However, no study has explored the potential moderating role EA plays in the association of PTSD with nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts. The objective of the present study was to determine if EA would moderate the association with PTSD and SITBs such that the association between PTSD and individuals SITBs would be stronger among individuals with higher EA. In a large national sample of Gulf War Era veterans (N = 1,138), EA was associated with PTSD, lifetime and past-year NSSI, current suicidal ideation, and lifetime suicide attempts in bivariate analyses. Multivariate analyses detected a significant EA by PTSD interaction on lifetime NSSI (AOR = 0.96), past-year NSSI (AOR = 1.03), and suicide attempts (AOR =1.03). Probing of the interactions revealed that the respective associations between PTSD, lifetime and past-year NSSI, and suicide attempts were stronger at lower levels of EA (i.e., better), counter to our hypotheses. These preliminary findings contextualize the relationship between these variables in a Gulf War veterans sample and signal the need to further investigate these relationships. Further, these findings highlight the need for advancement in assessment and intervention of EA and SITBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tapan A. Patel
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University; Tallahassee, FL
| | | | - Tate F. Halverson
- Durham VA Health Care System; Durham, NC
- VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center; Durham, NC
| | | | - Patrick S. Calhoun
- Durham VA Health Care System; Durham, NC
- VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center; Durham, NC
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine; Durham, NC
| | - Jean C. Beckham
- Durham VA Health Care System; Durham, NC
- VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center; Durham, NC
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine; Durham, NC
| | - Mary J. Pugh
- VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System, Salt Lake City; UT
- University of Utah School of Medicine Department of Medicine; Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Nathan A. Kimbrel
- Durham VA Health Care System; Durham, NC
- VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center; Durham, NC
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine; Durham, NC
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Grove JL, Kimbrel NA, Griffin SC, Halverson T, White MA, Blakey SM, Beckham JC, Dedert EA, Goldston DB, Pugh MJ, Calhoun PS. Cannabis use and suicide risk among Gulf War veterans. Death Stud 2022; 47:618-623. [PMID: 35939644 PMCID: PMC9905335 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2022.2108944] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis use has been indicated as a risk factor for suicide in veterans. This study of Gulf War veterans tested the relationship between self-report past year cannabis use and (a) past year suicidal ideation and (b) risk for suicidal behavior. Data were from a national sample (N = 1126) of Gulf War veterans. Logistic regression models indicated cannabis use was associated with past year suicidal ideation and elevated risk for suicidal behavior, independent of key covariates. In corroboration with research on other military populations, this study indicates a potentially concerning association between cannabis use and suicide risk in Gulf War veterans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy L. Grove
- Duke University School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
| | - Nathan A. Kimbrel
- Duke University School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
- Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System
- VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC)
- VA Health Services Research and Development Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation (ADAPT)
| | - Sarah C. Griffin
- Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System
- VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC)
| | - Tate Halverson
- Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System
- VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC)
| | | | | | - Jean C. Beckham
- Duke University School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
- Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System
- VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC)
| | - Eric A. Dedert
- Duke University School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
- Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System
- VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC)
- VA Health Services Research and Development Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation (ADAPT)
| | - David B. Goldston
- Duke University School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
| | - Mary J. Pugh
- VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System
- University of Utah, School of Medicine, Department of Medicine
| | - Patrick S. Calhoun
- Duke University School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
- Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System
- VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC)
- VA Health Services Research and Development Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation (ADAPT)
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Patel TA, Mann AJ, Nomamiukor FO, Blakey SM, Calhoun PS, Beckham JC, Pugh MJ, Kimbrel NA. Correlates and clinical associations of military sexual assault in Gulf War era U.S. veterans: Findings from a national sample. J Trauma Stress 2022; 35:1240-1251. [PMID: 35355332 PMCID: PMC9357137 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22825] [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: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Military sexual assault (MSA) is a prevalent issue among military personnel that can have direct implications on postmilitary mental health. Gulf War era U.S. veterans represent the first cohort in which women veterans were integrated into most aspects of military service except for combat. The present study sought to build on prior studies by identifying characteristics associated with the occurrence of MSA and clinical correlates of MSA and examining how these differ between men and women. This study analyzed cross-sectional survey data from a national sample of treatment-seeking Gulf War era veterans. Participants (N = 1,153) reported demographic information, clinical outcomes, military background, and history of MSA. MSA was more common among female veterans (n = 100, 41.3%) than male veterans (n = 32, 3.6%). The odds of experiencing MSA were approximately 19 times higher for female veterans relative to their male peers, OR = 18.92, p < .001. Moreover, as expected, MSA was robustly associated with probable current posttraumatic stress disorder, probable current depression, and past-year suicidal ideation in female veterans, whereas combat exposure was robustly associated with these sequelae in male veterans. The present findings confirm that a large proportion of female veterans from the Gulf War era experienced MSA and highlight the deleterious correlates of MSA on veterans' mental health. Sex differences of correlates of MSA and subsequent clinical associations are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tapan A. Patel
- Florida State University, Department of Psychology, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Adam J. Mann
- University of Toledo, Department of Psychology, Toledo, Ohio, USA
| | - Faith O. Nomamiukor
- University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Department of Psychology, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
| | - Shannon M. Blakey
- Durham Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina, USA,VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Patrick S. Calhoun
- Durham Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina, USA,VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA,VA Health Services Research and Development Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham, North Carolina, USA,Duke University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jean C. Beckham
- Durham Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina, USA,VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA,VA Health Services Research and Development Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham, North Carolina, USA,Duke University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Mary J. Pugh
- Informatics Decision-Enhancement and Analytic Center of Innovation, VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA,University of Utah, School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Nathan A. Kimbrel
- Durham Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina, USA,VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA,VA Health Services Research and Development Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham, North Carolina, USA,Duke University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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Blakey SM, Griffin SC, Grove JL, Peter SC, Levi RD, Calhoun PS, Elbogen EB, Beckham JC, Pugh MJ, Kimbrel NA. Comparing psychosocial functioning, suicide risk, and nonsuicidal self-injury between veterans with probable posttraumatic stress disorder and alcohol use disorder. J Affect Disord 2022; 308:10-18. [PMID: 35398395 PMCID: PMC9133145 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) are each common among Unites States (U.S.) military veterans and frequently co-occur (i.e., PTSD+AUD). Although comorbid PTSD+AUD is generally associated with worse outcomes relative to either diagnosis alone, some studies suggest the added burden of comorbid PTSD+AUD is greater relative to AUD-alone than to PTSD-alone. Furthermore, nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is more common among veterans than previously thought but rarely measured as a veteran psychiatric health outcome. This study sought to replicate and extend previous work by comparing psychosocial functioning, suicide risk, and NSSI among veterans screening positive for PTSD, AUD, comorbid PTSD+AUD, and neither disorder. METHODS This study analyzed data from a national sample of N = 1046 U.S. veterans who had served during the Gulf War. Participants self-reported sociodemographic, functioning, and clinical information through a mailed survey. RESULTS Veterans with probable PTSD+AUD reported worse psychosocial functioning across multiple domains compared to veterans with probable AUD, but only worse functioning related to controlling violent behavior when compared to veterans with probable PTSD. Veterans with probable PTSD+AUD reported greater suicidal ideation and NSSI than veterans with probable AUD, but fewer prior suicide attempts than veterans with probable PTSD. LIMITATIONS This study was cross-sectional, relied on self-report, did not verify clinical diagnoses, and may not generalize to veterans of other military conflicts. CONCLUSIONS Findings underscore the adverse psychiatric and functional outcomes associated with PTSD and comorbid PTSD+AUD, such as NSSI, and highlight the importance of delivering evidence-based treatment to this veteran population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon M. Blakey
- Durham VA Health Care System; Durham, NC,VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center; Durham, NC,RTI International; Research Triangle Park, NC,Corresponding Author: Shannon M. Blakey, PhD, RTI International, 3040 E. Cornwallis Rd, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, Phone: 919-485-5427, Fax: 919-416-8033,
| | - Sarah C. Griffin
- Durham VA Health Care System; Durham, NC,VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center; Durham, NC
| | - Jeremy L. Grove
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine; Durham, NC
| | | | | | - Patrick S. Calhoun
- Durham VA Health Care System; Durham, NC,VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center; Durham, NC,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine; Durham, NC
| | - Eric B. Elbogen
- VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center; Durham, NC,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine; Durham, NC,VA National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans; Tampa, FL
| | - Jean C. Beckham
- Durham VA Health Care System; Durham, NC,VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center; Durham, NC,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine; Durham, NC
| | - Mary J. Pugh
- VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System, Salt Lake City; UT,University of Utah School of Medicine Department of Medicine; Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Nathan A. Kimbrel
- Durham VA Health Care System; Durham, NC,VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center; Durham, NC,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine; Durham, NC
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9
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Blakey SM, Halverson TF, Evans MK, Patel TA, Hair LP, Meyer EC, DeBeer BB, Beckham JC, Pugh MJ, Calhoun PS, Kimbrel NA. Experiential avoidance is associated with medical and mental health diagnoses in a national sample of deployed Gulf War veterans. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 142:17-24. [PMID: 34314990 PMCID: PMC8429252 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.07.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
A substantial minority of deployed Gulf War veterans developed posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and several chronic illnesses. Although military combat and exposure to certain nuclear, biological, and chemical agents (NBCs) increase risk for post-deployment health problems, they do not fully explain many Gulf War veteran health diagnoses and are not viable treatment targets. Experiential avoidance (EA; one's unwillingness to remain in contact with unpleasant internal experiences) is a modifiable psychosocial risk factor associated with PTSD and depression in veterans as well as pain and gastrointestinal diseases in the general population. In this study, we recruited a national sample of deployed Gulf War veterans (N = 454) to test the hypothesis that greater EA would be significantly associated with higher lifetime odds of PTSD, depression, "Gulf War Illness" (GWI/CMI), and other chronic illnesses common in this veteran cohort. Participants completed a self-report battery assessing demographic, military-related, and health-related information. Multivariate analyses showed that after adjusting for age, sex, race, combat exposure, and NBC exposure, worse EA was associated with higher lifetime odds of PTSD, depression GWI/CMI, gastrointestinal problems, irritable bowel syndrome, arthritis, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome (ORs ranged 1.25 to 2.89; effect sizes ranged small to large), but not asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Our findings suggest medical and mental health providers alike should assess for EA and potentially target EA as part of a comprehensive, biopsychosocial approach to improving Gulf War veterans' health and wellbeing. Study limitations and future research directions are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon M Blakey
- Durham VA Health Care System, 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC, 27705, USA; VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, 3022 Croasdaile Dr., Durham, NC, 27705, USA.
| | - Tate F Halverson
- Durham VA Health Care System, 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC, 27705, USA.
| | - Mariah K Evans
- Duke University School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, DUMC 3625, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
| | - Tapan A Patel
- Durham VA Health Care System, 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC, 27705, USA.
| | - Lauren P Hair
- Durham VA Health Care System, 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC, 27705, USA; Duke University School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, DUMC 3625, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
| | - Eric C Meyer
- University of Pittsburgh Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, 4028 Forbes Tower, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA.
| | - Bryann B DeBeer
- VA Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, 1700 N Wheeling St, G-3-116M, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, 12631 E 17th Ave, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
| | - Jean C Beckham
- Durham VA Health Care System, 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC, 27705, USA; VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, 3022 Croasdaile Dr., Durham, NC, 27705, USA; Duke University School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, DUMC 3625, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
| | - Mary J Pugh
- VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System, 500 Foothill Dr, Salt Lake City, UT, 84148, USA; University of Utah School of Medicine Department of Medicine, 30 N. 1900 E, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA.
| | - Patrick S Calhoun
- Durham VA Health Care System, 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC, 27705, USA; VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, 3022 Croasdaile Dr., Durham, NC, 27705, USA; Duke University School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, DUMC 3625, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
| | - Nathan A Kimbrel
- Durham VA Health Care System, 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC, 27705, USA; VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, 3022 Croasdaile Dr., Durham, NC, 27705, USA; Duke University School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, DUMC 3625, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
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10
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Dismuke-Greer CE, Fakhry SM, Horner MD, Pogoda TK, Pugh MJ, Gebregziabher M, Hall CL, Taber D, Spain DA. Ethnicity/race and service-connected disability disparities in civilian traumatic brain injury mechanism of injury and VHA health services costs in military veterans: Evidence from a Level 1 Trauma Center and VA Medical Center. Trauma 2021. [DOI: 10.1177/1460408620914436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Introduction The objective of this study was to examine the association of military veteran socio-demographics and service-connected disability with civilian mechanism of traumatic brain injury and long-term Veterans Health Administration (VHA) costs. Methods We conducted a 17-year retrospective longitudinal cohort study of veterans with a civilian-related traumatic brain injury from a Level 1 Trauma Center between 1999 and 2013, with VHA follow-up through 2016. We merged trauma center VHA data, and used logit to model mechanism of injury, and generalized linear model to model VHA costs. Results African American race or Hispanic ethnicity veterans had a higher unadjusted rate of civilian assault/gun as mechanism of injury (15.38%) relative to non-Hispanic White (7.19%). African American race or Hispanic veterans who were discharged from the trauma center with traumatic brain injury and followed in VHA had more than twice the odds of assault/gun (OR 2.47; 95% CI 1.16:5.26), after adjusting for sex, age, and military service-connected disability. Veterans with service-connected disability ≥50% had more than twice the odds of assault/gun (OR 2.48; 95% CI 0.97:6.31). Assault/gun was associated with significantly higher annual VHA costs post-discharge ($16,807; 95% CI 672:32,941) among non-Hispanic White veterans. Military service-connected disability ≥50% was associated with higher VHA costs among both non-Hispanic White ($44,987; 95% CI $17,159:$72,816) and African American race or Hispanic ($37,901; 95% CI $4,543:$71,258) veterans. Conclusions We found that African American race or Hispanic veterans had higher adjusted likelihood of assault/gun mechanism of traumatic brain injury, and non-Hispanic White veterans had higher adjusted annual VHA resource costs associated with assault/gun, post trauma center discharge. Veterans with higher than 50% service-connected disability had higher likelihood of assault/gun and higher adjusted annual VHA resource costs. Assault/gun prevention efforts may be indicated within the VHA, especially in minority and service-connected disability veterans. More data from Level 1 Trauma Centers are needed to assess the generalizability of these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- CE Dismuke-Greer
- Health Economics Resource Center (HERC), Ci2i, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, USA
| | - SM Fakhry
- Center for Trauma and Acute Care Surgery Research, CSG, HCA Healthcare, Nashville, USA
| | - MD Horner
- Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center and Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, USA
| | - TK Pogoda
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, USA
- Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, USA
| | - MJ Pugh
- Salt Lake City VA Health Care System and University of Utah Health Sciences, Salt Lake City, USA
| | - M Gebregziabher
- Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center and Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, USA
| | - CL Hall
- Health Equity and Rural Outreach Innovation Center (HEROIC), Ralph H. Johnson VAMC, Charleston, USA
| | - D Taber
- Health Equity and Rural Outreach Innovation Center (HEROIC), Ralph H. Johnson VAMC, Charleston, USA
| | - DA Spain
- Department of Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford Healthcare, Stanford, USA
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11
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Brown-Taylor L, Jaramillo C, Eapen BC, Kretzmer T, Gavin LP, Cooper T, Pugh MJ. Accumulation of Good Intentions: How Individual Practice Guidelines Lead to Polypharmacy in the Treatment of Patients with Polytrauma. PM R 2020; 13:1169-1175. [PMID: 33247558 DOI: 10.1002/pmrj.12526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Polytrauma clinical triad (PCT) is the comorbid occurrence of traumatic brain injury (TBI), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and pain after trauma. No clinical practice guidelines for postacute care of patients with PCT currently exist; instead, clinical practice guidelines have been published for the three conditions (TBI, PTSD, and pain) as distinct clinical entities. Using multiple, individual practice guidelines for a patient with PCT may lead to unintended prescription of multiple and potentially adversely interacting medications (ie, polypharmacy). Polypharmacy, especially that which includes central nervous system-acting medications, may lead to overdose, suicidality, and chronic symptomatology. Current individual guidelines for each condition of PCT do not address how to coordinate care for the polytraumatic diagnosis. The purpose of this Practice Management piece is to describe the unintended consequences of polypharmacy in patients with PCT and to discuss mitigation approaches including rational prescribing, nonpharmacologic alternatives, and interdisciplinary coordination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey Brown-Taylor
- Informatics, Decision-Enhancement, and Analytic Sciences (IDEAS) Center of Innovation, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Carlos Jaramillo
- San Antonio Polytrauma Center, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX
| | - Blessen C Eapen
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| | | | | | - Tyler Cooper
- School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Mary J Pugh
- Informatics, Decision-Enhancement, and Analytic Sciences (IDEAS) Center of Innovation, Salt Lake City, UT.,School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
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12
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Kazanis W, Pugh MJ, Tami C, Maddry JK, Bebarta VS, Finley EP, McGeary DD, Carnahan DH, Potter JS. Opioid Use Patterns Among Active Duty Service Members and Civilians: 2006-2014. Mil Med 2019. [PMID: 29514335 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usx014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Between 2001 and 2009, opioid analgesic prescriptions in the Military Health System quadrupled to 3.8 million. The sheer quantity of opioid analgesics available sets the stage for issues related to misuse, abuse, and diversion. To address this issue, the Department of Defense implemented several directives and clinical guidelines to improve access to appropriate pain care and safe opioid prescribing. Unfortunately, little has been done to characterize changing patterns of opioid use in active duty service members (ADSM), so little is known about how combat operations and military health care policy may have influenced this significant problem. We examined changes in opioid use for ADSM between 2006 and 2014, compared trends with the civilian population, and explored the potential role of military-specific factors in changes in opioid use in the Military Health System. Materials and Methods After obtaining Institutional Review Board approval, administrative prescription records (Pharmacy Data Transaction Records) for non-deployed ADSM were used to determine the number of opioid prescriptions dispensed each year and the proportion of ADSM who received at least one prescription per month between 2006 and 2014. Based on the observation and the literature, we identified December 2011 as the demarcation point (the optimal point to identify the downturn in opioid use) and used it to compare opioid use trends before and after. We used an autoregressive forecast model to verify changes in opioid use patterns before and after 2011. Several interrupted time series models examined whether military system-level factors were associated with changes in opioid use. Results Between 2006 and 2014, 1,516,979 ADSM filled 7,119,945 opioid prescriptions, either in military treatment facilities or purchased through TRICARE. Both active duty and civilian populations showed signs of decreasing use after 2011, but this change was much more pronounced among ADSM. The forecast model showed a significant difference after 2011 between the projected and actual proportion of ADSM filling an opioid prescription, confirming 2011 as a point of divergence in opioid use. Interrupted time series models showed that the deflection point was associated with significant decreases. A significant increase of 0.261% in opioid prescriptions was seen for every 1,000 wounded in action service members in a given month. Troops returning from Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, or Operation New Dawn did not appear to influence the rates of use. Even after accounting for returning troops from Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation New Dawn and wounded in action counts, the deflection point was associated with a lower proportion of ADSM who filled an opioid prescription, leading to a decrease of 1.61% by the end of the observation period (December 2014). Conclusion After December 2011, opioid use patterns significantly decreased in both civilian and ADSM populations, but more so in the military population. Many factors, such as numbers of those wounded in action and the structural organization of the Military Health System, may have caused the decline, although more than likely the decrease was influenced by many factors inside and outside of the military, including policy directives and cultural changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Kazanis
- University of Texas Health Science Center, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229.,South Texas Veterans Health Care System, 7400 Merton Minter Boulevard, San Antonio, TX 78229
| | - Mary J Pugh
- University of Texas Health Science Center, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229.,South Texas Veterans Health Care System, 7400 Merton Minter Boulevard, San Antonio, TX 78229
| | - Claudina Tami
- University of Texas Health Science Center, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229
| | - Joseph K Maddry
- En Route Care Research Center, 3698 Chambers Pass, Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX 78234
| | - Vikhyat S Bebarta
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Leprino Office Building, 12401 East 17th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Erin P Finley
- University of Texas Health Science Center, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229.,South Texas Veterans Health Care System, 7400 Merton Minter Boulevard, San Antonio, TX 78229
| | - Don D McGeary
- University of Texas Health Science Center, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229
| | - David H Carnahan
- Defense Health Agency, 7700 Arlington Boulevard, Falls Church, VA, 22042.,San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium, 3551 Roger Brook Dr., JBSA FT Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX 78234
| | - Jennifer S Potter
- University of Texas Health Science Center, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229
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13
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Delgado RE, Peacock K, Elizondo B, Wells M, Grafman JH, Pugh MJ. A Family's Affair: Caring for Veterans with Penetrating Traumatic Brain Injury. Mil Med 2018; 183:379-385. [PMID: 29635565 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usx156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 1.1 million family members are primary caregivers to post 9/11 veterans. These military caregivers assume a role that requires a long-term commitment that may affect their own health status; however, the impact on health among military caregivers is underestimated and underrepresented. As part of a larger retrospective cohort study that aimed to assess the health-related outcomes of post 9/11 veterans with penetrating traumatic brain injury (pTBI), we examined the health impact of caregiving on caregivers. Caregivers (n = 66) of veterans with pTBI completed a survey that captured the veterans' and their own health-related outcomes. Surveys included veteran and caregiver sociodemographics, caregiver role, tasks, burden, and caregiver-reported measures of veterans' health and quality of life. The participants were spouses (58%) and parents (32%) providing full-time assistance for more than 5 yr (74%). In their caregiver role, they provided assistance with activities of daily living and emotional/social support. Forty-eight percent of these caregivers met the definition of experiencing clinically significant burden. Veterans with pTBI had other comorbidities (e.g., depression, cognitive dysfunction, and anger), which were associated with caregiver burden. The findings further confirm the impact of caregiving on health status of caregivers, specifically when assisting veterans with pTBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxana E Delgado
- Department of Medicine, General and Hospital Medicine Division, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229.,Military Health Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229
| | - Kimberly Peacock
- Department of Medicine, General and Hospital Medicine Division, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229
| | - Barbara Elizondo
- Department of Medicine, General and Hospital Medicine Division, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229.,Research, South Texas Veterans Healthcare System, San Antonio, TX 78229
| | - Margaret Wells
- Department of Medicine, General and Hospital Medicine Division, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229.,Research, South Texas Veterans Healthcare System, San Antonio, TX 78229
| | - Jordan H Grafman
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Neurology, Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Center, Department of Psychiatry, Feinberg School of Medicine & Department of Psychology, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611
| | - Mary J Pugh
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229.,Research, South Texas Veterans Healthcare System, San Antonio, TX 78229
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14
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Alaeddini A, Jaramillo CA, Faruqui SHA, Pugh MJ. Mining Major Transitions of Chronic Conditions in Patients with Multiple Chronic Conditions. Methods Inf Med 2018; 56:391-400. [PMID: 29582934 DOI: 10.3414/me16-01-0135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Evolution of multiple chronic conditions (MCC) follows a complex stochastic process, influenced by several factors including the inter-relationship of existing conditions, and patient-level risk factors. Nearly 20% of citizens aged 18 years and older are burdened with two or more (multiple) chronic conditions (MCC). Treatment for people living with MCC currently accounts for an estimated 66% of the Nation's healthcare costs. However, it is still not known precisely how MCC emerge and accumulate among individuals or in the general population. This study investigates major patterns of MCC transitions in a diverse population of patients and identifies the risk factors affecting the transition process. METHODS A Latent regression Markov clustering (LRMCL) algorithm is proposed to identify major transitions of four MCC that include hypertension (HTN), depression, Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and back pain. A cohort of 601,805 individuals randomly selected from the population of Iraq and Afghanistan war Veterans (IAVs) who received VA care during three or more years between 2002-2015, is used for training the proposed LRMCL algorithm. RESULTS Two major clusters of MCC transition patterns with 78% and 22% probability of membership respectively were identified. The primary cluster demonstrated the possibility of improvement when the number of MCC is small and an increase in probability of MCC accumulation as the number of co- morbidities increased. The second cluster showed stability (no change) of MCC overtime as the major pattern. Age was the most significant risk factor associated with the most probable cluster for each IAV. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that our proposed LRMCL algorithm can be used to describe and understand MCC transitions, which may ultimately allow healthcare systems to support optimal clinical decision- making. This method will be used to describe a broader range of MCC transitions in this and non-VA populations, and will add treatment information to see if models including treatments and MCC emergence can be used to support clinical decision-making in patient care.
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15
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Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association between statin therapy and the risk of psychologic disorders including schizophrenia, psychosis, major depression, and bipolar disorder in a military population. DESIGN Retrospective, observational, population-based, propensity score-matched, cohort study. SETTING Database of a patient population enrolled in the San Antonio Military Multi-Market Area as Tricare Prime or Plus. PATIENTS Medical records were reviewed from 46,249 patients aged 30-85 years who were continuously enrolled in the San Antonio Military Multi-Market Area as Tricare Prime or Plus from October 1, 2003-March 1, 2010. Data were obtained from the Military Health System Management Analysis and Reporting Tool (M2). Based on drug fills during fiscal year 2005, patients were stratified as statin users (13,626 patients received at least 90-days supply of statin) or nonusers (32,623 patients never received a statin during the study period). A propensity score-matched cohort of 6972 statin users and 6972 nonusers from this population was created. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS The occurrence of psychologic disorders between October 1, 2005, and March 1, 2010, was determined using prespecified groups of ICD-9-CM, Psych1: schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorders, and other psychosis; Psych2: major depression and bipolar disorder; Psych3: all psychologic disorders as identified by the Agency for Health Research and Quality-Clinical Classifications (except for categories of childhood or developmental psychiatric disorders). Between matched pairs of statin users and nonusers, the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were as follows: Psych1 (0.9, 0.75-1.05), Psych2 (1.02, 0.94-1.11), and Psych3 (1.02, 0.96-1.1), respectively. CONCLUSION The risk of developing psychologic disorders was similar in this cohort of propensity score-matched statin users and nonusers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishak Mansi
- Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA.
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16
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Noël PH, Wang CP, Bollinger MJ, Pugh MJ, Copeland LA, Tsevat J, Nelson KM, Dundon MM, Hazuda HP. Intensity and duration of obesity-related counseling: association with 5-Year BMI trends among obese primary care patients. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2012; 20:773-82. [PMID: 22134198 DOI: 10.1038/oby.2011.335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
We examined 5-year trends in BMI among obese primary care patients to determine whether obesity-related education such as nutrition counseling or a weight management program was associated with declines in BMI. Veterans with BMI ≥30 kg/m(2) and ≥1 primary care visits in fiscal year 2002 were identified from the Veterans Health Administration's (VHA) national databases. Outpatient visits from fiscal year 2002-2006 for nutrition counseling, exercise, or weight management were grouped into five categories varying in intensity and duration: (i) intense-and-sustained, (ii) intense-only, (iii) irregular, (iv) limited, and (v) no counseling. Generalized estimating equation assessed associations between obesity-related counseling and BMI trend (annual rate of BMI change fiscal year 2002-2006) among cohort members with complete race/ethnic data (N = 179,881). Multinomial logistic regression compared intensity and duration of counseling among patients whose net BMI increased or decreased by ≥10% vs. remained stable. Compared with patients receiving "intense-and-sustained" counseling, the BMI trend of those receiving "intense-only" or "irregular" counseling was not significantly different, but patients receiving "no counseling" or "limited counseling" had significantly higher rates of decreasing BMI (-0.12 and -0.08 BMI per year; P < 0.01, respectively). This was especially true for veterans in their 50-60s, compared with the oldest veterans who were most likely to lose weight. In contrast, younger veterans (18-35 years) were least likely to lose weight; their BMI tended to increase regardless of counseling intensity and duration. Enhanced efforts are needed to detect and combat increasing weight trajectories among veterans who are already obese, especially among those aged 18-35 who are at greatest risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polly H Noël
- VERDICT/South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, Texas, USA.
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17
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Brooks DR, Avetisyan R, Jarrett KM, Hanchate A, Shapiro GD, Pugh MJ, Berlowitz DR, Thurman D, Montouris G, Kazis LE. Validation of self-reported epilepsy for purposes of community surveillance. Epilepsy Behav 2012; 23:57-63. [PMID: 22189155 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2011.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [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: 06/28/2011] [Revised: 10/28/2011] [Accepted: 11/03/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
We evaluated the validity of questions designed to identify lifetime and active epilepsy, medication use, and seizure occurrence on population-based surveys. Subjects were interviewed by telephone, and responses were compared with information in their medical records. Prevalence, sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value (PPV) were calculated. The prevalence of ever having been diagnosed with epilepsy was 3.1% by self-report and 2.7% by medical record review. Sensitivity was 84.2%, specificity was 99.2%, and PPV was 73.5% for self-reported lifetime epilepsy, and values were similar for active epilepsy. By comparison, sensitivity was higher and specificity was lower for epilepsy medication use and seizure occurrence. The PPV for seizure occurrence was substantially higher for a recall period of 12 months than for 3 months. These results compare favorably with results for other chronic conditions, such as diabetes and arthritis, and indicate that questionnaires can be used to identify epilepsy at a population level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel R Brooks
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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Noël PH, Zeber JE, Pugh MJ, Finley EP, Parchman ML. A pilot survey of post-deployment health care needs in small community-based primary care clinics. BMC Fam Pract 2011; 12:79. [PMID: 21801356 PMCID: PMC3162896 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2296-12-79] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2011] [Accepted: 07/29/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Relatively little is known regarding to what extent community-based primary care physicians are encountering post-deployment health care needs among veterans of the Afghanistan or Iraq conflicts and their family members. Methods This pilot study conducted a cross-sectional survey of 37 primary care physicians working at small urban and suburban clinics belonging to a practice-based research network in the south central region of Texas. Results Approximately 80% of the responding physicians reported caring for patients who have been deployed to the Afghanistan or Iraq war zones, or had a family member deployed. Although these physicians noted a variety of conditions related to physical trauma, mental illnesses and psychosocial disruptions such as marital, family, financial, and legal problems appeared to be even more prevalent among their previously deployed patients and were also noted among family members of deployed veterans. Conclusions Community-based primary care physicians should be aware of common post-deployment health conditions and the resources that are available to meet these needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polly H Noël
- VERDICT, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System Scott & White, 7400 Merton Minter Blvd, San Antonio, Texas 78229, USA.
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19
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Shafer PO, Buelow J, Ficker DM, Pugh MJ, Kanner AM, Dean P, Levisohn P. Risk of adverse events on epilepsy monitoring units: a survey of epilepsy professionals. Epilepsy Behav 2011; 20:502-5. [PMID: 21306957 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2010.12.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [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: 10/12/2010] [Revised: 12/28/2010] [Accepted: 12/29/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In 2008 a workgroup of health care professionals from the American Epilepsy Society (AES) was convened to address the lack of consensus regarding patient care in epilepsy monitoring units (EMUs). The group developed a questionnaire designed to identify the extent to which selected adverse events occurred in EMUs, and it was sent via email to all members of the AES. We asked that only one representative from each center report. Seventy responses were received. The number of centers reporting the following adverse events included: falls by 69%, status epilepticus by 63%, and postictal psychosis by 54%. Infrequent events with serious consequences were also reported including pneumonia by 10%, cardiac arrest by 7%, fractures by 6%, and death by 3% (N=2). Of the 58 respondents who reported using intracranial electrodes, 37.9% (N=22) reported that patients pulled out or dislodged electrodes. This study highlights the need for EMUs to identify and address potential safety risks in their environment, patient population, and system of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- P O Shafer
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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Velez MI, Mortensen EM, Copeland LA, Pugh MJ, Anzueto A, Coalson J, Teale J, Restrepo MI. CHARACTERIZATION OF ELDERLY SEPTIC POPULATION MANAGED BY NON-INTENSIVE CARE UNIT SERVICES. Chest 2009. [DOI: 10.1378/chest.136.4_meetingabstracts.10s-f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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21
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Velez MI, Mortensen EM, Copeland LA, Pugh MJ, Anzueto AR, Coalson J, Teale J, Restrepo MI. IMPACT OF THE SOURCE OF INFECTION ON CLINICAL OUTCOMES IN ELDERLY PATIENTS WITH SEVERE SEPSIS. Chest 2009. [DOI: 10.1378/chest.136.4_meetingabstracts.129s-b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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22
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Mortensen EM, Pugh MJ, Copeland LA, Restrepo MI, Cornell JE, Anzueto A, Pugh JA. Impact of statins and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors on mortality of subjects hospitalised with pneumonia. Eur Respir J 2007; 31:611-7. [PMID: 17959631 DOI: 10.1183/09031936.00162006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies suggest that statins and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors may have beneficial effects for some types of infections. The present study aimed to examine the association of outpatient use of these medications on 30-day mortality for subjects aged >65 yrs and hospitalised with community-acquired pneumonia. A retrospective national cohort study was conducted using the Department of Veterans Affairs administrative data including subjects aged >/=65 yrs hospitalised with community-acquired pneumonia, and having >/=1 yr of prior Veterans Affairs outpatient care. In total, 8,652 subjects were identified with a mean age of 75 yrs, 98.6% were male, and 9.9% of subjects died within 30 days of presentation. In this cohort, 18.1% of subjects were using statins and 33.9% were using ACE inhibitors. After adjusting for potential confounders, current statin use (odds ratio (OR) 0.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.42-0.70) and ACE inhibitor use (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.68-0.89) were significantly associated with decreased 30-day mortality. Use of statins and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors prior to admission is associated with decreased mortality in subjects hospitalised with community-acquired pneumonia. Randomised controlled trials are needed to examine whether the use of these medications in patients hospitalised with community-acquired pneumonia may be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- E M Mortensen
- VERDICT, ALMD/UTHSCSA, Ambulatory Care (11C6), 7400 Merton Minter Boulevard, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
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Perucca E, Berlowitz D, Birnbaum A, Cloyd JC, Garrard J, Hanlon JT, Levy RH, Pugh MJ. Pharmacological and clinical aspects of antiepileptic drug use in the elderly. Epilepsy Res 2006; 68 Suppl 1:S49-63. [PMID: 16207524 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2005.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [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] [Received: 05/05/2005] [Revised: 07/27/2005] [Accepted: 07/27/2005] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In this article, epidemiological and clinical aspects related to the use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in the elderly are highlighted. Studies have shown that people with epilepsy receiving AED treatment show important deficits in physical and social functioning compared with age-matched people without epilepsy. To what extent these deficits can be ascribed to epilepsy per se or to the consequences of AED treatment remains to be clarified. The importance of characterizing the effects of AEDs in an elderly population is highlighted by epidemiological surveys indicating that the prevalence of AED use is increased in elderly people, particularly in those living in nursing homes. Both the pharmacokinetics and the pharmacodynamics of AEDs may be altered in old age, which may contribute to the observation that AEDs are among the drug classes most commonly implicated as causing adverse drug reactions in an aged population. Age alone is one of several contributors to alterations in AED response in the elderly; other factors include physical frailty, co-morbidities, dietary influences, and drug interactions. Individualization of dosage, avoidance of unnecessary polypharmacy, and careful observation of clinical response are essential for an effective and safe utilization of AEDs in an elderly population.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Perucca
- Institute of Neurology IRCCS C. Mondino Foundation and Clinical Pharmacology Unit, University of Pavia, Piazza Botta 10, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Pugh
- Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C., USA
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