Article
Psychiatry
Rachel L. Zelkowitz, Tate F. Halverson, Tapan A. Patel, Jean C. Beckham, Patrick S. Calhoun, Mary Jo Pugh, Nathan A. Kimbrel
Summary: Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a significant concern among U.S. veterans, with wall/object-punching being a common method. This study explores the relationship between this behavior, other NSSI methods, and psychosocial outcomes.
PSYCHIATRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Megan M. Kelly, Erin D. Reilly, Victoria Ameral, Stephanie Richter, Seiya Fukuda
Summary: This pilot randomized trial examined the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in improving social support for veterans with PTSD. The results showed significant improvements in social relationships, engagement in activities, and PTSD symptoms for the participants receiving ACT-SS. The therapy also led to improvements in mindfulness and valued living, with sustained effects at the three-month follow-up.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Nicholas S. Perry, Dana B. Goetz, M. Tracie Shea
Summary: Research has shown a nuanced association between different functions of social support and PTSD symptoms, with the direction of this association potentially influenced by time. PTSD symptoms in returning veterans post-deployment can impact their levels of social support, particularly tangible support and belonging support.
PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA-THEORY RESEARCH PRACTICE AND POLICY
(2021)
Article
Psychiatry
Tracey Varker, Sean Cowlishaw, Jenelle Baur, Alexander C. McFarlane, Ellie Lawrence-Wood, Olivia Metcalf, Miranda Van Hooff, Nicole Sadler, Meaghan L. O'Donnell, Stephanie Hodson, Helen Benassi, David Forbes
Summary: Problem anger is a common issue among military personnel and veterans, and it is closely related to suicidality and violence. PTSD is the strongest risk factor for problem anger, while depression and alcohol dependence are also associated with increased anger rates. Problem anger has an influence on suicide attempts, primarily through suicidal ideation, and also directly influences violence. It is important to include anger as part of violence and suicide risk assessment, and to provide clinician training on this issue.
JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRIC RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Ryan Clark, Randall L. Kuffel, Thomas C. Neylan, Shira Maguen, Yixia Li, W. John Boscardin, Amy L. Byers
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among middle-aged and elderly veterans and the risk of suicide and unintentional overdose death. The findings showed that veterans with PTSD had an increased risk of suicide attempts, non-fatal suicide attempts, overall drug overdose death, and suicide overdose death. It highlights the importance of drug monitoring in preventing late-life suicide.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Nalan Zhan, Lan Zhang, Mingliang Gong, Fulei Geng
Summary: The study investigated the clinical significance of irritability, anger, and aggression in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and their associations with psychopathology. It found that irritability and anger were modestly related to all PTSD dimensions, while aggression was related to specific dimensions such as avoidance and hyperarousal. The study also highlighted the importance of independently measuring irritability and the need to incorporate PTSD dimensions in assessment.
PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA-THEORY RESEARCH PRACTICE AND POLICY
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Ugur Orak, Muhammed Yildiz, Ramazan Aydogdu, Harold G. Koenig, Robert H. Pietrzak
Summary: This study examines the association between combat exposure, PTSD symptoms, religiosity, and suicide risk in U.S. veterans. The findings indicate that combat exposure is linked to an increased suicide risk, with PTSD symptoms mediating this association. Additionally, religiosity plays a moderating role, reducing the impact of PTSD symptoms on suicide risk and increasing the influence of combat exposure on PTSD symptoms. These results highlight the importance of considering PTSD and religious coping mechanisms in suicide prevention efforts for veterans.
JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Adam Fijtman, Ashley Clausen, MarciaKauer-Sant Anna, Rajendra Morey
Summary: This study investigated the association between trauma exposure and suicide attempt in Veterans with bipolar disorder. The results showed that individuals with bipolar disorder who experienced physical assault and childhood sexual abuse were more likely to have a history of suicide attempts. These findings highlight the importance of assessing previous trauma exposure when identifying Veterans at risk for bipolar disorder.
JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRIC RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Brian J. Albanese, Ursula S. Myers, Hailey Fox, Bethany C. Wangelin
Summary: Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, and understanding the mechanisms underlying suicide risk is crucial. Previous research has shown a link between working memory deficits and suicidal thoughts and behaviors, but little is known about the pathways through which working memory impairments may increase suicide risk. This study found that the severity of posttraumatic stress symptoms may explain the relationship between poor working memory performance and suicide risk, while working memory itself has a limited direct effect on suicide risk.
JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRIC RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Jeffrey T. Howard, Ian J. Stewart, Megan Amuan, Jud C. Janak, Mary Jo Pugh
Summary: Emerging evidence suggests that harmful exposures during military service, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), may contribute to mental health, chronic disease, and mortality risks. This cohort study assessed the mortality rates and estimated the number of excess deaths among veterans serving after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks with and without exposure to TBI. The results highlight the importance of understanding and addressing the elevated mortality risks faced by veterans exposed to TBI.
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Jeffrey M. Pavlacic, Sara M. Witcraft, Nicholas P. Allan, Daniel F. Gros
Summary: This study aimed to explore the incremental value of social support in predicting psychopathology and the benefit of integrating social factors into evidence-based interventions for veterans with emotional disorders. The results showed that social support predicted PTSD and depression above anxiety sensitivity domains and combat exposure.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Leo Sher, Maureen E. Kilmade, Abigail Feinberg, Usha Govindarajulu, William Byne, Rene S. Kahn, Erin A. Hazlett
Summary: The study focused on comparing demographic and clinical features of military veterans with schizophrenia who had suicidal thoughts or attempts versus those who did not, in order to identify specific risk factors for suicidality. Participants with suicidality showed higher scores in positive symptoms, general psychopathology, depression, paranoid symptoms, and schizotypal features compared to those without suicidality. Logistic regression analysis revealed that total depression score and comorbid mood disorders were significant factors driving the difference in risk between the two groups.
JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRIC RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Brandon Nichter, Sonya B. Norman, Shira Maguen, Robert H. Pietrzak
Summary: The study found that a significant proportion of US combat veterans reported potentially morally injurious experiences (PMIEs), which were associated with current suicidal ideation (SI), lifetime suicide plans (SP), and suicide attempts (SA). Factors such as depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and age were identified as the strongest correlates of suicidal behavior, while PMIEs explained a comparatively modest amount of variance.
DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY
(2021)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Sean Cowlishaw, Olivia Metcalf, Jonathon Little, Mark Hinton, David Forbes, Tracey Varker, James Agathos, Richard A. Bryant, Alexander C. McFarlane, Malcolm Hopwood, Andrea J. Phelps, Alexandra Howard, John Cooper, Lisa Dell, Meaghan L. O'Donnell
Summary: The study found that significant anger problems are common among Australian military members with PTSD, and anger can affect changes in PTSD symptoms, especially avoidance symptoms, during and after treatment. It is important for treatment services to routinely assess and address anger in the context of military-related PTSD treatment.
PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA-THEORY RESEARCH PRACTICE AND POLICY
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Simon P. Byrne, Brienna M. Fogle, Ruth Asch, Irina Esterlis, Ilan Harpaz-Rotem, Jack Tsai, Robert H. Pietrzak
Summary: The study investigated the prevalence, comorbidities and burden of SAD in US military veterans, showing that those with SAD have higher rates of psychiatric comorbidities, functional impairments, and a greater risk for suicidal ideation. These results emphasize the importance of screening, monitoring and treating SAD in this population along with other mental disorders.
JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS
(2021)
Article
Psychiatry
Haijing Wu Hallenbeck, Beth K. Jaworski, Joseph Wielgosz, Eric Kuhn, Kelly M. Ramsey, Katherine Taylor, Katherine Juhasz, Pearl McGee-Vincent, Margaret-Anne Mackintosh, Jason E. Owen
Summary: PTSD Coach, a mobile health app designed to help individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), has shown broad reach and positive impact on public health. The latest version, 3.1, compares favorably with its previous version in terms of reach, use, and potential impact. However, future research should focus on the usefulness of specific app features and strategies to maximize overall effectiveness and engagement in order to fully leverage the potential of mobile health apps in supporting trauma recovery.
JMIR MENTAL HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Shannon M. Blakey, Sarah B. Campbell, Tracy L. Simpson
Summary: The study found that lifetime PTSD patients had a higher risk of substance use disorders (SUDs), with younger age, male gender, and history of panic attacks associated with greater risk in adults with PTSD. Panic attacks may be underestimated in PTSD/SUD patients, but do not discriminate between specific DUDs commonly comorbid with PTSD.
JOURNAL OF DUAL DIAGNOSIS
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Tapan A. Patel, Adam J. Mann, Faith O. Nomamiukor, Shannon M. Blakey, Patrick S. Calhoun, Jean C. Beckham, Mary J. Pugh, Nathan A. Kimbrel
Summary: This study examined the characteristics and clinical correlates of military sexual assault (MSA) among Gulf War era veterans, and found that MSA was more common among female veterans. MSA in female veterans was robustly associated with posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and suicidal ideation, while combat exposure was associated with these sequelae in male veterans.
JOURNAL OF TRAUMATIC STRESS
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Social
Eric B. Elbogen, Megan Lanier, Sarah C. Griffin, Shannon M. Blakey, Jeffrey A. Gluff, H. Ryan Wagner, Jack Tsai
Summary: Overuse of videoconferencing for work may contribute to Zoom fatigue, characterized by anxiety, social isolation, and emotional exhaustion. This study found a significant association between Zoom fatigue and depressive symptoms, even after adjusting for demographic, psychosocial, and clinical factors. Employers and employees should consider individual-level and environment-level factors when assessing the impact of videoconferencing on mental health, work productivity, and quality of life.
CYBERPSYCHOLOGY BEHAVIOR AND SOCIAL NETWORKING
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Shannon M. Blakey, Kirsten H. Dillon, H. Ryan Wagner, Tracy L. Simpson, Jean C. Beckham, Patrick S. Calhoun, Eric B. Elbogen
Summary: This study highlights the high risk of adverse experiences such as homelessness, violent behavior, and suicide among post-9/11 veterans with comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder and substance use disorder. These veterans also exhibit worse psychosocial well-being in key aspects of their lives compared to those without these disorders. It emphasizes the importance of assessing and monitoring the psychosocial well-being of veterans with PTSD and/or SUD.
PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA-THEORY RESEARCH PRACTICE AND POLICY
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Jeremy L. Grove, Nathan A. Kimbrel, Sarah C. Griffin, Tate Halverson, Mark A. White, Shannon M. Blakey, Jean C. Beckham, Eric A. Dedert, David B. Goldston, Mary J. Pugh, Patrick S. Calhoun
Summary: This study indicates a potentially concerning association between cannabis use and suicide risk in Gulf War veterans, consistent with research on other military populations.
Article
Psychiatry
Pearl McGee-Vincent, Margaret -Anne Mackintosh, Andrea L. Jamison, Katherine Juhasz, Colleen Becket-Davenport, Jeane Bosch, Timothy J. Avery, Lauren Glamb, Shilpa Hampole
Summary: A training program was developed and evaluated to increase the reach of mobile mental health apps for veterans. The training exceeded expectations in terms of staff recruitment and satisfaction. Participants reported increased knowledge and confidence in using and recommending the apps to veterans.
JMIR MENTAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Antonio A. A. Morgan-Lopez, Lissette M. M. Saavedra, Denise A. A. Hien, Sonya B. B. Norman, Skye S. S. Fitzpatrick, Ai Ye, Therese K. K. Killeen, Lesia M. M. Ruglass, Shannon M. M. Blakey, Sudie E. E. Back
Summary: The study found that the current diagnosis for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) assumes that each symptom equally reflects the severity of the underlying disorder, but this equal weight assumption does not fit the PTSD symptom data. The study developed an enhanced PTSD diagnosis based on a conventional diagnosis from a clinical interview and an empirical classification that reflects the relative clinical weights of each symptom. By combining the empirical diagnosis with the conventional diagnosis, the enhanced diagnostic standard reduced the discrepancy rate by 20%. Veterans, particularly female veterans, were most likely to have a discrepancy between their underlying PTSD severity and DSM diagnosis. Psychometric methodologies that differentially weight symptoms can complement DSM criteria and may be used for symptom prioritization in future editions of DSM.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF METHODS IN PSYCHIATRIC RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Eric B. B. Elbogen, Robert C. C. Graziano, Gillian LaRue, Alicia J. J. Cohen, Dina Hooshyar, H. Ryan Wagner, Jack Tsai
Summary: Research suggests a potential link between food insecurity and subsequent suicidal ideation in veterans. This study aims to investigate if and how food insecurity predicts suicidal ideation in a nationally representative longitudinal survey of veterans.
ARCHIVES OF SUICIDE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
R. D. Shura, H. M. Miskey, S. McDonald, J. A. Rowland, S. L. Martindale, H. R. Wagner, L. A. Tupler
Summary: This study validated the correlation between the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) Suicidal Ideation (SUI), Suicide Potential Index (SPI), and S_Chron scales and chronic and acute suicide risk factors and symptom validity measures. The results showed that all three suicide scales were significantly related to independent indicators of suicidality, with the SUI scale having the strongest association and the highest resistance to response bias. They were also significantly related to major depressive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and traumatic brain injury.
SUICIDE AND LIFE-THREATENING BEHAVIOR
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Arthur Thomas Ryan, Lisa Anne Brenner, Christi S. Ulmer, Margaret -Anne Mackintosh, Carolyn J. Greene
Summary: This study describes the use of evaluation panels composed of veterans and spouses of veterans in the development of the digital mental health intervention, Path to Better Sleep (PTBS). The panels provided feedback on elements relevant to user engagement and influenced the design and content of PTBS.
JMIR FORMATIVE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
H. Ryan Wagner, Megan Lanier, Kiera Molloy, Lynn Van Male, Eric B. Elbogen
Summary: This study investigated the association between rates of anger/hostility and suicidality in post-9/11 veterans over time, finding that higher levels of combat exposure were associated with higher levels of anger/hostility and suicidality. The number of years post-separation did not decrease the rates of suicidality among veterans, but the levels of anger/hostility decreased with increasing time since separation for veterans with above-median combat exposure.
PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA-THEORY RESEARCH PRACTICE AND POLICY
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Orrin D. Ware, Justin C. Strickland, Kirsten E. Smith, Shannon M. Blakey, Kelly E. Dunn
Summary: This study examines the relationship between trauma- and stressor-related disorders, high-risk substance use, and gender. The findings indicate that for men, having multiple mental health diagnoses and having a serious mental illness or serious emotional disturbance are associated with higher odds of engaging in high-risk substance use. This highlights the importance of comprehensive gender-centered treatment for individuals with trauma- and stressor-related disorders and high-risk substance use.
JOURNAL OF DUAL DIAGNOSIS
(2023)
Article
Substance Abuse
Tanya C. Saraiya, Sudie E. Back, Amber M. Jarnecke, Shannon M. Blakey, Alexandria G. Bauer, Delisa G. Brown, Lesia M. Ruglass, Therese Killeen, Denise A. Hien
Summary: Further research is needed to examine the intersectional and contextual factors that synergistically influence gender differences in AUD + PTSD, especially beyond cisgender identities, and the underlying mechanisms of action.
CURRENT ADDICTION REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Tapan A. Patel, Shannon M. Blakey, Tate F. Halverson, Adam J. D. Mann, Patrick S. Calhoun, Jean C. Beckham, Mary J. Pugh, Nathan A. Kimbrel
Summary: Experiential avoidance (EA) is associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (SITBs), but the moderating role of EA in the association between PTSD and nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts has not been explored. This study found that the association between PTSD and lifetime NSSI, past-year NSSI, and suicide attempts was stronger among individuals with lower levels of EA, contrary to the hypothesis. These findings highlight the need for further investigation and intervention into EA and SITBs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COGNITIVE THERAPY
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Yafit Levin, Rahel Bachem, Dorit Brafman, Menachem Ben-Ezra
Summary: Negative symptoms of schizophrenia have been overlooked, and this study found an association between negative symptoms and the risk of dissociative disorder, independently of depression and anxiety symptoms. It is important to consider both negative symptoms and dissociative symptoms in clinical practice to better understand their interaction.
JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRIC RESEARCH
(2024)
Review
Psychiatry
Roland Mergl, Sarah M. Quaatz, Vanessa Lemke, Antje-Kathrin Allgaier
Summary: Women who have had miscarriages or stillbirths have an increased risk for depressive symptoms and disorders, with a wide range of prevalence rates. However, depressive symptoms tend to diminish over time.
JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRIC RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Psychiatry
Hai-Yang Wang, Lin Zhang, Bei-Yan Guan, Shi-Yao Wang, Cui-Hong Zhang, Ming-Fei Ni, Yan-Wei Miao, Bing-Wei Zhang
Summary: This study investigates the association between cognitive reappraisal and panic disorder (PD), and finds that PD patients have weakened functional connectivity between the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and the amygdala, which is associated with the severity of PD symptoms. Additionally, cognitive reappraisal is negatively correlated with PD severity, and the PFC-amygdala functional connectivity plays a mediating role in this association.
JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRIC RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Psychiatry
Yanqiang Tao, Xinyuan Zou, Qihui Tang, Wenxin Hou, Shujian Wang, Zijuan Ma, Gang Liu, Xiangping Liu
Summary: Depression and anxiety are prevalent mental disorders among adolescents. The study utilized network analysis to examine the symptom dimension of depression and anxiety in different age groups of adolescents. The results indicated that different age groups have different key symptoms and bridging symptoms, highlighting the importance of targeting specific symptoms at different stages of adolescence in treatment to alleviate the comorbidity of anxiety and depression.
JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRIC RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Psychiatry
Philip J. Batterham, Aliza Werner-Seidler, Bridianne O'Dea, Alison L. Calear, Kate Maston, Andrew Mackinnon, Helen Christensen
Summary: Screening for psychological distress in adolescents is important, and the Distress Questionnaire-5 (DQ5) is a reliable measure for this purpose. The study found that DQ5 had good fit to a unidimensional construct, strong criterion and predictive validity, and sensitivity to change. The brevity and ease of interpretation of DQ5 make it suitable for screening in schools.
JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRIC RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Psychiatry
Xiaoli Liu, Qianqian Chen, Fang Cheng, Wenhao Zhuang, Wenwu Zhang, Yiping Tang, Dongsheng Zhou
Summary: This study found working memory defects in adolescents with major depressive disorder compared to healthy controls based on mean oxy-hemoglobin changes, which can be useful for distinguishing adolescents with MDD from healthy controls.
JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRIC RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Psychiatry
Anders Nordahl-Hansen, Hugo Cogo-Moreira, Sareh Panjeh, Daniel S. Quintana
Summary: This article aims to determine empirically-derived effect size thresholds associated with psychotherapy for depressive disorders by calculating the effect size distribution. The findings indicate that the observed effect size thresholds are larger than the suggested guidelines, which has implications for interpreting study effects and planning future research.
JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRIC RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Psychiatry
Guangli Zhao, Liyong Yu, Peixin Chen, Keli Zhu, Lu Yang, Wenting Lin, Yucai Luo, Zeyang Dou, Hao Xu, Pan Zhang, Tianmin Zhu, Siyi Yu
Summary: This study investigated the neural mechanisms underlying emotional attention bias in patients with CID using ERP and rs-FC approaches. The results revealed abnormalities in attention processing and connectivity in the emotion-cognition networks of CID patients. This study provides a neural basis for understanding attention bias in CID.
JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRIC RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Psychiatry
Seungyeon Lee, Sora Mun, Jiyeong Lee, Hee-Gyoo Kang
Summary: Major depressive disorder is a prevalent condition worldwide, but the proportion of patients receiving treatment has not increased. Biomarkers related to drug-treatment responses can be used to monitor the effectiveness of medication. Serum protein levels were compared among patients with depression who received medication, those who did not, and a control group. Eight biomarkers were identified, which can be used to monitor the effectiveness of drug treatment.
JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRIC RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Psychiatry
Alfredo L. Sklar, Fang -Cheng Yeh, Mark Curtis, Dylan Seebold, Brian A. Coffman, Dean F. Salisbury
Summary: This study investigated semantic verbal fluency (SVF) impairments in first-episode psychosis patients within the schizophrenia spectrum. The findings revealed disruptions in both functional and structural connectivity in these patients, as well as an association between enhanced connectivity in the right hemisphere and worse SVF performance and longer disease duration.
JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRIC RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Psychiatry
Maksymilian Rejek, Blazej Misiak
Summary: This study investigates the association of the exposome score (ES) with psychosis risk in a non-clinical population. The results show that the ES is associated with the extended psychosis phenotype, suggesting its potential to identify individuals who may benefit from further psychosis risk assessment.
JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRIC RESEARCH
(2024)