Article
Psychiatry
Julia M. Whealin, Ian C. Fischer, Peter J. Na, Robert H. Pietrzak
Summary: This study aims to examine the association between COVID-19 media consumption and pandemic-related posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in U.S. veterans. The results showed that greater COVID-19 media consumption was associated with pandemic-related PTSS, particularly in veterans with pre-existing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), who were 79% more likely to report pandemic-related PTSS compared to veterans with PTSD who consumed less COVID-19 media.
PSYCHIATRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Letter
Medicine, General & Internal
Or Duek, Tobias R. Spiller, Arielle Rubenstein, Robert H. Pietrzak, Ilan Harpaz-Rotem
Summary: This study evaluates a new model of posttraumatic stress disorder, which categorizes symptoms as internally and externally cued, and compares it with existing models.
Article
Psychiatry
Hun Kang, Peter J. Na, Ian C. Fischer, Jack Tsai, Richard G. Tedeschi, Robert H. Pietrzak
Summary: Little is known about the positive psychological changes or posttraumatic growth (PTG) in response to the pandemic as the COVID-19 vaccines has become widely available. The longitudinal study aimed to characterize changes in the prevalence of pandemic-related PTG and identify the strongest correlates of PTG. Results showed that greater pre-pandemic PTG and worries about mental health were the strongest correlates of pandemic-related PTG 2 years after the pandemic onset.
PSYCHIATRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Cian-Cian Lin, Chin-Bin Yeh
Summary: This study aims to explore the role of demoralization in the mechanisms of posttraumatic stress symptoms among nurses facing different infection risks. The study found that demoralization has a mediating effect on the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and posttraumatic stress symptoms in both high-risk and low-risk groups. Nurses are at high risk for psychological trauma during the pandemic and require enhanced management and preventive measures.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Jared Greenberg, Jack Tsai, Steven M. Southwick, Robert H. Pietrzak
Summary: The study found that PTG is relatively common among combat veterans with severe PTSD symptoms, and is associated with better mental functioning and quality of life.
JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS
(2021)
Article
Psychiatry
Eric R. Pedersen, Jordan P. Davis, John Prindle, Reagan E. Fitzke, Denise D. Tran, Shaddy Saba
Summary: This study examined the symptom trajectories of PTSD, depression, and anxiety among 1,230 American veterans from one month prior to the COVID-19 outbreak until a year later. The findings showed that veterans experienced slightly increased mental health symptoms over time, with those struggling with alcohol and cannabis use disorders pre-pandemic showing greater symptoms. Women and racial/ethnic minority veterans had higher symptoms pre-pandemic but saw less steep increases over time compared to men and white veterans.
PSYCHIATRY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
M. d'Ussel, A. Fels, X. Durand, C. Lemogne, G. Chatellier, N. Castreau, F. Adam
Summary: After the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, hospital employees at the Paris Saint-Joseph Hospital Group experienced significant psychological symptoms, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Factors such as infection or exposure to the virus, previous anxious experiences, and a history of burnout or depression were associated with a higher risk of psychological symptoms. Job satisfaction appeared to be a protective factor. Regardless of profession or exposure to COVID-19 patients, hospital workers showed similar levels of anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms.
Article
Psychiatry
Shaoli Li, Shu Huang, Shaohua Hu, Jianbo Lai
Summary: While many studies have examined the psychological impact of COVID-19 on the general population and healthcare workers, there has been less focus on veterans. This study reviewed existing literature and found that veterans experienced significantly higher rates of mental health issues during the pandemic, including alcohol use, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), stress, loneliness, and suicide ideation. Risk factors for negative consequences included pandemic-related stress, poor family relationships, lack of social support, financial problems, and preexisting mental disorders, while higher household income and greater community interaction and support were found to be protective factors. Overall, addressing the mental health effects of COVID-19 on veterans should be a priority.
PSYCHIATRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Arielle A. J. Scoglio, Yiwen Zhu, Rebecca B. Lawn, Audrey R. Murchland, Laura Sampson, Janet W. Rich-Edwards, Shaili C. Jha, Jae H. Kang, Karestan C. Koenen
Summary: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevalence and severity of intimate partner violence (IPV) increased. This study found that experiencing IPV was associated with higher endorsement of mental health symptoms and adverse health factors, such as depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress symptoms, poor sleep quality, shorter sleep duration, increased alcohol use, and use of substances to cope with stress. Screening and interventions for IPV and related health factors are crucial to prevent long-term health consequences.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Jordyn H. Feingold, Alicia Hurtado, Adriana Feder, Lauren Peccoralo, Steven M. Southwick, Jonathan Ripp, Robert H. Pietrzak
Summary: The study found that nearly 80% of frontline healthcare workers reported pandemic-related posttraumatic growth, largely driven by salutogenic factors. Interventions to promote mental and physical health factors may help facilitate posttraumatic growth and reduce the risk of burnout and pandemic-related PTSD symptoms.
JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS
(2022)
Letter
Medicine, General & Internal
Kevin N. Griffith, Daniel A. Asfaw, Rachel G. Childers, Andrew P. Wilper
Summary: This study focuses on changes in referral volume and wait times for veterans seeking care from specialists in the Veterans Health Administration or the community.
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Bianca T. Villalobos, Juventino Hernandez Rodriguez
Summary: This study investigated the levels of anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress, and COVID-19 fears and impacts among Latinxs living near the U.S.-Mexico border during the pandemic. The results showed that a significant portion of participants experienced anxiety (50.2%), depression (48.8%), and posttraumatic stress (27.3%). Latinxs reported an average of 22 types of negative pandemic life impacts. The findings also revealed that the psychological consequences of the pandemic varied based on demographic characteristics.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Humanities, Multidisciplinary
David Gold, Stuart Hughes, David Thomas
Summary: The study investigated perceptions, experiences, and opportunities for occupational safety and health professionals (OSHP) during the COVID-19 pandemic, finding an expanded role for them beyond risk management to include business continuity, mental health issues, and health protection. It also highlighted the challenges faced by OSHPs due to the pandemic, emphasizing the need for further education and training in related areas.
HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Eric R. Pedersen, Jordan P. Davis, Reagan E. Fitzke, Daniel S. Lee, Shaddy Saba
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic might have a compounding effect on the substance use of American veterans with PTSD. These veterans may increase their alcohol and cannabis use to cope with the stress related to the pandemic. Clinicians should be aware of the increased substance use among this group during and after the pandemic and implement interventions accordingly.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Paolo Meneguzzo, Alberto De Mico, Pietro Gori, Alessio Ajello, Enrico Ceccato, Mauro Domenico Consolati, Antonio Vita, Alessandra Sala, Paolo Santonastaso
Summary: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals with eating disorders has worsened psychological symptoms, but there were no significant differences in network structures between patients and healthy siblings. Further evaluation of the interaction between environmental and personal factors is needed for individuals with EDs.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Jack Tsai, Dorota Szymkowiak, Samuel T. Wilkinson, Paul E. Holtzheimer
Summary: This study examines the socioeconomic disparities in the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) among homeless or unstably housed veterans with mental illness. The findings reveal that ECT utilization is higher among homeless veterans compared to domiciled veterans, with an increasing trend over time. Regional differences in ECT utilization are also observed.
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Jack Tsai, Lorena Mitchell, John Nakashima, Jessica Blue-Howells
Summary: Insufficient research has been conducted on the unmet needs of homeless populations with regards to gender, race, and ethnicity. This study analyzes data from 2012 to 2016 and finds that homeless female veterans are more likely to report unmet needs related to emergency shelter, transitional housing, and dental care compared to male veterans. Additionally, white veterans have greater unmet needs in housing, healthcare, basic needs, and specialized needs compared to racial/ethnic minority veterans. These findings highlight the importance of addressing the diverse needs of homeless veterans based on their gender, race, and ethnicity.
PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES
(2023)
Article
Criminology & Penology
Jack Tsai, Minda Huang, Kathleen Daniels, Casper Harteveld, Dan Jackson
Summary: The study found that using the RePresent games led to significant improvements in legal knowledge, mental health, and quality of life for users. Gamifying legal education has the potential to help individuals obtain self-help legal assistance.
PSYCHIATRY PSYCHOLOGY AND LAW
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Brandon Nichter, Jack Tsai, Robert H. Pietrzak
Summary: One in ten U.S. veterans has experienced homelessness, and these veterans are at significantly higher risk for poor mental health and suicide. Adverse childhood experiences are the strongest factor associated with homelessness, highlighting the importance of addressing early childhood adversities and their mental health consequences in prevention efforts for this population.
PSYCHOLOGICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Social Work
Richard E. Nelson, Thomas Byrne, Susan Zickmund, Patrick Galyean, Ying Suo, James Cook, Warren Pettey, Tania Velasquez, Tom Greene, Lillian Gelberg, Stefan Kertesz, Jack Tsai, Ann Elizabeth Montgomery
Summary: This paper examines the characteristics associated with receiving temporary financial assistance (TFA) in the VA Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program. The study finds that income-related factors are the most influential determinants of whether to give TFA and the amount of TFA provided.
JOURNAL OF SOCIAL DISTRESS AND THE HOMELESS
(2023)
Article
Health Policy & Services
Jack Tsai, Victoria Solis, Vanessa Schick
Summary: Innovative community-based public-private partnerships are emerging to address the health needs of underserved communities. This study collaborated with laundromats in San Antonio, Texas to examine the health and healthcare needs of laundromat users as a potentially underserved population. Findings revealed that laundromat users, who were mostly female, racial/ethnic minorities, living in poverty, and lacking health insurance coverage, reported poorer health, lower access to healthcare services, and lower rates of preventive screenings compared to population estimates from the county and state. The results suggest that laundromats may serve as a unique setting for community-based healthcare interventions to reach underserved, racial/ethnic minority communities.
JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Jack Tsai, Dorota Szymkowiak, Leah L. Zullig
Summary: This study compared the incidence and correlates of cancer between homeless and unstably housed veterans and stably housed veterans. The results showed that the incidence rate of cancer was lower among homeless and unstably housed veterans. The most common types of cancer were similar in both groups, but cancer of the liver and intrahepatic bile ducts were more common among homeless and unstably housed veterans. Psychiatric disorders were often diagnosed before cancer diagnosis in both groups.
CANCER EPIDEMIOLOGY BIOMARKERS & PREVENTION
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Elina A. Stefanovics, Marc N. Potenza, Jack Tsai, Brandon Nichter, Robert H. Pietrzak
Summary: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of suicidal ideation (SI) in U.S. military veterans and identify gender-specific risk factors. Results showed that the prevalence of SI was significantly higher in female veterans compared to male veterans (18.1% vs. 11.2%). Lower psychological resilience, history of non-suicidal self-injury, and alcohol use disorder were major risk factors for SI in female veterans, while higher loneliness, hostility, and lower purpose in life were major risk factors for SI in male veterans.
JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Vu-Thuy Thi Nguyen, Yuan Huang, Minda Huang, Jack Tsai
Summary: This study aimed to understand the characteristics, perceptions, and beliefs of COVID-19 vaccination among middle-income and low-income US adults before its widespread rollout. The results showed that vaccine acceptance was high at 76% with 66.9% reporting intent to receive the vaccine. Vaccine hesitancy was associated with poor mental health and alcohol and substance misuse. Factors influencing vaccine acceptance included age, education, children, region, mental health and social support, threat perception, opinion of governmental response, risk exposure and prevention activities, and rejection of COVID-19 vaccine concerns.
JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY AND COMMUNITY HEALTH
(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
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jack Tsai, Cecilia Gonzalez, Dorota Szymkowiak, Katharine Stewart, Dorothy Dillard, Tanya Whittle, Paul Woodland
Summary: This study investigated the impact of veteran-specific cooperative police interventions, such as the Veterans Response Team (VRT) and collaboration between local police departments and a Veterans Affairs (VA) medical center police department (local-VA police [LVP]), on veterans' utilization of healthcare services. The data analysis focused on 241 veterans in Wilmington, Delaware, with 51 receiving VRT intervention and 190 receiving LVP intervention. The results showed that veterans who received either VRT or LVP interventions exhibited similar increases in the use of various healthcare services after 6 months, including mental health treatment, substance abuse treatment, rehabilitation services, ancillary care services, homeless programs, and emergency department/urgent care services. These findings emphasize the importance of establishing strong relationships between local police departments, VA police, and Veterans Justice Outreach to ensure that veterans have access to the necessary healthcare services.
JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Emily R. Edwards, Gabriella Epshteyn, Shayne Snyder, Daniel Gorman, Brettland Coolidge, Eddie Marcano, Jack Tsai, Marianne Goodman
Summary: DBT-J is an integrative psychotherapy + case management intervention for justice-involved veterans, addressing their complex criminogenic, mental health, substance use, and case management needs. Research suggests DBT-J delivery is acceptable and feasible. This study investigates longitudinal changes in 20 justice-involved veterans' criminogenic risk, psychological distress, substance use, case management needs, and quality of life during DBT-J participation. Results show significant improvements across treatment targets, maintained at 1-month follow-up, supporting the utility of DBT-J and the need for further efficacy research.
PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Elina A. Stefanovics, Marc N. Potenza, Dorota Szymkowiak, Jack Tsai
Summary: This study explores the phenomenon of chronic homelessness among veterans with gambling disorder (GD) and its related factors. Findings show that veterans with chronic homelessness are older, more likely to be male, unemployed, and have lower educational attainment compared to veterans without chronic homelessness. Chronic homelessness is associated with mental health issues, medical diagnoses, traumatic experiences, incarceration, and suicidal thoughts. Veterans with chronic homelessness have a greater need for substance use, medical, and psychiatric treatments but have lower interest in participating in psychiatric treatment.
JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRIC RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Health Policy & Services
Jack Tsai
Summary: There are great and growing behavioral needs in the United States. Besides the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), other federal agencies have also developed Learning Agendas to address behavioral health priorities. However, some important areas of development were not mentioned in these agendas, which should be taken into consideration.
ADMINISTRATION AND POLICY IN MENTAL HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Health Policy & Services
Jack Tsai, Rachel Hird, Asha Collier
Summary: This study examined the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and economic inflation on the health of 854 low-income U.S. veterans. Findings showed that the pandemic had no effect on the health of 59% of participants, while 7% reported increased social isolation and a small proportion reported negative effects on health. In response to economic inflation, 43% reported no impact on health, 11% had concerns about personal finances, and only a small proportion reported other negative psychosocial impacts.
JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY HEALTH
(2023)
