Article
Neurosciences
Emma M. Brown, David H. Salat, William P. Milberg, Catherine B. Fortier, Regina E. McGlinchey
Summary: This study examined the changes in cortical thickness, volume, and surface area in a cohort of OEF/OIF/OND veterans after an average interval of approximately 2 years. The results showed that veterans with severe PTSD symptoms exhibited more severe negative changes in cortical measures over time. Furthermore, there was an interaction effect between severe PTSD and age, with accelerated cortical degeneration observed in severe PTSD individuals as they aged. The study also found that comorbid military-related mTBI had an impact on cortical measures in the severe PTSD group.
HUMAN BRAIN MAPPING
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
David P. Sheppard, Holly K. Rau, Emily H. Trittschuh, Madeleine L. Werhane, Abigail G. Schindler, Rebecca C. Hendrickson, Elaine R. Peskind, Kathleen F. Pagulayan
Summary: This study found that Veterans with a history of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) demonstrated reduced time monitoring during a prospective memory (PM) task, which was associated with time-based PM performance.
CLINICAL NEUROPSYCHOLOGIST
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Michelle M. Pebole, Robert C. Lyons, Robyn L. Gobin
Summary: This study examines trauma frequency, alcohol use, and PTSD symptoms as predictors of emotion regulation difficulties among post-9/11 Veterans. The findings show positive correlations between PTSD symptom severity and ER difficulties, as well as between drinking behavior and emotion dysregulation. PTSD accounts for a significant portion of the variance in ER difficulties and may help identify aspects of PTSD symptomatology that contribute to ER difficulties.
PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA-THEORY RESEARCH PRACTICE AND POLICY
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Shaddy K. Saba, Jordan P. Davis, John J. Prindle, Carl Andrew Castro, Eric R. Pedersen
Summary: This study found associations between pain, PTSD symptoms, and increased AUD symptomology among veterans. The relationship between pain and AUD appeared stronger in the context of low PTSD symptoms. Reexperiencing and negative cognitions and mood were identified as factors associated with increased AUD symptoms.
ADDICTIVE BEHAVIORS
(2021)
Article
Psychiatry
Suzanne E. Decker, Christine M. Ramsey, Silvia Ronzitti, Robert D. Kerns, Mary A. Driscoll, James Dziura, Melissa Skanderson, Harini Bathulapalli, Cynthia A. Brandt, Sally G. Haskell, Joseph L. Goulet
Summary: This study found that sexual trauma is closely related to the risk of suicide in veterans, even in the absence of obvious mental health problems. Among veterans without a history of mental health diagnosis or treatment, MST is associated with a high risk of suicidal ideation. Therefore, it is recommended that positive MST screening prompt screening for suicidal ideation and risk management, and further research is needed to study barriers to mental healthcare among MST survivors.
PSYCHIATRY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Henry W. Mahncke, Joseph DeGutis, Harvey Levin, Mary R. Newsome, Morris D. Bell, Chad Grills, Louis M. French, Katherine W. Sullivan, Sarah-Jane Kim, Annika Rose, Catherine Stasio, Michael M. Merzenich
Summary: This study evaluated the efficacy of self-administered plasticity-based cognitive training for individuals with a history of mild traumatic brain injury and cognitive impairment. The treatment group showed significant improvement in cognitive function compared to the active control group, with equivalent results in depressive and cognitive symptoms between the two groups.
Article
Critical Care Medicine
Tatjana Novakovic-Agopian, Lainie Posecion, Erica Kornblith, Gary Abrams, John R. McQuaid, Thomas C. Neylan, Joaquin Burciaga, Jeremy Joseph, Gerald Carlin, Jessica Groberio, Brian Maruyama, Anthony J. W. Chen
Summary: This study evaluated the effectiveness of GOALS training on military Veterans with comorbid PTSD and mTBI. The results indicated significant improvements in cognitive functioning and emotional regulation among participants, suggesting that attentional self-regulation training may enhance cognitive control functioning in this population.
JOURNAL OF NEUROTRAUMA
(2021)
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
C. L. Park, S. J. Sacco, S. W. Kraus, C. M. Mazure, R. A. Hoff
Summary: Research explores the connection between U.S. military veterans' meaning in life and their mental health and well-being. However, more needs to be understood about the veterans' meaning in life itself, as it is often studied as a precursor to other aspects of well-being. This study aimed to answer two key questions about veterans' sense of meaning: how well do veterans maintain a sense of meaning over time, and what factors contribute to their sense of meaning over time. The results suggest that a significant portion of veterans experience low and even declining meaning in life, which can greatly impact their quality of life and well-being.
JOURNAL OF POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Crystal L. Park, Shane J. Sacco, Shane W. Kraus, Carolyn M. Mazure, Rani A. Hoff
Summary: The study found that religiousness/spirituality is associated with mental and physical health in military veterans, with the specific relationships varying depending on sex and race/ethnicity. For different genders and racial/ethnic groups of veterans, religiousness/spirituality may play different roles in mental and physical health.
JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRIC RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Jenna L. Gress Smith, Nicole A. Roberts, Dominika Borowa, MaryLu Bushnell
Summary: This study retrospectively examined the implementation of an Integrated TBI Screening Clinic (ITSC) at the Department of Veterans Affairs. The results showed that only a small percentage of Veterans required a full neuropsychological evaluation, while the majority were referred for mental health treatment. Additionally, correlations were found between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety symptoms, and cognitive measures.
APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY-ADULT
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Adam B. David, Crystal L. Park, Shane J. Sacco, Shane W. Kraus, Rani A. Hoff
Summary: This study examined the relationship between posttraumatic growth (PPTG) and mental health (MH) through the mediation of meaning in life (MIL). The results showed that PPTG predicted subsequent MH, with MIL mediating this effect. PPTG also predicted increased MIL, but not increased MH in the long term, although increased MIL led to increased MH. These findings suggest the importance of meaning making in the study of PPTG and its adaptive nature.
JOURNAL OF POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Marcela C. Otero, Holly K. Rau, Jane B. Shofer, Elaine R. Peskind, Kathleen F. Pagulayan
Summary: This study aimed to examine the relationships between self-perceived irritability, prospective memory (PM), and quality of life (QOL) after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). The findings revealed that veterans with a history of mTBI reported higher levels of self-perceived irritability, and higher irritability was associated with poorer PM performance. Additionally, higher irritability was also associated with more depressive symptoms and reduced QOL in various domains, with social support being the only significant factor after adjusting for PTSD severity. These results suggest that PM and irritability may be related through their mutual reliance on cognitive control.
CLINICAL NEUROPSYCHOLOGIST
(2022)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Luca Toth, Andras Czigler, Peter Horvath, Nikolett Szarka, Balint Kornyei, Arnold Toth, Attila Schwarcz, Zoltan Ungvari, Andras Buki, Peter Toth
Summary: TBI induces the formation of CMBs, especially in the elderly. An mTBI exacerbates the development of CMBs in the elderly, but there is a significant difference in the number of cerebral microhemorrhages between aged and young patients.
FRONTIERS IN AGING NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Amy E. Ramage, Kimberly L. Ray, Hannah M. Franz, David F. Tate, Jeffrey D. Lewis, Donald A. Robin
Summary: Fatigue in traumatic brain injury patients is related to the organization and connectivity of cognitive control networks.
FRONTIERS IN HUMAN NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Ashley N. Clausen, Heather C. Bouchard, Kathleen A. Welsh-Bohmer, Rajendra A. Morey
Summary: This study compared the chronic effects of combat-related blast mTBI and subconcussive blast exposure on neuropsychological performance in Veterans. Results showed that Veterans with combat-related blast mTBI exhibited significantly slower processing speed compared to controls, even after controlling for PTSD and depressive symptoms. However, there were no significant differences in cognition between subconcussive and control groups, or between subconcussive and combat-related blast mTBI groups, suggesting that neurocognitive assessment may not be sensitive enough to detect the long-term effects of subconcussive blast exposure.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Rehabilitation
Lindsey M. Knowles, Cinda L. Hugos, Michelle H. Cameron, Jodie K. Haselkorn, Dennis N. Bourdette, Aaron P. Turner
Summary: Fatigue is a common and disabling symptom of multiple sclerosis. A recent study found that both a fatigue self-management program and a general multiple sclerosis education program improved fatigue in patients. Living with a spouse or partner may facilitate greater improvement in fatigue with self-management interventions.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL MEDICINE & REHABILITATION
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Kayla E. Gomes, Jennifer A. Ruiz, Sarah A. Raskin, Aaron P. Turner, Heather M. DelMastro, Lindsay O. Neto, Elizabeth S. Gromisch
Summary: Despite cognitive impairments, persons with multiple sclerosis can make functional motor gains following physical therapy intervention. There is a relationship between cognitive functioning and physical therapy outcomes, with reductions in certain cognitive functions potentially affecting session attendance and goal attainment for multiple sclerosis patients.
JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGIC PHYSICAL THERAPY
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Melissa A. Day, Rhonda M. Williams, Aaron P. Turner, Dawn M. Ehde, Mark P. Jensen
Summary: Within Veterans with chronic pain and comorbid PTSD and/or depression, ruminative absorption on pain is a cognitive process that transverses diagnoses and contributes to worse outcomes.
ANNALS OF BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Elizabeth S. Gromisch, Aaron P. Turner, Lindsay O. Neto, Jodie K. Haselkorn, Sarah A. Raskin
Summary: This study aimed to examine the criterion and ecological validity of a simplified version of the Memory for Intentions Test (MIST) as a screening tool for prospective memory (PM) in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). The results showed that Trial 3 and Trial 4 of the MIST had high classification accuracy, with Trial 4 significantly associated with appointment attendance and unemployment. Therefore, Trial 4 has the potential to serve as an initial screening tool for PM in MS patients.
CLINICAL NEUROPSYCHOLOGIST
(2023)
Article
Surgery
Alison W. Henderson, Aaron P. Turner, Chelsea Leonard, George Sayre, Bjoern Suckow, Sienna L. Williams, Daniel C. Norvell, Joseph M. Czerniecki
Summary: This study investigated patient and provider experiences discussing mortality risk in the context of amputation within the Veterans Health Administration. The findings showed that conversations about mortality were uncommon prior to amputation, but most providers viewed them as valuable. Some patients perceived these conversations as unnecessary, but many were open to engaging in the discussion. Therefore, providers should introduce the topic and provide the context for why mortality conversations may be valuable, while respecting patients' preferences.
ANNALS OF VASCULAR SURGERY
(2023)
Article
Rehabilitation
Daniel C. Norvell, Mary Lou Thompson, Aaron Baraff, Wayne T. Biggs, Alison W. Henderson, Kathryn P. Moore, Aaron P. Turner, Rhonda Williams, Charles C. Maynard, Joseph M. Czerniecki
Summary: This study developed and validated a patient-specific multivariable prediction model to predict 12-month mobility at the time of initial post-amputation prosthetic prescription. The model is designed for patients who have undergone transtibial or transfemoral amputation due to complications of diabetes and/or peripheral artery disease. The study used retrospective data from a large Veteran's Affairs dataset and prospectively collected patient-reported mobility.
ARCHIVES OF PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION
(2023)
Article
Rehabilitation
Karlyn A. Edwards, David E. Reed, Derek Anderson, Kaitlin Harding, Aaron P. Turner, Bosco Soares, Pradeep Suri, Rhonda M. Williams
Article
Clinical Neurology
Elizabeth S. Gromisch, Sarah A. Raskin, Lindsay O. Neto, Jodie K. Haselkorn, Aaron P. Turner
Summary: This study examines the factors related to attendance behaviors in multiple sclerosis (MS) appointments, including scheduling metrics, demographic and clinical factors, and behavioral factors. The findings suggest that short notice cancellations are related to clinic structure and situational factors, while no shows are more influenced by behavioral issues such as difficulty remembering appointments and high levels of distress.
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS AND RELATED DISORDERS
(2023)
Article
Rehabilitation
Aaron P. Turner, Anne Arewasikporn, Eric J. Hawkins, Pradeep Suri, Stephen P. Burns, Steve L. Leipertz, Jodie K. Haselkorn
Summary: This study aimed to characterize patterns of prescription opioid use in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) and identify risk factors associated with chronic use. The results showed a decline in chronic opioid use over the study period, but it remains common among a substantial minority of MS patients. Prior chronic opioid use, history of pain condition, post-traumatic stress disorder, and rural residence were associated with a greater risk of chronic prescription opioid use.
ARCHIVES OF PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION
(2023)
Article
Rehabilitation
Daniel C. C. Norvell, Aaron P. P. Turner, David C. C. Morgenroth, Alison W. W. Henderson, Elizabeth G. G. Halsne, Max Hurwitz, Joseph M. M. Czerniecki
Summary: The study aimed to examine gender disparities and potential factors influencing prosthesis prescription practices in veteran patients with their first major unilateral amputation due to diabetes or peripheral arterial disease. A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the VA Corporate Data Warehouse to compare prosthesis prescription rates and time to prescription between men and women veterans. The findings revealed that men were more likely to receive a prosthesis prescription compared to women, and men had a shorter time to prescription.
DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Elizabeth S. Gromisch, Dawn M. Ehde, Lindsay O. Neto, Jodie K. Haselkorn, Thomas Agresta, Swapna S. Gokhale, Aaron P. Turner
Summary: This study aimed to develop a novel self-management program for persons with multiple sclerosis (MS), called Managing My MS My Way (M4W). The program was developed based on social cognitive theory and included evidence-based strategies. Stakeholders were involved in the development process to ensure usefulness and adoption. The study determined stakeholders' interest, program focus, delivery method, content, and potential barriers.
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS AND RELATED DISORDERS
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Rebecca I. Spain, Andrea Hildebrand, Carin S. Waslo, William D. Rooney, Joshua Emmons, Daniel L. Schwartz, Mark S. Freedman, M. Mateo Paz Soldan, Pavle Repovic, Andrew J. Solomon, John Rinker II, Mitchell Wallin, Jodie K. Haselkorn, Olaf Stuve, Robert H. Gross, Aaron P. Turner
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the associations between cognitive assessment and brain volumes in progressive multiple sclerosis (MS), and determine if there were differences between the secondary progressive (SPMS) and primary progressive (PPMS) subtypes. The findings showed that there were varying patterns of correlation between brain volumes and cognitive tasks in progressive MS patients.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Tracy M. Anastas, Aaron P. Turner, Erica J. J. Ho, Melissa A. Day, Dawn M. Ehde, Mark P. Jensen, Rhonda M. Williams
Summary: This study validates the value of adding an open label phase after a clinical trial of pain treatments through the analysis of participant characteristics and potential benefits. The results show that a substantial portion of study participants chose to participate in the open label phase and reported it to be beneficial. Analyzing data from an open label phase can provide insights into important aspects of patient experience, barriers to and facilitators of care, and treatment preferences.
REHABILITATION PSYCHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Aaron P. Turner, Karlyn A. Edwards, Mark P. Jensen, Dawn M. Ehde, Melissa A. Day, Rhonda M. Williams
Summary: This study examined the impact of three behavioral interventions on substance use among chronic pain patients. The results showed that mindfulness meditation and hypnosis significantly reduced cannabis use, but had no significant effect on tobacco or alcohol use.
REHABILITATION PSYCHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Jillian M. R. Clark, Amber Keller, Jacqueline E. Maye, Amy J. Jak, Maya E. O'Neil, Rhonda M. Williams, Aaron P. Turner, Kathleen F. Pagulayan, Elizabeth W. Twamley
Summary: The study found that compensatory cognitive training (CCT) can improve depressive symptoms and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in post-9/11 veterans with a history of mild traumatic brain injury, with better effects observed in patients with cognitive and psychiatric functioning issues.
