Article
Clinical Neurology
Zhigang Xie, Rebecca Tanner, Catherine L. Striley, Nicole M. Marlow
Summary: The study found that individuals with disabilities had higher rates of utilizing mental health services but were also more likely to have unmet mental health needs. Multivariable logistic regression models showed significant associations between any disability, cognitive limitations, and >2 limitations with mental health services use.
JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS
(2022)
Article
Psychiatry
Kristen M. Abraham, Stephanie L. Merrill, Scott M. Patterson, Shanyn L. Aysta
Summary: This study evaluates care retention among Veterans with serious mental illness who return to care via the SMI Re-Engagement program. The results show that most Veterans who return to care through this program remain in care for the subsequent two years.
PSYCHIATRIC QUARTERLY
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Amy Cheung, Zilin Cui, Kareem Hamada, Jennifer Selland, Mathew Chiang, Xiaoduo Fan
Summary: This mixed methods study explores modifiable risk factors related to lifestyle choices and their impact on individuals with serious mental illness. The study identifies factors that promote and challenge healthy lifestyle engagement and emphasizes the importance of community support. The findings suggest that participants have positive attitudes and readiness for healthy lifestyle changes. The study recommends healthy lifestyle interventions that consider determinants related to health disparities and utilize existing community resources to improve physical health in people with serious mental illness.
CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Psychology, Clinical
Xue-Lei Fu, Yan Qian, Xiao-Hong Jin, Hai-Rong Yu, Hua Wu, Lin Du, Hong-Lin Chen, Ya-Qin Shi
Summary: This study quantified the suicide rates among people with serious mental illness (bipolar disorder, major depression, or schizophrenia). The findings showed high suicide rates, especially among individuals with major depression. Male patients were found to have a higher risk of suicide compared to females. Poisoning was the most common method of suicide. The study highlights the need for increased psychological assessment and monitoring, as well as further research on regional and age differences in suicide among this population.
PSYCHOLOGICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Carol Lim, Gary Moak, Karen L. Fortuna, Cynthia L. Bianco, Aliaksandr Shakhau, Martha L. Bruce, Stephen Bartels
Summary: This study explores the attitudes and beliefs about aging among middle-aged and older adults with serious mental illness. Despite psychiatric, medical, and functional disabilities, the participants perceived the process of aging as generally positive, indicating resilience and potential positive emotional growth in older age.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Megan Shepherd-Banigan, Connor Drake, Jessica R. Dietch, Abigail Shapiro, Amir Alishahi Tabriz, Elizabeth E. Van Voorhees, Diya M. Uthappa, Tsai-Wei Wang, Jay B. Lusk, Stephanie Salcedo Rossitch, Jessica Fulton, Adelaide Gordon, Belinda Ear, Sarah Cantrell, Jennifer M. Gierisch, John W. Williams, Karen M. Goldstein
Summary: This study systematically reviews the literature on interventions for individuals with both homelessness and serious mental illness. It examines the strategies used to promote engagement in primary care, the integration of primary care with other services, and the complexity of these interventions. The findings highlight gaps for future intervention research and program development.
JOURNAL OF GENERAL INTERNAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Sharon M. Nelson, Jennifer J. Mach, Tyler C. Hein, Kristen M. Abraham, Jenefer M. Jedele, Nicholas W. Bowersox
Summary: The study found that while most VHA SMI patients received timely treatment, those with more complex needs, especially those requiring trauma-related care, may be more likely to experience delays in treatment initiation.
PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Megan Feeney, John Duda, Amie Hiller, Jay Phillips, Christiana Evers, Nicole Yarab, Veronica Todaro, Lydia Rader, Sheera Rosenfeld
Summary: This study examines the healthcare utilization of Veterans living with Parkinson's disease (PD) in the United States. The findings show that only a small proportion of Veterans with PD receive care through the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), with mental health concerns being common among this population. Younger age, higher education level, and more falls are associated with VHA utilization. The study highlights the need for educational outreach and access to mental health resources for Veterans living with PD.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Caroline Madrigal, Christopher Radlicz, Barbara Hayes, Jeffrey Gosian, Laury L. Jensen, Lara M. Skarf, Chelsea E. Hawley, Jennifer Moye, Amy J. Kind, Julie M. Paik, Jane A. Driver
Summary: This study implemented and evaluated an adapted version of the Coordinated Transitional Care (CTraC) program, called Supportive CTraC, to improve end-of-life care for veterans with serious illness. The findings show that the nurse-driven transitional care program is effective at increasing hospice enrollment and promoting dying at home with hospice. This study has important implications for improving outcomes.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Elizabeth A. Klingaman, Alicia Lucksted, Eric S. Crosby, Samantha M. Hack, Amanda D. Peeples, Yelena Blank, Elana Schwartz
Summary: This study examined the reactions to insomnia among veterans with serious mental illness and insomnia. Through semi-structured interviews, six themes were identified, including becoming aware of insomnia as a problem, response to and dissatisfaction with medications, strategies to get better sleep contrary to usual guidelines, personal responsibility for getting sleep, resigned and giving up, and acceptance and persistence. These findings provide insight into managing sleep disturbances among veterans with serious mental illness and suggestions for improving treatment efficacy.
JOURNAL OF SLEEP RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Kate L. Sheahan, Karen M. Goldstein, Claire T. Than, Bevanne Bean-Mayberry, Catherine C. Chanfreau, Megan R. Gerber, Danielle E. Rose, Julian Brunner, Ismelda A. Canelo, Jill E. Darling Mshs, Sally Haskell, Alison B. Hamilton, Elizabeth M. Yano
Summary: The study surveyed 1,391 women Veterans who routinely use VA primary care, finding that they have significant multimorbid physical and mental health conditions and trauma histories, requiring continued investment in woman-centered primary care and emphasis on trauma-informed, age-specific care.
JOURNAL OF GENERAL INTERNAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Saju Madavanakadu Devassy, Lorane Scaria, Lynette Joubert
Summary: This study explores the risk factors and barriers to providing substitute family care. The findings show that most substitute caregivers are females from low-income households, and the main issues include economic, familial, and social risks, as well as specific cultural and service access barriers. Focusing on economic interventions can enhance the capability of substitute family caregivers.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Aimee Kroll-Desrosiers, Rebecca L. Kinney, Valerie Marteeny, Kristin M. Mattocks
Summary: This study examines the feasibility of comprehensive perinatal mental healthcare screening and treatment in VA care, by exploring the acceptance of United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations among pregnant and postpartum Veterans. The results show that less than half of the women saw a mental health provider at the beginning of their pregnancy, and that Veterans support the USPSTF recommendations, considering mental healthcare during the perinatal period to be very important. They also express a desire for better access to mental healthcare resources and peer support networks.
JOURNAL OF GENERAL INTERNAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Charlie M. Wray, Jacqueline M. Ferguson, Liberty Greene, Ashley Griffin, James Van Campen, Amy M. J. O'Shea, Cindie Slightam, Donna M. Zulman
Summary: Despite the availability of video-enabled tablets, barriers to engaging in virtual care persist among veterans. Targeted interventions are needed to facilitate adoption and engagement in video visits.
JOURNAL OF GENERAL INTERNAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Jan A. Lindsay, Alexandra Caloudas, Julianna Hogan, Anthony H. Ecker, Stephanie Day, Giselle Day, Samantha L. Connolly, Hilary Touchett, Kendra R. Weaver, Amber B. Amspoker
Summary: This study examined the gender differences and changes over time in mental health care utilization among veterans. The results showed that female veterans had a higher percentage of mental health care delivered via VA Video Connect (VVC) and that the use of VVC for mental health care increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Younger age, urban residence, and Asian ethnicity were associated with a higher percentage of VVC encounters among female veterans. These findings suggest that VVC can reduce gender-specific access barriers for mental health care among women veterans.
JOURNAL OF GENERAL INTERNAL MEDICINE
(2022)
