Behavioral health conditions and potentially preventable diabetes-related hospitalizations in the United States: Findings from a national sample of commercial claims data.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the relationship between potentially preventable hospitalizations (PPHs) for diabetes and behavioral health conditions in commercially insured working-age persons with diabetes in the United States. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed medical and pharmacy claims from services rendered between 2011 and 2013 for 229,039 adults with diabetes. Diabetes PPHs were identified using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's Prevention Quality Indicators v6.0 logic. We used negative binomial-logit hurdle regression models to explore the adjusted relationships between diabetes PPHs and schizophrenia, bipolar, depression, anxiety, adjustment disorder, alcohol use disorder, and drug use disorder. RESULTS: A total of 4,521 diabetes PPHs were experienced by 3,246 of the persons in the sample. The 20.83% of persons with one or more behavioral health conditions experienced 43.62% (1,972/4,521; 95% CI 42.18%-45.07%) of all diabetes PPHs, and the 7.14% of persons with more than one diagnosed behavioral health condition experienced 24.77% (1,120/4,521; 95% CI 23.54%-26.05%) of all diabetes PPHs. After adjusting for sociodemographic and physical health covariates, patients with depression, schizophrenia, drug or alcohol use disorders, or multiple behavioral health conditions were at significantly increased risk of experiencing at least one diabetes PPH, while patients with depression, drug use disorder, or multiple behavioral health conditions were at significantly increased risk of experiencing recurring diabetes PPHs over time. CONCLUSIONS: A number of behavioral health conditions are associated with diabetes PPHs, which are often preventable with timely, high-quality outpatient care. The results of this study will enable clinicians, payers, and policy-makers to better focus outpatient care interventions and resources within the population of persons with diabetes.

Medical comorbidity in women and men with bipolar disorders: a population-based controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: Rarely has validated information on chronic medical comorbidity been presented for persons with bipolar disorder. To deliver appropriate health services, it is important to understand the prevalence of chronic medical conditions in this population. This study examines chronic medical comorbidity using validated methodology in persons with bipolar disorder. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of a 100% sample of administrative claims (1996-2001) from Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. Three thousand five hundred fifty-seven subjects had bipolar I disorder and did not have claims for schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Controls had no documented claims for psychiatric conditions. Using validated methodology, inpatient and outpatient claims were used to determine prevalence of 44 chronic medical conditions. Odds ratios (ORs) were adjusted for age, gender, residence, and nonmental healthcare utilization. RESULTS: Persons with bipolar disorder were young (mean age, 38.8 years) and significantly more likely to have medical comorbidity, including three or more chronic conditions (41% versus 12%, p < .001) compared with controls. Elevated ORs were found for conditions spanning all organ systems. Hyperlipidemia, lymphoma, and metastatic cancer were the only conditions less likely to occur in persons with bipolar disorder. CONCLUSION: Bipolar disorders are associated with substantial chronic medical burden. Familiarity with conditions affecting this population may assist in programs aimed at providing medical care for the chronically mentally ill.

Medical comorbidity in women and men with schizophrenia: a population-based controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Persons with persistent mental illness are at risk for failure to receive medical services. In order to deliver appropriate preventive and primary care for this population, it is important to determine which chronic medical conditions are most common. OBJECTIVE: We examined chronic medical comorbidity in persons with schizophrenia using validated methodologies. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of longitudinal administrative claims data from Wellmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Iowa. PARTICIPANTS: Subjects with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder (N=1,074), and controls (N=726,262) who filed at least 1 claim for medical services, 1996 to 2001. MEASUREMENTS: Case subjects had schizophrenia as the most clinically predominant psychotic disorder, based on psychiatric hospitalization, psychiatrist diagnoses, and outpatient care. Controls had no claims for any psychiatric comorbidity. Using a modified version of the Elixhauser Comorbidity Index, inpatient and outpatient claims were used to determine the prevalence of 46 common medical conditions. Odds ratios (ORs) were adjusted for age, gender, residence, and nonmental health care utilization using logistic regression. RESULTS: Subjects with schizophrenia were significantly more likely to have 1 or more chronic conditions compared with controls. Adjusted OR (95% confidence interval [CI]) were 2.62 (2.09 to 3.28) for hypothyroidism, 1.88 (1.51 to 2.32) for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 2.11 (1.36 to 3.28) for diabetes with complications, 7.54 (3.55 to 15.99) for hepatitis C, 4.21 (3.25 to 5.44) for fluid/electrolyte disorders, and 2.77 (2.23 to 3.44) for nicotine abuse/dependence. CONCLUSIONS: Schizophrenia is associated with substantial chronic medical burden. Familiarity with conditions affecting persons with schizophrenia may assist programs aimed at providing medical care for the mentally ill.

The influence of type and severity of mental illness on receipt of screening mammography.

BACKGROUND: Women with mental illness may be at risk for failure to receive recommended preventive services such as mammography. Little is known about whether the type or severity of mental illness influences receipt of preventive services. OBJECTIVE: To measure the influence of type and severity of mental illness on receipt of mammography. DESIGN: Retrospective study of administrative claims data, 1996 to 2001. SUBJECTS: Privately insured women age 40 to 64 years, with and without claims for mental illness, and who were eligible for mammography between 1996 and 2001. MEASUREMENT: Odds ratios (OR) for receipt of screening mammography, any mammography, and follow-up mammography, adjusted for age, rural location, utilization of nonmental health services, and severity and type of the mental disorder. Severity measures were based on utilization of outpatient and inpatient mental health services and presence of comorbid substance use disorder. RESULTS: Women with any mental disorder were significantly less likely to receive mammography than controls. This was strongly influenced by severity of mental illness (any mammography: moderate severity OR 0.62; confidence interval [CI] 0.59 to 0.66: high severity OR 0.38; CI 0.33 to 0.43). Whereas severity contributed to lower receipt of mammography among women with mood and anxiety disorders, women with psychotic, alcohol, and substance abuse disorders had decreased odds for receipt of mammography regardless of severity. CONCLUSIONS: Women with mental disorders are at risk for failure to receive mammography, a recommended preventive service. Women with severe mental illness or psychotic and substance abuse disorders should be targeted to ensure delivery of mammography.

Increased risk for metabolic syndrome in persons seeking care for mental disorders.

BACKGROUND: An increased risk for metabolic syndrome has been described for persons with psychotic and mood disorders. Our objectives were to determine whether the odds for metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) were increased among insured adults with and without mental illness, and to determine whether this risk extends beyond psychotic and affective disorders. METHOD: This was a retrospective analysis of a 100% sample of Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Iowa claims data. Three definitions of MetSyn were examined: 1) presence of any 3 or more components of MetSyn (obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, and glucose intolerance/diabetes mellitus), 2) criteria #1 and/or claim for glucose intolerance/diabetes mellitus, and 3) criteria #1, criteria #2, and/or claim for obesity. ICD-9 codes were used to define obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, and glucose intolerance/diabetes mellitus. Multivariate logistic regression was used to investigate the association between mental illness and MetSyn. RESULTS: Prevalence of MetSyn for subjects with any mental illness as compared to those without was 4.9% vs. 2.0% (criteria #1), 8.1% vs. 4.2% (criteria #2), and 13.2% vs. 6.2% (criteria #3). MetSyn was more common (OR = 1.3-1.5) for subjects with any mental illness as compared to those without, regardless of which definition of MetSyn was used. Subjects with sexual disorders (OR = 1.7-1.8), sleep disorders (OR = 1.2-1.7), and mood disorders (OR = 1.3-1.6) had significantly higher odds of MetSyn compared to those without claims for mental disorders, regardless of which definition of MetSyn was used. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that MetSyn is not only problematic among persons with psychosis and affective disorders, but that it also affects patients with other forms of mental illness. Clinicians should have a heightened awareness of metabolic risk factors, particularly when mental illness is present.

Comorbidity profile of dementia patients in primary care: are they sicker?

OBJECTIVES: To compare the medical comorbidity of older patients with and without dementia in primary care. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Wishard Health Services, which includes a university-affiliated, urban public hospital and seven community-based primary care practice centers in Indianapolis. PARTICIPANTS: Three thousand thirteen patients aged 65 and older attending seven primary care centers in Indianapolis, Indiana. MEASUREMENTS: An expert panel diagnosed dementia using International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, criteria. Comorbidity was assessed using 10 physician-diagnosed chronic comorbid conditions and the Chronic Disease Score (CDS). RESULTS: Patients with dementia attending primary care have on average 2.4 chronic conditions and receive 5.1 medications. Approximately 50% of dementia patients in this setting are exposed to at least one anticholinergic medication, and 20% are prescribed at least one psychotropic medication. After adjusting for patients' age, race, and sex, patients with and without dementia have a similar level of comorbidity (mean number of chronic medical conditions, 2.4 vs 2.3, P=.66; average CDS, 5.8 vs 6.2, P=.83). CONCLUSION: Multiple medical comorbid conditions are common in older adults with and without dementia in primary care. Despite their cholinergic deficit, a substantial proportion of patients with dementia are exposed to anticholinergic medications. Models of care that incorporate this medical complexity are needed to improve the treatment of dementia in primary care.

Mental health comorbidity patterns and impact on quality of life among veterans serving during the first Gulf War.

PURPOSE: To examine the patterns of coexisting (comorbid) mental disorders and whether comorbidity influences quality of life ratings in a sample of U.S. veterans. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The Iowa Gulf War Study Case Validation study evaluated 602 military personnel, two-thirds of whom had symptoms of depression, cognitive dysfunction, or chronic widespread pain, who were activated or on active duty sometime during the first Gulf War (GW). Mental health disorders were defined using the SCID-IV, and the Health Utilities Index Mark 3 (HUI3) was used to measure health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Comorbidity was defined as having two or more mental disorders that spanned across at least two separate categories (e.g., depressive disorders and anxiety disorders). RESULTS: Over 35% of veterans with a current mental disorder had at least one other comorbid mental disorder. Those with mental disorder comorbidity had lower HUI scores than veterans with only one or less mental disorders (mean 0.41 +/- 0.30 vs. 0.72 +/- 0.25, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The co-occurrence of mental disorders that span at least two mental disorder categories is associated with impaired HRQoL in this veteran population. Early identification of mental health comorbidity may lead to interventions to enhance HRQoL among military personnel.

Prevalence and correlates of illness worry in the general population.

The prevalence and correlates of illness worry in the general population were investigated in a representative sample. The authors screened residents of the United States by telephone, and more detailed interviews were conducted with 123 respondents who reported at least 1 month of worry about serious illness in the past 12 months and an equal number of randomly selected persons without such worry. Data on demographic characteristics, medical and psychiatric conditions, functional impairment, and health care utilization were collected. At least 1 month of worry was endorsed by 13.1% of the screened population. Correlates of worry included a cluster of psychiatric conditions (major depressive episode, panic attacks, and generalized anxiety disorder) and three clusters of physical conditions (heart disease, cancer, and other diseases). Worry about serious illness was associated with functional impairment and health care utilization.

Psychiatric sequelae following breast cancer chemotherapy: a pilot study using claims data.

Despite attention to depression and cognitive disorders, the prevalence of other mental disorders following breast cancer chemotherapy has not been well described. The authors undertook a pilot study using insurance claims data to compare the prevalence of mental disorders other than depression in a population of breast cancer surgery patients who did versus did not receive postsurgical chemotherapy treatment. Women receiving chemotherapy in addition to surgery were more likely to be diagnosed with adjustment disorders (odds ratio=2.01, 95% CI=1.04-3.87). Prevalence of depression, anxiety, cognitive, and sleep disorders were not dependent on receipt of post-surgical chemotherapy treatment. These findings support the need for heightened awareness for mental conditions following chemotherapy.

Incarceration and veterans of the first Gulf War.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the prevalence of incarceration and the association with deployment among veterans of the first Persian Gulf War (GW). METHODS: A structured telephone interview of military personnel from Iowa deployed to the Persian Gulf and a comparison sample of nondeployed military personnel was conducted. The interview consisted of validated questions, validated instruments, and investigator-derived questions to assess relevant medical and psychiatric conditions. A total of 4,886 subjects were randomly drawn from one of four study domains, i.e., GW regular military, GW National Guard/Reserve, non-GW regular military, or non-GW National Guard/Reserve. Symptoms of medical conditions, psychiatric disorders, and health care utilization were the main outcome measures. RESULTS: Nearly one-quarter (845 of 3,695 subjects, 22.9%) had been incarcerated at some point before the interview ("ever incarcerated"). Ever incarcerated veterans had a higher frequency of psychiatric and medical comorbidity and higher rates of health care utilization. Ever incarcerated status was associated with male gender, enlisted rank, lower educational levels, low levels of military preparedness, discharge from service, cigarette smoking, antisocial traits, court martial and/or other military discipline, having seen a mental health professional, and having used illegal drugs. GW veterans who participated in combat had a modestly higher risk for incarceration after the GW than did noncombatants (odds ratio, 1.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.0-2.5). CONCLUSIONS: Military recruits with a history of incarceration more often displayed problematic behaviors, more often developed psychiatric/medical conditions, and had high rates of health care utilization. A history of incarceration may be a behavioral marker for substance abuse, antisocial behavior, and mental illness. Importantly, GW deployment carried no increased risk of subsequent incarceration overall.

Telephonic case-finding of major depression in a Medicaid chronic disease management program for diabetes and heart failure.

OBJECTIVE: Major depression is common in low-income and chronically ill persons and is a barrier for effective chronic disease care. We evaluated a Medicaid-sponsored strategy for detecting depressive symptoms in adults with diabetes or congestive heart failure. METHODS: Using a two-item screening tool, 890 adults enrolled in the Indiana Chronic Disease Management Program were assessed by telephone for depressive symptoms between December 2003 and March 2004. A subset of 386 participants also completed the eight-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8) depression measure. Antidepressant use was examined using pharmacy claims. RESULTS: Depressed mood or anhedonia was reported by 51% of participants. About one in four participants had a PHQ-8 score indicating a high risk for major depression (score >or=10). The two-item screen was 96% sensitive [95% confidence interval (CI), 89-99%] and 60% specific (95% CI, 54-65%) for identifying members at high risk for depression by the full PHQ-8 instrument. Only half of participants with high-risk PHQ-8 scores had a pharmacy claim indicating that an antidepressant medication was filled within 120 days of the depression screening. CONCLUSIONS: A two-stage, telephonic approach involving the PHQ-8 instrument for Medicaid members with either depressed mood or anhedonia could identify two clinically depressed persons for every nine members screened.

Mental disorders and revascularization procedures in a commercially insured sample.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine if receipt of revascularization was similar among commercially insured adults with mental disorders compared with people without mental disorders. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of a 100% sample of Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Iowa administrative claims data, 1996 to 2001. Logistic regression was used to calculate unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (OR) for receipt of angioplasty (PTCA) and bypass graft surgery (CABG) within 30 days of discharge. RESULTS: A total of 3368 adults, aged 18 to 64 years, were hospitalized for myocardial infarction (MI) and 40% (n = 1342) had a mental disorder. Subjects with mental disorders were more likely to be younger, female, urban residents, and to have increased cardiovascular and medical comorbidity. They were similarly likely as subjects without mental disorders to have received PTCA (OR, 1.10; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.95-1.29) and CABG (OR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.71-1.11) in analyses adjusted for demographic and clinical characteristics. Revascularization rates did not differ by mental disorder type, with few exceptions. CONCLUSIONS: Receipt of revascularization was similar for patients with and without mental disorders. Our results may differ from previous findings as a result of the younger population studied and increased comorbidity in people with mental disorders, which may have resulted in a contraindication for surgical intervention. Conversely, the increased burden of comorbidity could suggest that these patients should have received PTCA at higher rates because of the better prognosis associated with revascularization as compared with medical management. Prospective analyses with review of clinical data and behavioral risk factors are necessary to determine why some patients with mental illness may be less likely to receive cardiac interventions.

Relationship between hypochondriacal concerns and personality dimensions and traits in a military population.

Our aim was to examine the relationship between personality dimensions and hypochondriacal concerns and somatic symptoms in a military population. The Schedule of Nonadaptive and Adaptive Personality along with measures of hypochondriacal concerns and somatic symptoms were administered to 602 military veterans who had been on active duty during the 1991 Gulf War. Factor analyses identified six separable dimensions-two of hypochondriacal concerns, two of somatic symptoms, and two of possible mechanisms of symptom generation-for study. Multiple regression models determined the proportion of variation in these measures of somatic distress explained by personality scales. Personality measures explained between 26% and 38% of the variance in hypochondriacal concerns and somatic symptoms, and Negative Temperament accounted for most of this. Moderately strong positive correlations were observed between trait scales Mistrust, Low Self-Esteem, and Eccentric Perceptions and the various measures of somatic distress. Thus, when Negative Temperament was taken into account, few significant correlations between personality measures and hypochondriacal concerns or somatic symptoms remained. Negative temperament or neuroticism is strongly associated with hypochondriacal concerns. Important features of hypochondriasis and somatic distress appear to lie within the domain of personality. It remains for future research to show whether negative temperament is a vulnerability factor for hypochondriasis or hypochondriasis is itself a personality disorder.

Risk factors for hypochondriacal concerns in a sample of military veterans.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to examine the influence of combat exposure and other risk factors on the development of hypochondriacal concerns among veterans of the Gulf War and to learn whether these concerns might be a source of increased symptom reporting among them. METHOD: Six hundred two veterans who were deployed to the Gulf or elsewhere during the 1991 war took part in a two-phase study of symptoms and illnesses occurring among these veterans. Hypochondriacal beliefs and attitudes were assessed by the Whiteley Index and somatic symptoms by a factor-analytically derived measure. Multiple regression models were developed for these outcomes. RESULTS: Hypochondriacal concerns were significantly associated with level of education, personal history of depression, number of prewar physical conditions, family history of functional syndromes, negative and positive temperament and disinhibition, military combat, level of military preparedness, social support, and perceived life stress. Somatic symptoms were associated with these same variables, as well as branch of service, family history of physical conditions, combat, and level of combat exposure. A regression model for hypochondriacal concerns included the number of prewar physical conditions, negative temperament, lack of social support, and perceived life stress. CONCLUSIONS: Hypochondriacal concerns were not strongly related to combat exposure. Consequently, it is not likely that such concerns account for increased symptom reporting among the veterans studied. Hypochondriacal concerns appeared to arise in response to threats posed by physical illness. Vulnerability to such threats appeared to center on the personality dimension of negative temperament. This model may serve as a guide to future investigations.

Receipt of diabetes services by insured adults with and without claims for mental disorders.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine whether receipt of the American Diabetes Association's recommended clinical services was similar among insured subjects with and without mental disorders during the period of 1996 to 2001. RESEARCH DESIGN: Our study was a retrospective analysis of Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Iowa administrative claims data, 1996-2001. SUBJECTS: We studied 26,020 adults with diabetes; 6,627 (25%) had a coexisting mental disorder. MEASURES: Service receipt included hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) testing, dilated eye examination, cholesterol measurement, and urine protein testing. We used Cox regression to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) for service receipt after adjusting for demographic, disease, and utilization factors. RESULTS: Mental disorder subjects were more likely to be younger, women, urban residents, have diabetes complications and comorbidity, and to have increased healthcare utilization. Although they received more services (mean, 2.6) than subjects without mental disorders (mean, 2.3), they were less likely to have received a HbA1c test (HR 0.92; 99.9% confidence interval [CI] 0.87-0.97) and a cholesterol measurement (HR 0.92; 99.9% CI 0.86-0.98). Receipt of a dilated eye examination (HR 0.96; 99.9% CI 0.89-1.04) and urine protein test (HR 0.98; 99.9% CI 0.92-1.04) was similar. Service receipt varied by specific mental disorder categorization. Few subjects (< 6%) strictly adhered to the guidelines of the American Diabetes Association. CONCLUSIONS: Receipt of clinical preventive services for both populations was suboptimal. Importantly, subjects with mental disorders were more likely to have diabetic complications, even when controlling for utilization of healthcare services, possibly because of poorer receipt of HbA1c testing. Persons with mental disorders should be more aggressively educated about blood sugar control, given the high rate of complications in this population. Medical care directed at persons with comorbid medical and psychiatric disorders may be beneficial.

A Somatoform Variant of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Case Report of OCD Presenting With Persistent Vomiting.

Acute nausea and vomiting are often self-limited or easily treated. Persistent vomiting, however, poses diagnostic and therapeutic challenges for the primary care physician. In addition to gastrointestinal, neurologic, and endocrine disorders, the differential diagnosis includes psychiatric illnesses, such as eating and factitious disorders. We present the case of a 52-year-old woman referred to the Tulane University Internal Medicine/Psychiatry clinic with persistent daily vomiting for 8 years despite repeated medical evaluations. The vomiting was of sufficient severity to require intensive care unit admission for hematemesis. A dually trained internal medicine-psychiatry house officer obtained further history and identified that the woman experienced an intrusive thought that urged her to vomit after each meal. Resisting the urge resulted in intolerable anxiety that was relieved only by vomiting. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) was diagnosed according to DSM-IV criteria. Initiation of escitalopram with titration to clinical response resulted in full symptom resolution and meaningful quality of life improvement. Pertinent literature was reviewed using 2 methods: (1) an English-language MEDLINE search (1966-February 2004) using the search terms vomiting and (chronicor psychogenicor psychiatric), and obsessive-compulsive disorder and (primary care or treatment); and (2) a direct search of reference lists of pertinent journal articles. A review of psychiatric etiologies of vomiting and primary care aspects of OCD is presented. Primary care clinicians are strongly encouraged to consider psychiatric etiologies, including OCD, when common symptoms persist or present in atypical ways. Such disorders can be debilitating but also responsive to treatment.

Occurrence of cancer among people with mental health claims in an insured population.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research is to determine whether people with mental disorders are at increased risk for the subsequent development of malignancies compared with people without mental disorders. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of administrative claims data. The study population included 722,139 adults who filed at least one medical claim from 1989 to 1993. The mental disorder cohort included people with a) one psychiatric hospitalization, b) one outpatient psychiatrist visit, or c) two outpatient mental health claims occurring at least 6 months before a cancer claim. The controls were subjects filing claims for medical services who had no mental health visits. We calculated age-stratified odds ratios (ORs) for development of malignancy. RESULTS: People with mental disorders were no more or less likely to develop a malignancy than those without after adjusting for age (women: OR, 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.95-1.12; men: OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.97-1.24). People with mental disorders, however, developed cancer at younger ages and had increased odds of primary central nervous system tumors (women: OR, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.40-3.21; men: OR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.22-3.59) and respiratory system cancers (women: OR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.13-2.19; men: OR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.09-2.12). CONCLUSIONS: Insured people with mental disorder claims had an increased risk of certain malignancies and developed malignancies at younger ages. The increased odds of respiratory tumors are likely secondary to increased rates of smoking among people with mental disorders and support use of smoking cessation interventions in this population. The increased odds for brain tumors may reflect only the early presence of mental symptoms, or a true association between the two conditions. Further study of these findings is mandated.

Depression in veterans of the first Gulf War and comparable military controls.

Depression is a common mental disorder associated with poor health outcomes. The purpose of this study is to examine the prevalence of depression, mental health comorbidity, illness variables, and quality of life in a sample of military veterans serving during the first Gulf War. The Iowa Gulf War Case Validation Study involved face-to-face evaluations in 1999--2002 of 602 military personnel--either deployed ("deployed veterans") or eligible but not deployed ("non-deployed veterans") to the Gulf. Subjects were sampled by conducting a series of case-control studies nested within a population-based survey of 4,886 military personnel. All subjects were interviewed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID-IV), and a series of semi-structured interviews and validated questionnaires. Best estimate psychiatric diagnoses were assigned based on all available data. One-hundred-ninety-two (32%) of the 602 surveyed veterans met criteria for a current or lifetime depressive disorder (major depression, dysthymia, depressive disorder--not otherwise specified). Depressed non-deployed veterans were more likely to be female and to have served in the Air Force than depressed deployed veterans. There were few significant differences between the depressed deployed veterans and the depressed non-deployed veterans. Depressed deployed veterans had significantly higher lifetime rates of comorbid cognitive dysfunction (55% vs. 35%), and anxiety disorders (59% vs. 33%)--mainly accounted for by specific phobias (12% vs. 2%) and posttraumatic stress disorder (33% vs. 10%)--than did depressed non-deployed veterans. Lifetime substance use disorders were significantly more frequent in deployed veterans than non-deployed veterans (70% vs. 52%), particularly alcohol disorders (68% vs. 52%). There were no differences in rates of personality characteristics, family psychiatric history, stressors, hypochondriasis, and level of functioning between the two study groups showed no significant differences. Depressive illness is frequent in military samples, as it is in the general population. The prevalence, pattern of comorbidity, and illness features were similar in deployed veterans and non-deployed veterans, suggesting that the depression suffered by both groups of veterans is qualitatively comparable. The main difference between study, groups was that depressed deployed veterans had higher rates than depressed non-deployed veterans of comorbid anxiety disorders, hypothesized to be part of the stress-related syndromes seen in those who experience combat.

Specific phobia of illness: search for a new subtype.

Specific phobia of illness makes its appearance in DSM-IV as a new diagnostic subtype, separate from hypochondriasis. A review of the literature indicates that, while there is some support for this new category, studies have not as yet been done that could provide validation. Illness phobia appears to be a significant problem; it is prevalent in the general population and is associated with distress and impairment, including interference with medical care. It appears to be associated with older age, physical illness, and female gender. Group comparisons are needed showing that persons with this phobia can be distinguished from hypochondriasis on the basis of these and other demographic and illness features. We outline a research agenda for demonstrating this separation.

Gulf War veterans with anxiety: prevalence, comorbidity, and risk factors.

BACKGROUND: Veterans of the first Gulf War have higher rates of medical and psychiatric symptoms than nondeployed military personnel. METHODS: To assess the prevalence of and risk factors for current anxiety disorders in Gulf War veterans, we administered a structured telephone interview to a population-based sample of 4886 military personnel from Iowa at enlistment. Participants were randomly drawn from Gulf War regular military, Gulf War National Guard/ Reserve, non-Gulf War regular military, and non-Gulf War National Guard/Reserve. Medical and psychiatric conditions were assessed through standardized interviews and questionnaires in 3695 subjects (76% participation). Risk factors were assessed using multivariate logistic regression models. RESULTS: Veterans of the first Gulf War reported a markedly higher prevalence of current anxiety disorders than nondeployed military personnel (5.9% vs. 2.8%; odds ratio = 2.1; 95% confidence interval = 1.3-3.1), and their anxiety disorders are associated with co-occurring psychiatric disorders. Posttraumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder were each present at rates nearly twice expected. In our multivariate model, predeployment psychiatric treatment and predeployment diagnoses (posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, or anxiety) were independently associated with current anxiety disorder. Participation in Gulf War combat was independently associated with current posttraumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. CONCLUSIONS: Current anxiety disorders are relatively frequent in a military population and are more common among Gulf War veterans than nondeployed military personnel. Predeployment psychiatric difficulties are robustly associated with the development of anxiety. Healthcare providers and policymakers need to consider panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, in addition to posttraumatic stress disorder, to ensure their proper assessment, treatment, and prevention in veteran populations.