Factor analysis of the neurobehavioral symptom inventory in veterans with PTSD and no history of mild TBI.

It is well established that long-term postconcussive symptoms following a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) are associated with underlying physical, emotional, and behavioral conditions. The Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory (NSI) is a measure used to assess neurobehavioral symptoms that can occur following a mTBI and has demonstrated a 3- or 4-factor structure in veterans. The present study aimed to investigate the factor structure of veterans with PTSD without a history of mTBI. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted on a sample of 221 treatment-seeking veterans and service members with PTSD and without a history of mTBI. Results supported a 4-factor structure comprised of vestibular, somatic, cognitive, and affective domains in veterans with PTSD. Subsequent, correlational analyses between the four NSI factors and the four subscales of the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist - Fifth Edition (PCL-5) revealed high correspondence between the cognitive and affective factors of the NSI and the negative alterations in mood and cognitions and hyperarousal symptom subscales of PTSD. Collectively, findings demonstrated that the NSI functions similarly in veterans with PTSD with or without a history of mTBI. Findings suggest that neurobehavioral symptoms assessed by the NSI appear to be nonspecific and not explicitly associated with mTBI.

The Impact of a Peer Navigator Program in Addressing the Health Needs of Latinos With Serious Mental Illness.

OBJECTIVE: The impact of a peer navigator program (PNP) on efforts to address the health needs of Latinos with serious mental illness was examined in a randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Latinos with a serious mental illness (N=110) were randomly assigned to the PNP (integrated care with a peer navigator [PN]) or to a treatment-as-usual control group (integrated care without a PN) for one year. Data on service engagement (scheduled and received appointments) were assessed weekly, and self-reports of recovery, empowerment, and quality of life were collected at baseline and at four, eight, and 12 months. RESULTS: Findings from group × trial analyses of covariance (ANCOVAs) found main and interaction effects for scheduled and achieved appointments, showing better engagement for the PNP group compared with the control group over the course of the study. Significant interactions were found for recovery, empowerment, and quality of life, showing greater improvement for the PNP group compared with the control group over year 1 of the study (multivariate ANCOVA; F=3.27, df=9 and 98, p<.01). CONCLUSIONS: In-the-field navigation by peers seems to enhance service engagement, recovery, and quality of life. Whether these results occurred because navigators helped overcome barriers to treatment-regardless of whether they were peers per se-needs to be examined in future research.

The stigma of families with mental illness.

OBJECTIVE: This article describes family stigma, which is defined as the prejudice and discrimination experienced by individuals through associations with their relatives. METHODS: The authors describe family stigma and present current research related to mental illness stigma experienced by family members. Research indicates this type of stigma negatively impacts family members and relatives with mental illness. RESULTS: The authors also present strategies to eliminate stigma and discuss implications for the training goals of psychiatrists throughout the text. CONCLUSION: The authors end this article with recommendations for psychiatry training goals.