Attention-control training as an early intervention for veterans leaving the military: A pilot randomized controlled trial.

Transitioning out of the military can be a time of change and challenge. Research indicates that altered threat monitoring in military populations may contribute to the development of psychopathology in veterans, and interventions that adjust threat monitoring in personnel leaving the military may be beneficial. Australian Defence Force personnel (N = 59) transitioning from the military were randomized to receive four weekly sessions of either attention-control training or a placebo attention training. The primary outcome was symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as measured using the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) at posttreatment. Following training, participants who received attention-control training reported significantly lower levels of PTSD symptoms, Hedges' g = 0.86, 95% CI [0.37, 1.36], p = .004, and significantly improved work and social functioning, Hedges' g = 0.93, 95% CI [0.46, 1.39], p = .001, relative to those in the placebo condition. Moreover, no participants who received attention-control training worsened with regard to PTSD symptoms, whereas 23.8% of those who received the placebo attention training experienced an increase in PTSD symptoms. The preliminary findings from this pilot study add to a small body of evidence supporting attention-control training as a viable indicated early intervention approach for PTSD that is worthy of further research.

Experiences of Serving and Ex-Serving Members With the PTSD Coach Australia App: Mixed Methods Study.

BACKGROUND: PTSD Coach Australia is an app for serving and ex-serving defense members and was adapted for the Australian context in 2013 from PTSD Coach, which was created in the United States. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to provide a user-centered evaluation of the app from the perspective of serving and ex-serving members of the Australian Defence Force. METHODS: Qualitative data were collected in response to questions to participants in 1 of 5 workshops (n=29) or in telephone interviews (n=24). Quantitative data were collected using the user version of Mobile Apps Rating Scale (uMARS). RESULTS: Analysis of the qualitative data demonstrated mixed support for the app. While some people found it extremely useful, especially as an adjunct to therapy, others pointed out limitations and cautioned against the app potentially triggering symptoms in people with PTSD. This perceived risk was usually found to stem from frustration with the app's functionality rather than its content. Participants spoke about the helpful and unhelpful aspects of the app and barriers to its use and made suggestions for improvement. Many participants encouraged its continued use and highlighted the need for it to be promoted more broadly, as many were not aware of it until they were invited to participate in this research. CONCLUSIONS: PTSD Coach Australia was seen in a positive light by some participants, but others thought it had too much text and the potential to trigger a traumatic response in users with PTSD. A need to update the app was also a common comment as was the need to increase awareness of the app's existence.

Clinicians' perceptions of PTSD Coach Australia.

INTRODUCTION: Applications or "mobile apps" are a potentially important source of assistance for serving and ex-serving Defence members with mental health problems. PTSD Coach Australia is a modified version of an application developed by the US Department of Veteran Affairs. Clinician perceptions of mobile apps are important as they influence the dissemination and adoption of apps. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of PTSD Coach Australia by clinicians with experience in assisting Defence members with mental health problems. METHOD: The study involved two samples of participants who were asked about their perceptions of PTSD Coach Australia. The first involved 33 clinicians who participated in one of five focus groups. The second comprised 30 clinicians who were individually interviewed by telephone. Qualitative responses to questions regarding PTSD Coach Australia were analysed to identify representative themes. Participants in the focus group sample also rated the app on the user version of the Mobile Apps Rating Scale (uMARS). RESULTS: On the uMARS, clinicians rated the mobile app's subjective quality as 'average' to 'good'. Participants generally saw the app as a useful to help track symptoms, improve engagement and help implement strategies between sessions. However, they also expressed concerns with the app not being user-friendly (e.g. too wordy, poor layout/navigation) and having technical issues (freezing or crashing on Android devices). DISCUSSION: PTSD Coach Australia is generally seen as being acceptable and useful by mental health clinicians. However, it is important to include their concerns in future developments of PTSD Coach Australia and similar mobile apps in order to maximize their utilisation in Defence members.