Symptom validity indices in the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5.

The use of symptom validity tests (SVTs) is standard practice in psychodiagnostic assessments. Embedded measures are indices within self-report measures. To date, no embedded SVTs have been identified in the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). This research aimed to develop and validate PCL-5 SVTs in two samples of veterans. Participants completed one of two prospective research studies that included cognitive and psychological tests. Participants in Study 1 were veterans (N = 464) who served following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks; participants in Study 2 were veterans or service members (N = 338) who had been deployed to Iraq and/or Afghanistan. Both studies included the PCL-5 and the Structured Inventory of Malingered Symptomatology (SIMS), the latter of which served as the criterion for identifying PCL-5 SVTs. For Study 1, two separate SVTs were developed: the PCL-5 Symptom Severity scale (PSS), based on the PCL-5 total score, and the PCL-5 Rare Items scale (PRI), based on PCL-5 items infrequently endorsed at the highest item ratings. At the most conservative SIMS cutoff score, the PSS achieved excellent discrimination for both the Study 1, AUC = .840, and Study 2 samples, AUC = .858, with specific cutoff scores of ≥ 51 and ≥ 56 maximizing sensitivity while maintaining a specificity of .90. The PRI achieved good discrimination, AUCs = .760 and.726, respectively, with a cutoff score of 2 or higher indicated by both studies. The results of these two studies provide provisional support for these two embedded SVTs in the PCL-5.

Contextual Effects of Traumatic Brain Injury on the Connectome: Differential Effects of Deployment- and Non-Deployment-Acquired Injuries.

OBJECTIVE: To identify differential effects of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurring in a deployment or nondeployment setting on the functional brain connectome. SETTING: Veterans Affairs Medical Center. PARTICIPANTS: In total, 181 combat-exposed veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan ( n = 74 with deployment-related mild TBI, average time since injury = 11.0 years, SD = 4.1). DESIGN: Cross-sectional observational study. MAIN MEASURES: Mid-Atlantic MIRECC (Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center) Assessment of TBI, Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale, connectome metrics. RESULTS: Linear regression adjusting for relevant covariates demonstrates a significant ( P < .05 corrected) association between deployment mild TBI with reduced global efficiency (nonstandardized ß = -.011) and degree of the K-core (nonstandardized ß = -.79). Nondeployment mild TBI was significantly associated with a reduced number of modules within the connectome (nonstandardized ß = -2.32). Finally, the interaction between deployment and nondeployment mild TBIs was significantly ( P < .05 corrected) associated with increased mean (nonstandardized ß = 9.92) and mode (nonstandardized ß = 14.02) frequency at which connections occur. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate distinct effects of mild TBI on the functional brain connectome when sustained in a deployment versus nondeployment context. This is consistent with findings demonstrating differential effects in other areas such as psychiatric diagnoses and severity, pain, sleep, and cognitive function. Furthermore, participants were an average of 11 years postinjury, suggesting these represent chronic effects of the injury. Overall, these findings add to the growing body of evidence, suggesting the effects of mild TBI acquired during deployment are different and potentially longer lasting than those of mild TBI acquired in a nondeployment context.

Are All Endoscopy-Related Musculoskeletal Injuries Created Equal? Results of a National Gender-Based Survey.

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopy-related injury (ERI) is common in gastroenterologists (GI). The study aim was to assess the prevalence of self-reported ERI, patterns of injury, and endoscopist knowledge of preventative strategies in a nationally representative sample. METHODS: A 38-item electronic survey was sent to 15,868 American College of Gastroenterology physician members. The survey was completed by 1,698 members and was included in analyses. Descriptive, univariate, and multivariate analyses were conducted to evaluate the likelihood of ERI based on workload parameters and gender. RESULTS: ERI was reported by 75% of respondents. ERI was most common in the thumb (63.3%), neck (59%), hand/finger (56.5%), lower back (52.6%), shoulder (47%), and wrist (45%). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of ERI between men and women GI. However, women GI were significantly more likely to report upper extremity ERI while men were more likely to report lower-back pain-related ERI. Significant gender differences were noted in the reported mechanisms attributed to ERI. Most respondents did not discuss ergonomic strategies in their current practice (63%). ERI was less likely to be reported in GI who took breaks during endoscopy (P = 0.002). DISCUSSION: ERI is highly prevalent in GI physicians. Significant gender differences regarding specific sites affected by ERI and the contributing mechanisms were observed. Results strongly support institution of training in ergonomics for all GI as a strategy to prevent its impact on providers of endoscopy.

Research Letter: Blast Exposure and Brain Volume.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether blast exposure is associated with brain volume beyond posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis and history of traumatic brain injury (TBI). SETTING: Veterans Affairs Medical Center. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred sixty-three Iraq and Afghanistan combat veterans, 86.5% male, and 68.10% with a history of blast exposure. Individuals with a history of moderate to severe TBI were excluded. MAIN MEASURES: Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-5), Mid-Atlantic MIRECC Assessment of TBI (MMA-TBI), Salisbury Blast Interview (SBI), and magnetic resonance imaging. Maximum blast pressure experienced from a blast event represented blast severity. METHODS: Hierarchical regression analysis evaluated effects of maximum pressure experienced from a blast event on bilateral volume of hippocampus, anterior cingulate cortex, amygdala, orbitofrontal cortex, precuneus, and insula. All analyses adjusted for effects of current and lifetime PTSD diagnosis, and a history of deployment mild TBI. RESULTS: Maximum blast pressure experienced was significantly associated with lower bilateral hippocampal volume (left: ΔR2 = 0.032, P < .001; right: ΔR2 = 0.030, P < .001) beyond PTSD diagnosis and deployment mild TBI history. Other characteristics of blast exposure (time since most recent exposure, distance from closest blast, and frequency of blast events) were not associated with evaluated volumes. CONCLUSION: Exposure to a blast is independently associated with hippocampal volume beyond PTSD and mild TBI; however, these effects are small. These results also demonstrate that blast exposure in and of itself may be less consequential than severity of the exposure as measured by the pressure gradient.

Distress Tolerance and Symptom Severity as Mediators of Symptom Validity Failure in Veterans With PTSD.

OBJECTIVE: Performance validity tests (PVTs) and symptom validity tests (SVTs) are necessary in clinical and research contexts. The extent to which psychiatric distress contributes to failure on these tests is unclear. The authors hypothesized that the relation between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and validity would be serially mediated by distress tolerance and symptom severity. METHODS: Participants included 306 veterans, 110 of whom met full criteria for current PTSD. PVTs included the Medical Symptom Validity Test (MSVT) and b Test. The Structured Inventory of Malingered Symptomatology (SIMS) was used to measure symptom validity. RESULTS: MSVT failure was significantly and directly associated with PTSD severity (B=0.05, CI=0.01, 0.08) but not distress tolerance or PTSD diagnosis. b Test performance was not significantly related to any variable. SIMS failure was significantly associated with PTSD diagnosis (B=0.71, CI=0.05, 1.37), distress tolerance (B=-0.04, CI=-0.07, -0.01), and symptom severity (B=0.07, CI=0.04, 0.09). The serial mediation model significantly predicted all SIMS subscales. CONCLUSIONS: PTSD severity was associated with failing a memory-based PVT but not an attention-based PVT. Neither PVT was associated with distress tolerance or PTSD diagnosis. SVT failure was associated with PTSD diagnosis, poor distress tolerance, and high symptomatology. For veterans with PTSD, difficulty managing negative emotional states may contribute to symptom overreporting. This may reflect exaggeration or an inability to tolerate stronger negative affect, rather than a "cry for help."

Brain Volume in Veterans: Relationship to Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.

OBJECTIVE: Clarify associations between diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and deployment traumatic brain injury (TBI) on salient regional brain volumes in returning combat veterans. PARTICIPANTS: Iraq and Afghanistan era combat veterans, N = 163, 86.5% male. MAIN MEASURES: Clinician-administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-5), Mid-Atlantic MIRECC Assessment of TBI (MMA-TBI), magnetic resonance imaging. METHODS: Hierarchical regression analyses evaluated associations and interactions between current and lifetime PTSD diagnosis, deployment TBI, and bilateral volume of hippocampus, anterior cingulate cortex, amygdala, orbitofrontal cortex, precuneus, and insula. RESULTS: Deployment TBI was associated with lower bilateral hippocampal volume (P = .007-.032) and right medial orbitofrontal cortex volume (P = .006). Neither current nor lifetime PTSD diagnosis was associated with volumetric outcomes beyond covariates and deployment TBI. CONCLUSION: History of deployment TBI is independently associated with lower volumes in hippocampus and medial orbitofrontal cortex. These results support TBI as a potential contributing factor to consider in reduced cortical volume in PTSD.

Sequelae of Blast Events in Iraq and Afghanistan War Veterans using the Salisbury Blast Interview: A CENC Study.

Objective: To comprehensively characterize blast exposure across the lifespan and relationship to TBI.Participants: Post-deployment veterans and service members (N = 287).Design: Prospective cohort recruitment.Main Measures: Salisbury Blast Interview (SBI).Results: 94.4% of participants reported at least one blast event, 75% reported a pressure gradient during a blast event. Participants reported an average of 337.7 (SD = 984.0) blast events (range 0-4857), 64.8% occurring during combat. Across participants, 19.7% reported experiencing a traumatic brain injury (TBI) during a blast event. Subjective ratings of blast characteristics (wind, debris, ground shaking, pressure, temperature, sound) were significantly higher when TBI was experienced and significantly lower when behind cover. Pressure had the strongest association with resulting TBI (AUC = 0.751). Pressure rating of 3 had the best sensitivity (.54)/specificity (.87) with TBI. Logistic regression demonstrated pressure, temperature and distance were the best predictors of TBI, and pressure was the best predictor of primary blast TBI.Conclusion: Results demonstrate the ubiquitous nature of blast events and provide insight into blast characteristics most associated with resulting TBI (pressure, temperature, distance). The SBI provides comprehensive characterization of blast events across the lifespan including the environment, protective factors, blast characteristics and estimates of distance and munition.

The role of PTSD and TBI in post-deployment sleep outcomes.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the main and interaction effects of PTSD and TBI on sleep outcomes in veterans. Post-deployment combat veterans (N = 293, 87.37% male) completed clinical interviews to determine diagnosis and severity of PTSD and deployment TBI history, as well as subjective measures of sleep quality, sleep duration, and restedness. Sleep-related medical diagnoses were extracted from electronic medical records for all participants. PTSD and TBI were each associated with poorer ratings of sleep quality, restedness, shorter sleep duration, and greater incidence of clinically diagnosed sleep disorders. Analyses indicated main effects of PTSD on sleep quality (p < .001), but no main effects of TBI. PTSD severity was significantly associated with poorer sleep quality (p < .001), restedness (p = .018), and shorter sleep duration (p = .015). TBI severity was significantly associated with restedness beyond PTSD severity (p = .036). There were no interaction effects between diagnostic or severity variables. PTSD severity is a driving factor for subjective ratings of sleep disturbance beyond PTSD diagnosis as well as TBI diagnosis and severity. Despite this, poor sleep was apparent throughout the sample, which suggests post-deployment service members may globally benefit from routine screening of sleep problems and increased emphasis on sleep hygiene.

RBANS Validity Indices: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Neuropsychology practice organizations have highlighted the need for thorough evaluation of performance validity as part of the neuropsychological assessment process. Embedded validity indices are derived from existing measures and expand the scope of validity assessment. The Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) is a brief instrument that quickly allows a clinician to assess a variety of cognitive domains. The RBANS also contains multiple embedded validity indicators. The purpose of this study was to synthesize the utility of those indicators to assess performance validity. A systematic search was completed, resulting in 11 studies for synthesis and 10 for meta-analysis. Data were synthesized on four indices and three subtests across samples of civilians, service members, and veterans. Sufficient data for meta-analysis were only available for the Effort Index, and related analyses indicated optimal cutoff scores of ≥1 (AUC = .86) and ≥ 3 (AUC = .85). However, outliers and heterogeneity were present indicating the importance of age and evaluation context. Overall, embedded validity indicators have shown adequate diagnostic accuracy across a variety of populations. Recommendations for interpreting these measures and future studies are provided.

Behavioral and Health Outcomes Associated With Deployment and Nondeployment Acquisition of Traumatic Brain Injury in Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize behavioral and health outcomes in veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI) acquired in nondeployment and deployment settings. DESIGN: Cross-sectional assessment evaluating TBI acquired during and outside of deployment, mental and behavioral health symptoms, and diagnoses. SETTING: Veterans Affairs Medical Centers. PARTICIPANTS: Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who were deployed to a warzone (N=1399). INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Comprehensive lifetime TBI interview, Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Disorders, Combat Exposure Scale, and behavioral and health measures. RESULTS: There was a main effect of deployment TBI on depressive symptoms, posttraumatic stress symptoms, poor sleep quality, substance use, and pain. Veterans with deployment TBI were also more likely to have a diagnosis of bipolar, major depressive, alcohol use, and posttraumatic stress disorders than those who did not have a deployment TBI. CONCLUSIONS: TBIs acquired during deployment are associated with different behavioral and health outcomes than TBI acquired in nondeployment environments. The presence of TBI during deployment is associated with poorer behavioral outcomes, as well as a greater lifetime prevalence of behavioral and health problems in contrast to veterans without deployment TBI. These results indicate that problems may persist chronically after a deployment TBI and should be considered when providing care for veterans. Veterans with deployment TBI may require treatment alterations to improve engagement and outcomes.

Longitudinal changes in neuroimaging and neuropsychiatric status of post-deployment veterans: a CENC pilot study.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate preliminary data on longitudinal changes in psychiatric, neurobehavioural, and neuroimaging findings in Iraq and Afghanistan combat veterans following blast exposure. RESEARCH DESIGN: Longitudinal observational analysis. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Participants were invited to participate in two research projects approximately 7 years apart. For each project, veterans completed the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Disorders and/or the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale, Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MAIN OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: Chi-squared tests indicated no significant changes in current psychiatric diagnoses, traumatic brain injury (TBI) history, or blast exposure history between assessment visits. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests indicated significant increases in median neurobehavioural symptoms, total number of white matter hyperintensities (WMH), and total WMH volume between assessment visits. Spearman rank correlations indicated no significant associations between change in psychiatric diagnoses, TBI history, blast exposure history, or neurobehavioural symptoms and change in WMH. CONCLUSION: MRI WMH changes were not associated with changes in psychiatric diagnoses or symptom burden, but were associated with severity of blast exposure. Future, larger studies might further evaluate presence and aetiology of long-term neuropsychiatric symptoms and MRI findings in blast-exposed populations.

Neuropsychological Test Administration by Videoconference: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The purpose of the current systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the effect of videoconference administration on adult neurocognitive tests. We investigated whether the scores acquired during a videoconference administration were different from those acquired during on-site administration. Relevant counterbalanced crossover studies were identified according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Twelve studies met criteria for analysis. Included samples consisted of healthy adults as well as those with psychiatric or neurocognitive disorders, with mean ages ranging from 34 to 88 years. Heterogenous data precluded the interpretation of a summary effect for videoconference administration. Studies including particpants with a mean age of 65-75, as well as studies that utilized a high speed network connection, indicated consistent performance across videoconference and on-site conditions, however studies with older participants and slower connections were more variable. Subgroup analyses indicated that videoconference scores for untimed tasks and those allowing for repetition fell 1/10th of a standard deviation below on-site scores. Test specific analyses indicated that verbally-mediated tasks including digit span, verbal fluency, and list learning were not affected by videoconference administration. Scores for the Boston Naming Test fell 1/10th of a standard deviation below on-site scores. Heterogenous data precluded meaningful interpretation of tasks with a motor component. The administration of verbally-mediated tasks by qualified professionals using existing norms was supported, and the use of visually-dependent tasks may also be considered. Variability in previous studies indicates a need for further investigation of motor-dependent tasks. We recommend the development of clinical best practices for conducting neuropsychological assessments via videoconference, and advocate for reimbursement structures that allow consumers to benefit from the increased access, convenience, and cost-savings that remote assessment provides.

Integrated morbidity management for lymphatic filariasis and podoconiosis, Ethiopia.

PROBLEM: Lymphatic filariasis and podoconiosis are the major causes of tropical lymphoedema in Ethiopia. The diseases require a similar provision of care, but until recently the Ethiopian health system did not integrate the morbidity management. APPROACH: To establish health-care services for integrated lymphoedema morbidity management, the health ministry and partners used existing governmental structures. Integrated disease mapping was done in 659 out of the 817 districts, to identify endemic districts. To inform resource allocation, trained health extension workers carried out integrated disease burden assessments in 56 districts with a high clinical burden. To ensure standard provision of care, the health ministry developed an integrated lymphatic filariasis and podoconiosis morbidity management guideline, containing a treatment algorithm and a defined package of care. Experienced professionals on lymphoedema management trained government-employed health workers on integrated morbidity management. To monitor the integration, an indicator on the number of lymphoedema-treated patients was included in the national health management information system. LOCAL SETTING: In 2014, only 24% (87) of the 363 health facilities surveyed provided lymphatic filariasis services, while 12% (44) provided podoconiosis services. RELEVANT CHANGES: To date, 542 health workers from 53 health centres in 24 districts have been trained on integrated morbidity management. Between July 2013 and June 2016, the national health management information system has recorded 46 487 treated patients from 189 districts. LESSONS LEARNT: In Ethiopia, an integrated approach for lymphatic filariasis and podoconiosis morbidity management was feasible. The processes used could be applicable in other settings where these diseases are co-endemic.

Parental separation in childhood and adult smoking in the 1958 British birth cohort.

Background: Parental separation or divorce is a known risk factor for poorer adult health. One mechanism may operate through the uptake of risky health behaviours, such as smoking. This study investigated the association between parental separation and adult smoking in a large British birth cohort and also examined potential socioeconomic, relational and psychosocial mediators. Differences by gender and timing of parental separation were also assessed. Methods: Multiply imputed data on 11 375 participants of the National Child Development Study (the 1958 British birth cohort) were used. A series of multinomial logistic regression models were estimated to investigate the association between parental separation (0-16 years) and adult smoking status (age 42), and the role of potential socioeconomic, relational and psychosocial mediators. Results: Parental separation in childhood was associated with an increased risk of being a current (RRR = 2.14, 95% CI: 1.77, 2.60) or ex-smoker (RRR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.22, 1.85) at age 42. This association remained after consideration of potential socioeconomic, psychosocial and relational mediators. Relational (parent-child relationship quality, parental involvement and adult partnership status) and socioeconomic factors (overcrowding, financial hardship, housing tenure, household amenities, free school meal receipt and educational attainment) appeared to be the most important of the groups of mediators investigated. No differences by gender or the timing of parental separation were observed. Conclusion: Parental separation experienced in childhood was associated with increased risk of smoking. Families undergoing separation should be further supported in order to prevent the uptake of smoking and to prevent later health problems.

The National Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis from Ethiopia.

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is one of the most debilitating and disfiguring diseases common in Ethiopia and is caused by Wuchereria bancrofti. Mapping for LF has shown that 70 woredas (districts) are endemic and 5.9 million people are estimated to be at risk. The national government's LF elimination programme commenced in 2009 in 5 districts integrated with the onchocerciasis programme. The programme developed gradually and has shown significant progress over the past 6 years, reaching 100% geographical coverage for mass drug administration (MDA) by 2016. To comply with the global LF elimination goals an integrated morbidity management and disability prevention (MMDP) guideline and a burden assessment programme has also been developed; MMDP protocols and a hydrocoele surgical handbook produced for country-wide use. In Ethiopia, almost all LF endemic districts are co-endemic with malaria and vector control aspects of the activities are conducted in the context of malaria programme as the vectors for both diseases are mosquitoes. In order to monitor the elimination, 11 sentinel and spot-check sites have been established and baseline information has been collected. Although significant achievements have been achieved in the scale up of the LF elimination programme, there is still a need to strengthen operational research to generate programme-relevant evidence, to increase access to morbidity management services, and to improve monitoring and evaluation of the LF programme. However, the current status of implementation of the LF national programme indicates that Ethiopia is poised to achieve the 2020 goal of elimination of LF. Nevertheless, to achieve this goal, high and sustained treatment coverage and strong monitoring and evaluation of the programme are essential.

Considerations for the assessment of blast exposure in service members and veterans.

Introduction: Blast exposure is an increasingly present occupational hazard for military service members, particularly in modern warfare scenarios. The study of blast exposure in humans is limited by the lack of a consensus definition for blast exposure and considerable variability in measurement. Research has clearly demonstrated a robust and reliable effect of blast exposure on brain structure and function in the absence of other injury mechanisms. However, the exact mechanisms underlying these outcomes remain unclear. Despite clear contributions from preclinical studies, this knowledge has been slow to translate to clinical applications. The present manuscript empirically demonstrates the consequences of variability in measurement and definition across studies through a re-analysis of previously published data from the Chronic Effects of Neurotrauma Study 34. Methods: Definitions of blast exposure used in prior work were examined including Blast TBI, Primary Blast TBI, Pressure Severity, Distance, and Frequency of Exposure. Outcomes included both symptom report and cognitive testing. Results: Results demonstrate significant differences in outcomes based on the definition of blast exposure used. In some cases the same definition was strongly related to one type of outcome, but unrelated to another. Discussion: The implications of these results for the study of blast exposure are discussed and potential actions to address the major limitations in the field are recommended. These include the development of a consensus definition of blast exposure, further refinement of the assessment of blast exposure, continued work to identify relevant mechanisms leading to long-term negative outcomes in humans, and improved education efforts.

A blueprint for learning: How NHS England (London) learned during its response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Identification and sharing of lessons is a key aspect of emergency preparedness, resilience and response (EPRR) activity in the national health service (NHS) in England (NHS England, 2022). The overall intent of the lessons identification and implementation process is to improve readiness and response to future major incidents and emergencies, such that, wherever possible, patient harm is minimised and staff well-being is maximised. In this commentary, we draw on international literature to outline some of the major challenges in healthcare organisations to learning from major incidents and emergencies. We describe our experience of identifying lessons and set out the approach used by NHS England (London) to identifying lessons from the NHS response to the Covid-19 pandemic in the capital. We describe the knowledge garnered in our organisation about learning methods during the Covid-19 pandemic. The commentary considers the different approaches to identifying lessons, and the subsequent challenges of learning and implementation. This paper places its focus on the learning processes followed rather than what was learned as a result. It also explores whether the learning process undertaken by NHS England (London) demonstrates the hallmarks of a learning organisation.

Influence of affective instability on suicidal ideation beyond traumatic brain injury and posttraumatic stress disorder in veterans.

OBJECTIVE: Mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with long-term consequences, including greater risk for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suicidal ideation. Affective instability is also independently related to PTSD and suicidality, which may explain why some individuals continue to experience chronic psychiatric complaints following mild TBI. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate affective instability as a key factor for PTSD and suicidal ideation among Veterans with and without TBI. METHOD: Participants (N = 299 Veterans; 86.96% male) completed the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) and structured clinical interviews for TBI and psychiatric diagnoses. Hierarchical linear regression was used to evaluate main and interaction effects. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in affective instability (p = 0.140) or suicidal ideation (p = 0.453) between Veterans with or without TBI. Individuals with TBI were more likely to have a PTSD diagnosis (p = 0.001). Analyses evaluating PTSD diagnosis as an outcome indicated a main effect of affective instability (p < 0.001), but not TBI (p = 0.619). Analyses evaluating suicidal ideation as an outcome demonstrated an interaction effect between PTSD and affective instability beyond the effects of TBI (p = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS: Severe Affective instability appears to be a key factor in suicidal ideation among Veterans beyond TBI or PTSD history. PTSD was more strongly associated with suicidality at lower and moderate levels of affective instability. At severe levels of affective instability, however, Veterans with and without PTSD experienced suicidal ideation at similar rates. Findings suggests that high levels of affective instability not better explained by other psychiatric conditions confers similar suicidality risk to that of PTSD in a Veteran population.

Comparing effectiveness of residential versus intensive virtual treatment for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder.

OBJECTIVE: During the COVID-19 pandemic, restrictions imposed on residential treatment programs necessitated rapid implementation of virtual treatment delivery. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Programs (P-RRTP) are a key mental health treatment for Veterans with PTSD who require more intensive interventions than outpatient care. During the pandemic, the W. G. (Bill) Hefner VA Healthcare System developed and implemented a Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program for PTSD (VIOPP) to meet the needs of the Veteran population. The purpose of this analysis was to compare the effectiveness of VIOPP to P-RRTP. METHOD: Analyses included N = 370 Veterans, n = 193 who completed P-RRTP between January 2018 to April 2020 and n = 177 who completed VIOPP between June 2020 and November 2022 and provided pre- and posttreatment scores. Pre- and posttreatment scores of the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) were available for all patients. Pre- and posttreatment depressive symptom scores from the Nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) were available for n = 254 Veterans. Paired and independent samples t tests evaluated differences in change scores overall and by treatment modality (residential vs. virtual). RESULTS: Results indicated a significant decrease in PCL-5 scores regardless of treatment modality, p < .001. Despite beginning VIOPP with significantly higher PCL-5 scores than P-RRTP, there were no significant differences in PCL-5 change scores between virtual (M = -16.94) and residential treatment (M = -17.10), p = .910. PHQ-9 scores also decreased significantly for both treatment groups. CONCLUSION: These analyses suggest that intensive virtual treatment has similar effectiveness to residential treatment for PTSD. This supports the development of intensive virtual interventions as viable alternatives to residential treatments and a valuable component within the continuum of PTSD care. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

The Impact of Non-Pain Factors on Pain Interference Among U.S. Service Members and Veterans with Symptoms of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.

U.S. Service members and Veterans (SM/V) experience elevated rates of traumatic brain injury (TBI), chronic pain, and other non-pain symptoms. However, the role of non-pain factors on pain interference levels remains unclear among SM/Vs, particularly those with a history of TBI. The primary objective of this study was to identify factors that differentiate high/low pain interference, given equivalent pain intensity among U.S. SM/V participating in the ongoing Long-term Impact of Military-relevant Brain Injury Consortium-Chronic Effects of Neurotrauma Consortium (LIMBIC-CENC) national multi-center prospective longitudinal observational study. An explainable machine learning was used to identify key predictors of pain interference conditioned on equivalent pain intensity. The final sample consisted of n = 1,577 SM/Vs who were predominantly male (87%), and 83.6% had a history of mild TBI(s) (mTBI), while 16.4% were TBI negative controls. The sample was categorized according to pain interference level (Low: 19.9%, Moderate: 52.5%, and High: 27.6%). Both pain intensity scores and pain interference scores increased with the number of mTBIs (p < 0.001), and there was evidence of a dose response between the number of injuries and pain scores. Machine learning models identified fatigue and anxiety as the most important predictors of pain interference, whereas emotional control was protective. Partial dependence plots identified that marginal effects of fatigue and anxiety were associated with pain interference (p < 0.001), but the marginal effect of mTBI was not significant in models considering all variables (p > 0.05). Non-pain factors are associated with functional limitations and disability experience among SM/V with an mTBI history. The functional effects of pain may be mediated through multiple other factors. Pain is a multi-dimensional experience that may benefit most from holistic treatment approaches that target comorbidities and build supports that promote recovery.