“I’m Coming Home,Tell the World I’m Coming Home”. The Long Homecoming and Mental Health Treatment of Iraq and Afghanistan War Veterans

This study explored the journey of American armed forces personnel from their decision to join the service, through their service in an active military conflict and how these factors may be associated with potential resistance for mental healthcare. The data came from qualitative interviews with 46 OIF/OEF/OND active-duty military, reservists, and discharged veterans of the average age of 25 years, who presented for a new episode of mental health treatment to a large Veterans Affairs Hospital (VAH) in Northeastern United States in 2011–2012. Qualitative analysis of veterans’ perceptions revealed several major themes describing how a mental health diagnosis would negatively impact both their sense of identity and pragmatic career-building goals: enlisting as a career-building avenue, ‘noble superhero’ identity, escaping from hardship, and mental illness as a career-killer. Findings suggest that factors making young veterans resist mental healthcare may be reduced by partnering VAH psychiatrists with career counselors, and by enhancing military leadership’s awareness and understanding about how to support soldiers with emotional and mental health needs, with a goal to eliminating stigma.     

Trauma-related mental health needs and service utilization among female veterans

Women constitute a growing segment of the military veteran population and researchers have begun to examine the extent to which their mental health needs are appropriately addressed within the Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system. Existing research documents high rates of both military and non-military trauma among female veterans; however, little has been done to examine the extent to which female veterans exposed to trauma receive treatment for trauma-related problems such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance abuse within the VA system. This article reviews the literature documenting a high rate of trauma exposure among female veterans and examines evidence that trauma-related mental health problems, such as PTSD and substance-use problems, are under-diagnosed and under-treated among female veterans in VA healthcare settings. The few available studies examining general service utilization among female veterans are also reviewed, and implications for future research and clinical practice in the area of female veterans' trauma-related mental health needs and service use patterns are discussed. In order to provide more accurate assessments of female veterans' trauma-related mental health needs, researchers are encouraged to implement comprehensive trauma assessments as well as clinically valid PTSD and substance abuse diagnostic assessments. Researchers are also encouraged to examine the availability and efficacy of both VA and non-VA mental health services to determine the appropriateness of women's VA service use patterns. Clinicians providing VA mental health services for women are encouraged to include comprehensive, behaviorally-specific trauma interviews and diagnostic evaluations for PTSD and substance-related problems in their standard assessment protocols.     

Relationship conflict and partner violence by UK military personnel following return from deployment in Iraq and Afghanistan

Purpose

Risk of violence by UK military personnel, both towards non-family and family, has been found to be higher post-deployment. However, no UK research to date has attempted to examine relationship conflict and intimate partner violence (IPV) in this period. This study estimated the prevalence of and risk factors for post-deployment relationship conflict and partner violence in UK military personnel.

Methods

We utilised data on military personnel who had deployed to Iraq and/or Afghanistan (n = 5437), drawn from a large cohort study into the health and well-being of UK military personnel.

Results

34.7% reported relationship conflict (arguing with partner) and 3.4% reported perpetrating physical IPV post-deployment. Males were more likely than females to report relationship conflict. There were similar rates of self-reported physical IPV perpetration among males and females. Among our male sample, factors associated with both relationship conflict and physical IPV perpetration post-deployment included being in the Army compared with the Royal Air Force, higher levels of childhood adversity, higher levels of military trauma exposure and recent mental health and alcohol misuse problems. Being over 40 at time of deployment (vs being under 25) and having deployed in a combat role were also associated with relationship conflict, but not physical IPV perpetration.

Conclusions

Deployment-related variables and mental health and alcohol misuse problems were found to be key factors associated with post-deployment relationship conflict and IPV. Services providing health or welfare support to military personnel must collaborate with mental health services and consider history of deployment, and particularly deployment-related trauma, in their assessments to improve identification and management of intimate partner violence and abuse in military communities.

     

Evaluation of universal screening for military-related sexual trauma

OBJECTIVES: In response to growing concerns about sexual violence as an underrecognized traumatic consequence of military service, Veterans Health Administration policy requires universal screening for sexual trauma sustained during military service. This prospective study, the first to evaluate national efforts to screen for military sexual trauma, investigated whether sexual trauma screening is associated with increased utilization of mental health services. METHODS: This study examined data for all male (N=540,381) and female (N=33,259) veterans who had valid responses to screens for military sexual trauma in 2005. The use of mental health services during the three months after screening was examined for persons who screened positive for military sexual trauma and for those who screened negative. Findings were stratified by use of mental health services in the six months before the screening. RESULTS: Compared with negative screens, positive screens were associated with significantly increased rates of postscreen mental health treatment. A more than twofold increase was observed for patients without previous use of mental health treatment (women: relative risk [RR]=2.52, 95% confidence interval [CI]= 2.38-2.66; men: RR=2.47, 95% CI=2.34-2.61). In this group, the number of positive screens needed for one additional patient to access treatment was 5.5 for women and 7.2 for men. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that detection via screening is associated with increased rates of mental health treatment. An effective screening program that promotes detection of sexual trauma and access to mental health care can help to reduce the burden of psychiatric illness for those who have experienced military sexual trauma.     

Religion and mental health among women veterans with sexual assault experience

OBJECTIVE: Religion has been shown to have a positive impact on well-being and to play an important role in coping with stressful life events. However, the buffering effect of religiosity on mental health, after a particularly stressful life event such as sexual assault, has not been studied. In this study we examined the buffering effect of religion on mental health and depression for women who report experiencing sexual assault while in the military. METHOD: The sample includes a nationally representative sample of 3,543 women veterans who use VA ambulatory care. Two dimensions of religiosity were used: organizational (frequency of religious service attendance) and subjective (the extent religious beliefs are a source of strength/comfort). Mental health was measured by the mental component summary (MCS) from the SF36 and depressive symptoms were measured by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression (CES-D) scale. RESULTS: Women veterans who reported experiencing sexual assault while in the military had lower mental health scores and higher levels of depression. Linear regression analysis indicated that these negative impacts diminished with increased frequency of religious service attendance, supporting the buffering effect of organizational religiosity on mental health and depression. Although the buffering effect of subjective religiosity was not evident, subjective religiosity was shown to be positively associated with better mental health in both groups of women with and without sexual assault experience in the military. CONCLUSIONS: Frequent religious service attendance buffers the negative impacts of sexual assault on mental health and depression of women veterans. The potential of integrating religiosity in designing interventions is discussed.     

Military sexual trauma and suicidal behavior among National Guard personnel

BackgroundPreliminary evidence suggests military sexual trauma (MST) may be associated with increased risk for suicidal behaviors among active duty military personnel and veterans. Among National Guard personnel, a high-risk subgroup, MST and suicide risk have not received much empirical attention.PurposeTo examine the association of MST with suicide ideation and suicide attempts among National Guard personnel.ProceduresN = 997 National Guard personnel from Idaho and Utah participated in an anonymous online survey. Weighted analyses were conducted to minimize sampling bias.Main findings9% of participants had a history of MST (6% of men, 28% of women). Among participants reporting MST, 68% reported a service member perpetrator and 44% reported a civilian perpetrator (12% reported both). A history of MST was associated with significantly increased risk for lifetime suicide attempt. MST remained a significant predictor of lifetime suicide attempt even when restricting the sample to the subgroup with a history of suicidal thoughts (n = 257, 27% of full sample). When adjusting for premilitary sexual victimization, MST was no longer significantly associated with lifetime suicide attempts, but premilitary sexual victimization was.ConclusionsThe rate of MST among National Guard personnel is comparable to rates among active duty military personnel, although the perpetrators of MST are less likely to be service members. MST is a risk factor for suicide attempts, but premilitary sexual victimization is a relatively stronger risk factor.     

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in Older U.S. Military Veterans: Prevalence,Characteristics, and Psychiatric and Functional Burden

ObjectiveTo characterize the prevalence, characteristics, and comorbidities of subthreshold and full post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in older U.S. military veterans.Design and SettingA nationally representative web-based survey of older U.S. military veterans who participated in the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study (NHRVS) between November 18, 2019 and March 8, 2020.ParticipantsU.S. veterans aged 60 and older (n = 3,001; mean age = 73.2, SD: 7.9, range: 60–99).MeasurementsPTSD was assessed using the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5. Self-report measures assessed sociodemographic characteristics, trauma exposures, suicidal behaviors, psychiatric and substance use disorders, as well as mental, cognitive, and physical functioning. Multivariable analyses examined correlates of subthreshold and full PTSD.ResultsThe vast majority of the sample (n = 2,821; 92.7%) reported exposure to one or more potentially traumatic events. Of those exposed to such events, 262 (9.6%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.4%–10.9%) and 68 (1.9%, 95% CI: 1.3%–2.6%) screened positive for subthreshold and full PTSD, respectively. The prevalence of subthreshold and full PTSD was significantly higher in female veterans and veterans who use VA as their primary healthcare. Subthreshold and full PTSD groups endorsed more adverse childhood experiences and total traumas than the no/minimal PTSD symptom group, the most common traumatic experiences endorsed were combat exposure, physical or sexual assault, and life-threatening illness or injury. Veterans with subthreshold and full PTSD were also more likely to screen positive for depression, substance use disorders, suicide attempts, nonsuicidal self-injury, and suicidal ideation, and reported lower mental, cognitive, and physical functioning.ConclusionSubthreshold PTSD and full PTSD are prevalent and associated with substantial clinical burden in older U.S. veterans. Results underscore the importance of assessing both subthreshold and full PTSD in this population.     

Long-term development of post-traumatic stress symptoms and associated risk factors in military service members deployed to Afghanistan: Results from the PRISMO 10-year follow-up

BackgroundSymptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can manifest several years after trauma exposure, and may impact everyday life even longer. Military deployment can put soldiers at increased risk for developing PTSD symptoms. Longitudinal evaluations of PTSD symptoms in deployed military personnel are essential for mapping the long-term psychological burden of recent operations on our service members, and may improve current practice in veterans’ mental health care.MethodsThe current study examined PTSD symptoms and associated risk factors in a cohort of Dutch Afghanistan veterans 10 years after homecoming. Participants (N = 963) were assessed seven times from predeployment up to 10 years after deployment. Growth mixture modeling was used to identify distinct trajectories of PTSD symptom development.ResultsThe probable PTSD prevalence at 10 years after deployment was 8%. Previously identified risk factors like younger age, lower rank, more deployment stressors, and less social support were still relevant 10 years after deployment. Four trajectories of PTSD symptom development were identified: resilient (85%), improved (6%), severely elevated-recovering (2%), and delayed onset (7%). Only the delayed onset group reported increasing symptom levels between 5 and 10 years postdeployment, even though 77% reported seeking help.ConclusionsThis study provides insights into the long-term burden of deployment on the psychological health of military service members. It identifies a group of veterans with further increasing PTSD symptoms that does not seem to improve from currently available mental health support, and underlines the urgent need for developing and implementing alternative treatment opportunities for this group.     

Suicide attempts before joining the military increase risk for suicide attempts and severity of suicidal ideation among military personnel and veterans

Objective

Past self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (SITB) are robust predictors of future suicide risk, but no studies have explored the prevalence of SITB occurring prior to military service among military personnel and veterans, or the association of premilitary SITB with suicidal ideation and suicide attempts during or after military service. The current study explores these issues in two separate samples.

Method

Self-report data were collected from 374 college student veterans via anonymous only survey (Study 1) and from 151 military personnel receiving outpatient mental health treatment (Study 2).

Results

Across both studies, premilitary suicide attempts were among the most prominent predictor of subsequent suicide attempts that occurred after joining the military, even when controlling for demographics and more recent emotional distress. Among military personnel who made a suicide attempt during or after military service, approximately 50% across both samples experienced suicidal ideation and up to 25% made a suicide attempt prior to joining the military. Military personnel and veterans who made suicide attempts prior to joining the military were over six times more likely to make a later suicide attempt after joining the military. In Study 2, significantly more severe current suicidal ideation was reported by participants with histories of premilitary suicide risk, even when controlling for SITB occurring while in the military.

Conclusions

Military personnel and veterans who experienced SITB, especially suicide attempts, prior to joining the military are more likely to attempt suicide while in the military and/or as a veteran, and experience more severe suicidal crises.     

The health and wellbeing needs of veterans: a rapid review

Background

For the majority of serving members, life in the military has a positive effect on wellbeing. However, the type, intensity and duration of service, along with the transition from fulltime military to civilian life, may have a negative effect on veterans’ wellbeing. Such negative consequences, alongside the growing veteran population, indicate the need for greater exploration of veterans’ physical, mental and social wellbeing.

Methods

The current paper reports on the findings of a rapid review of the literature on the health and wellbeing needs of veterans, commissioned by the Australian Department of Veterans’ Affairs to inform future programs and services. The databases Embase, Medline, Cinahl, PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane Database were searched for systematic reviews reporting on veterans’ physical, mental and social wellbeing published in English in peer-reviewed journals.

Results

A total of 21 systematic reviews were included. The reviews reported on a range of mental, physical and social health problems affecting veterans. While there was limited information on prevalence rates of physical, mental and social health problems in veterans compared to civilian populations, the reviews demonstrated the interconnection between these domains and the effect of demographic and military service factors.

Conclusions

A key finding of the review is the interconnection of the mental, physical, and social health of veterans, highlighting the importance that an integrated approach to veterans’ wellbeing is adopted. It is suggested that understanding key factors, such as demographic factors and factors relating to military service, can support improved service provision for veterans.

     

Prospective post-traumatic stress disorder symptom trajectories in active duty and separated military personnel

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious mental illness that affects current and former military service members at a disproportionately higher rate than the civilian population. Prior studies have shown that PTSD symptoms follow multiple trajectories in civilians and military personnel. The current study examines whether the trajectories of PTSD symptoms of veterans separated from the military are similar to continuously serving military personnel. The Millennium Cohort Study is a population-based study of military service members that commenced in 2001 with follow-up assessments occurring approximately every 3 years thereafter. PTSD symptoms were assessed at each time point using the PTSD Checklist. Latent growth mixture modeling was used to compare PTSD symptom trajectories between personnel who separated (veterans; n = 5292) and personnel who remained in military service (active duty; n = 16,788). Four distinct classes (resilient, delayed-onset, improving, and elevated-recovering) described PTSD symptoms trajectories in both veterans and active duty personnel. Trajectory shapes were qualitatively similar between active duty and veterans. However, within the resilient, improving, and elevated recovering classes, the shapes were statistically different. Although the low-symptom class was the most common in both groups (veterans: 82%; active duty: 87%), veterans were more likely to be classified in the other three classes (in all cases, p < 0.01). The shape of each trajectory was highly similar between the two groups despite differences in military and civilian life.     

Healthcare Barriers among Severely Mentally Ill Homeless Adults: Evidence from the Five-site Health and Risk Study

Few studies have examined barriers to physical and mental healthcare among homeless mentally adults. Methods This study examined physical and mental healthcare barriers reported by 154 recently homeless mentally ill persons. Results Practical concerns (e.g. transportation and cost) were key components of barriers to accessing general medical care among uninsured men with poorer overall mental health, PTSD, and STD infections. Perceived stigma was an important component of mental healthcare barriers reported most frequently by those with greater psychiatric symptoms. Conclusion Focusing on individual characteristics underlying barriers to healthcare may lead to better interventions for improving access to needed care.     

Behavioral Epidemic of Loneliness in Older U.S. Military Veterans: Results From the 2019-2020 National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study

ObjectiveThis study aimed to characterize the current prevalence of loneliness, and the relation between loneliness severity and mental and physical health conditions, suicidality, and functional measures in a predominantly older sample of U.S. military veterans.MethodsThis cross-sectional study used data from the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study, which surveyed a nationally representative sample of U.S. veterans (N = 4,069; mean age = 62) from November 2019 through March 2020. Veterans were classified into one of 3 groups based on their current level of loneliness (hardly ever, sometimes, often) on an adapted version of the Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale. A comprehensive range of mental and physical health, and functioning variables were assessed using valid and reliable self-report assessments.ResultsA total of 56.9% of veterans endorsed feeling lonely sometimes (37.2%) or often (19.7%). Loneliness severity was independently associated with a range of mental health (odds ratios [ORs] = 1.21–33.30), physical health (ORs = 1.21–6.80), and functional difficulties (d's = 0.09–0.59). Relative to hardly ever feeling lonely, feeling lonely often or sometimes was associated with a more than 12- and three-fold greater likelihood of current suicidal ideation (29.0% versus 7.3% versus 1.5%), even after adjustment for sociodemographic, military, and psychiatric risk factors.ConclusionsLoneliness is highly prevalent in U.S. military veterans, with more than half endorsing feeling lonely sometimes or often, and 1-of-5 reporting feeling lonely often. Loneliness severity was independently associated with a broad range of mental and physical health and functional measures, ias well as suicidal ideation. Results underscore the importance of loneliness as a transdiagnostic prevention and intervention target in the U.S. veteran population.     

The experiences and support needs of people with intellectual disabilities who identify as LGBT: A review of the literature

BackgroundPeople who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) can face many challenges in society including accessing education, care and support appropriate to individual needs. However, there is a growing and evolving evidence base about the specific needs of people with intellectual disabilities (ID) in this regard.AimsThe aim of this review was to explore the experiences of people with ID who identified as LGBT through an examination of studies that addressed their views and highlighted specific issues, concerns and service responses.Methods and proceduresA comprehensive search of relevant databases from February 1995 to February 2015 was conducted. Studies were identified that met specific criteria that included: empirical peer reviewed studies, the use of recognised research methods and focused on people with ID whom identified as LGBT. The search yielded 161 papers in total. The search was narrowed and 37 papers were screened using rigorous inclusion and exclusion criteria. Finally, 14 papers were considered suitable for the review.Outcomes and resultsThe data were analysed and key themes identified that included accessing health services, gender and sexual identity, attitudes of people with ID regarding their LGBT status, and education, supports and therapeutic interventions.Conclusions and implicationsThere is a need for service providers and carers to be more responsive to the concerns of people with ID who identify as LGBT to improve their health and well-being by reducing stigma and discrimination and by increasing awareness of their care and support needs. The implications are discussed in terms of policy, education, research and practice developments.     

Lifetime trauma exposure in veterans with military-related posttraumatic stress disorder: association with current symptomatology

OBJECTIVE: This study examined whether trauma exposure before, during, and/or after military service contributed to current levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and adjustment. Further, we investigated whether trauma exposure before military service was mediated or moderated by military trauma in its effects on current PTSD and adjustment. METHOD: In this retrospective study, archival data from the medical records of 422 male veterans diagnosed with PTSD between December 2001 and July 2004 at a Veterans Administration Medical Center PTSD clinic were analyzed. Measures included the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale interview as well as self-report measures assessing trauma history, health problems, and general psychopathology (including PTSD). RESULTS: Findings indicated that nonmilitary-related trauma was prevalent in this sample (90%). Regression analyses for PTSD symptom severity revealed that age, greater combat exposure, and a history of physical assault after military service were significantly associated with more severe PTSD symptoms. Childhood physical abuse, adult sexual trauma, and a history of being physically assaulted during military service were also significantly associated with PTSD symptom severity. Mediational analyses indicated that childhood trauma was associated with both adult trauma and increased symptomatology on various outcome measures. Moderational analyses indicated that adult trauma exposure moderated the effect of childhood trauma exposure on health complaints. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that several variables, including age, greater combat exposure, and premilitary and postmilitary traumas, are associated with increased PTSD symptomatology. This finding underscores the importance of conducting a thorough assessment of trauma when diagnosing PTSD.     

A Qualitative Exploration of the Views of Policymakers and Policy Advisors on the Impact of Mental Health Stigma on the Development and Implementation of Mental Health Policy in Singapore

Few studies have examined the views of policy makers regarding the impact of mental health stigma on the development and implementation of mental health policies. This study aimed to address this knowledge gap by exploring policymakers’ and policy advisors’ perspectives regarding the impact of mental health stigma on the development and implementation of mental health programmes, strategies, and services in Singapore. In all 13 participants were recruited for the study comprising practicing policymakers, senior staff of organisations involved in implementing the various mental health programmes, and policy advisors. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, which were transcribed verbatim and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Data analysis revealed three superordinate themes related to challenges experienced by the policymakers/advisors when dealing with mental health policy and implementation of programmes. These themes included stigma as a barrier to mental health treatment, community-level barriers to mental health recovery, and mental health being a neglected need. Policymakers/advisors demonstrated an in-depth and nuanced understanding of the barriers (consequent to stigma) to mental healthcare delivery and access. Policymakers/advisors were able to associate the themes related to the stigma towards mental illness with help-seeking barriers based on personal experiences, knowledge, and insight gained through the implementation of mental health programmes and initiatives.

     

Systematic review of mental health disorders and intimate partner violence victimisation among military populations

Purpose

There is growing awareness of the problem of intimate partner violence (IPV) among military populations. IPV victimisation has been shown to be associated with mental disorder. A better understanding of the link between IPV and mental disorder is needed to inform service development to meet the needs of military families. We aimed to systematically review the literature on the association between IPV victimisation and mental health disorders among military personnel.

Methods

Searches of four electronic databases (Embase, Medline, PsycINFO, and Web of Science) were supplemented by reference list screening. Heterogeneity among studies precluded a meta-analysis.

Results

Thirteen studies were included. There was stronger evidence for an association between IPV and depression/alcohol problems than between IPV and PTSD. An association between IPV and mental health problems was more frequently found among veterans compared to active duty personnel. However, the link between IPV and alcohol misuse was more consistently found among active duty samples. Finally, among active duty personnel psychological IPV was more consistently associated with depression/alcohol problems than physical/sexual IPV. The review highlighted the lack of research on male IPV victimisation in the military.

Conclusions

There is evidence that the burden of mental health need may be significant among military personnel who are victims of IPV. The influence of attitudes towards gender in the military on research in this area is discussed. Further research is needed to inform development of services and policy to reduce IPV victimisation and the mental health consequences among military personnel.

     

The role of cumulative sexual trauma and difficulties identifying feelings in understanding female veterans' physical health outcomes

OBJECTIVE: To examine the role of alexithymia (difficulties identifying one's emotions) in understanding the link between PTSD symptoms and negative health outcomes in sexually victimized female veterans. We hypothesized that having experienced multiple types of sexual trauma across the lifespan, experiencing greater severity of PTSD symptoms, and reporting difficulties in identifying emotions would be associated with increased negative health outcomes. METHOD: Anonymous cross-sectional survey of a convenience sample of 456 female veterans enrolled in a VA clinic within the prior year. Data collected included demographics, lifetime trauma exposure, psychological and medical symptoms, emotion recognition problems (alexithymia), health-risk behaviors, and health care utilization. RESULTS: A total of 57.5% of participants reported a lifetime history of sexual trauma. After controlling for sexual trauma history, PTSD symptoms, and other well-established predictors of health care utilization in the VA medical system such as pre-disposing, enabling and need-based factors, hierarchical regression analyses showed that alexithymia independently explained unique variance in participants' physical health complaints and in their odds of reporting at least one outpatient urgent care visit in the past year. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that emotion recognition problems may contribute to poorer health outcomes in sexually traumatized women veterans beyond what is explained by sexual trauma exposure, health risk behaviors and PTSD. Psychological interventions that enhance emotion identification skills for women who have experienced sexual trauma could improve health perceptions and reduce need for acute health care.