Families overcoming under stress: implementing family-centered prevention for military families facing wartime deployments and combat operational stress

The toll of multiple and prolonged deployments on families has become clearer in recent years as military families have seen an increase in childhood anxiety, parental psychological distress, and marital discord. Families overcoming under stress (FOCUS), a family-centered evidence-informed resiliency training program developed at University of California, Los Angeles and Harvard Medical School, is being implemented at military installations through an initiative from Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery. The research foundation for FOCUS includes evidence-based preventive interventions that were adapted to meet the specific needs of military families facing combat operational stress associated with wartime deployments. Using a family narrative approach, FOCUS includes a customized approach utilizing core intervention components, including psychoeducation, emotional regulation skills, goal setting and problem solving skills, traumatic stress reminder management techniques, and family communication skills. The purpose of this study is to describe the development and implementation of FOCUS for military families. A case example is also presented.     

Noise-induced hearing loss among U.S. Air Force cryptolinguists

BACKGROUND: Occupational noise-induced hearing loss remains epidemic in the U.S. Air Force (USAF) and aircrew members continue to be affected. This study examines noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) observed among USAF cryptolinguists that is attributable to radio noise and attempts to determine whether the current USAF Hearing Conservation Program (HCP) adequately identifies NIHL. METHODS: Audiograms from 120 ground-based cryptolinguists were examined. Comparisons were made between 1998 audiograms and either the reference audiogram or the enlistment audiogram. To determine HCP effectiveness, results were compared with the USAF standard of 3% or fewer permanent threshold shifts (PTS) per year. RESULTS: Some 13.3% of the cryptolinguists experienced standard threshold shifts (STS) between their enlistment audiogram and their initial occupational (reference) audiogram; 9.2% experienced STS in 1998 as compared with their initial enlistment audiogram but only 6 of the 11 (54%) were detectable using the reference audiogram as the baseline. The frequency pattern of changes in hearing thresholds was characteristic for NIHL. CONCLUSIONS: The NIHL that occurs among cryptolinguists prior to performance of the reference audiogram, and the hearing threshold shifts that occur between the enlistment audiogram and the reference audiogram, may obscure future hearing loss in the population. The incidence of PTS appeared to exceed 3% when the enlistment audiogram was used. While this result was not significantly different from 3%, sample size limitations and data accuracy concerns warrant that this population be closely watched in the future.     

Predicting attrition in basic military training.

This cohort study investigated whether the risk of attrition during Australian Army recruit training was predicted by the fitness, age, date of enlistment, or injury status of recruits. Subjects were 1,317 male Australian Army recruits undertaking 12 weeks of intensive training. Fitness was measured using a 20-m progressive shuttle run test (20 mSRT) in which higher scores reflected higher fitness. A total of 184 subjects failed to complete training. Two hundred seventy-six disabling lower limb training injuries were recorded; 100 were stress fractures or periostitis. Scores on the 20 mSRT ranged between 3.5 and 13.5. Multivariate survival analysis revealed a strong negative association between 20 mSRT score and risk of attrition (p < 0.001) and a positive association between sustaining a lower limb injury and risk of attrition (p < 0.001). These effects were additive. Age and enlistment date were not significantly associated with risk of attrition. Fitness and training procedures may be important, modifiable risk factors for attrition.     

Depression and torture.

Torture represents an exceptionally traumatic experience in which horror, helplessness, and hopelessness are extreme. Therefore, it can be expected that depression, along with other trauma-related disorders is present in torture victims at higher rates than in other psychotraumatized individuals. To demonstrate this, we examined two groups of refugees, all suffering the post-traumatic stress disorder. The first group (N = 50) had combat experience but were imprisoned and tortured as well. Members of the second group (N = 29) had combat experience. A third group (N = 30) consisted of local people with no traumatic experience. Using the Hamilton scale, the Beck Depression Inventory and structured dedicated interviews, we tried to determine whether those groups differed in level of depression based on their different levels of traumatic experience. The results of our study indicate that torture victims showed a significantly higher level of depression that is clinically relevant.     

Combat stress disorders and the U.S. Air Force

Air Force fliers and base personnel have unique spheres of vulnerability to combat stress disorders. A number of factors unique to the Air Force heighten combat stress vulnerability: (1) The passive nature of combat duties, (2) relatively small amounts of combat skills training, (3) absence of service-wide training in arms use, (4) lack of experience with mass casualty situations, (5) family proximity to potential operational areas, and (6) base and personnel immobility. The impact of combat stress disorders for both fliers and nonfliers in the Air Force can be minimized. Prevention, diagnosis, and treatment are discussed.     

The psychologist's role in the Garrison mission of combat stress control units

Active duty psychologists frequently are called upon to provide services that extend beyond the model of direct patient care. Army psychologists in combat stress control teams or division mental health services, Navy psychologists deployed to surgical companies, and Air Force psychologists deployed with air-transportable hospitals or mental health rapid response teams may find themselves acting as organizational consultants as well as clinicians. Psychologists assigned to hospitals and clinics also have opportunities to make contact with their units for purposes of consultation and education. Organizational consultations that offer interventions for improving unit readiness and/or increasing combat effectiveness are often welcomed by commanders and provide a mechanism for the application of training and experience directly to military populations. Transferring skills from patient care to performance enhancement may not be a clear progression for many clinicians. This article describes the strategies and materials developed as part of a combat stress control garrison mission at Fort Lewis, Washington, as an example of one approach to working with combat units. The article also calls for the development of a formal mechanism to train psychologists for such roles and for the maintenance and dissemination of research materials to support organizational interventions.     

战伤休克的液体复苏进展

一般战伤,休克的发生率为10％～15％,未来高技术局部战争,休克的发生率可高达25％～30％。约50％的战伤伤员因失血休克而死,所以战(创)伤休克伤员的早期救治非常重要。近年来随着对休克病理生理、发病机制、组织体液及氧代谢研究的不断深入,世界各国(包括军队)在战(创)伤休克的液体复苏时机、早期液体复苏方法与原则、复苏终点与标准,以及复苏液体的选择上作了许多有益探索,提出了许多新的观点和概念。本文重点对这方面的进展作一概述。     

Schädel-Hirn-Trauma und Sport

In virtually any sports discipline the participants are at risk to suffer traumatic brain injury. Injury may occur with accidental falls or with non-intentional collisions with other athletes. Boxing and other combat sports, however, are unique with intentional and voluntary infliction of traumatic injury on the combatant. Recently, the medical focus has shifted from accidental acute often fatal forms of traumatic brain injury to potentially hazardous chronic repetitive mild head injury, such as concussion and the possible relationship to neurodegenerative processes. In this review the main issues of acute and chronic neurotrauma related to sports activities are discussed. Because of the extreme popularity of sports worldwide the implications of head injuries are enormous.     

MRI容积测量和氢质子磁共振波谱在PTSD中的应用

创伤后应激障碍（PTSD）是经历创伤事件（战争，交通事故。自然灾害等）后导致的一种生物心理社会功能异常。目前诊断主要靠临床资料。随着磁共振技术的发展，已可以在活体进行形态学和功能的研究。本文就MRI容积测量和氢质子磁共振波谱在PTSD中的应用进行综述。     

Evaluating the Joint Theater Trauma Registry as a data source to benchmark casualty care

Just as data from civilian trauma registries have been used to benchmark and evaluate civilian trauma care, data contained within the Joint Theater Trauma Registry (JTTR) present a unique opportunity to benchmark combat care. Using the iterative steps of the benchmarking process, we evaluated data in the JTTR for suitability and established benchmarks for 24-hour mortality in casualties with polytrauma and a moderate or severe blunt traumatic brain injury (TBI). Mortality at 24 hours was greatest in those with polytrauma and a severe blunt TBI. No mortality was seen in casualties with polytrauma and a moderate blunt TBI. Secondary insults after TBI, especially hypothermia and hypoxemia, increased the odds of 24-hour mortality. Data contained in the JTTR were found to be suitable for establishing benchmarks. JTTR data may be useful in establishing benchmarks for other outcomes and types of combat injuries.     

Obesity in civilian adults: potential impact on eligibility for U.S. military enlistment

OBJECTIVE: This study measures the prevalence in the civilian adult population of obesity for military enlistment. METHODS: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for 2001-2004 was used to obtain a sample of civilian adults 17 to 42 years of age. Weight standards for each branch of service were applied to determine the proportion of subjects who were over maximal weight limits and thus ineligible for enlistment. RESULTS: Depending on the branch of service and the age range, 17.9% to 54.4% of men and 20.8% to 54.9% of women were overweight for enlistment. Generally, there were higher prevalence rates in the older age groups and among women. Prevalence rates for non-Caucasian subjects were not higher among men but were higher among women. CONCLUSION: Large proportions of civilian adults are over the weight limits for military enlistment. The currently increasing prevalence of obesity in the civilian population may pose a challenge for military recruitment programs.     

创伤后应激障碍脑功能神经影像学研究和进展

创伤后应激障碍是个体经历严重的创伤性事件(如战争、受虐)后产生的严重的精神障碍。近年来,脑神经影像研究尤其是功能神经影像学研究在创伤后应激障碍中的应用日益增多,功能神经影像技术有利于观察创伤后应激障碍功能脑区以及神经环路的异常。本文综述功能神经影像技术(功能磁共振成像,正电子发射断层扫描,和单光子发射计算机体层扫描)在创伤后应激障碍研究中的重要发现,并提出今后可能的研究方向。     

中美空军飞行学员医学选拔对照实证研究--胆囊疾病

目的：对照分析中美飞行学员医学选拔胆囊体检标准及其对选拔结果的影响,为我军飞行学员选拔标准的修订提供理论及数据支持。方法对比分析2012—2015年招飞定选数据,并对胆囊体检结果按照中美招飞医学选拔标准进行比较。结果2012—2015年飞行学员医学选拔过程中胆囊体检不合格人数110例,综评合格119例。胆囊体检不合格的主要原因是胆囊息肉（103例）及胆囊结石（7例）,综评合格的主要原因是胆囊息肉（119例）。结论中美飞行学员胆囊体检医学选拔标准有一定差异,综合评定制度有利于更好地保留合格学员。     

Deployment risk factors and postdeployment health profiles associated with traumatic brain injury in heavy drinking veterans

Along with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is considered one of the "signature wounds" of combat operations in Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom [OIF]) and Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom [OEF]), but the role of mTBI in the clinical profiles of Veterans with other comorbid forms of post-deployment psychopathology is poorly understood. The current study explored the deployment risk and postdeployment health profiles of heavy drinking OIF and OEF Veterans as a function of mTBI. Sixty-nine heavy-drinking OIF/OEF Veterans were recruited through a Veterans' Affairs Medical Center and completed questionnaires and structured interviews assessing war-zone experiences, postdeployment drinking patterns, and PTSD symptoms. Veterans with positive mTBI screens and confirmed mTBI diagnoses endorsed higher rates of combat experiences, including direct and indirect killing, and met criteria for PTSD at a higher rate than Veterans without a history of mTBI. Both PTSD and combat experiences independently predicted screening positive for mTBI, whereas only combat experiences predicted receiving a confirmed mTBI diagnosis. mTBI was not associated with any dimension of alcohol use. These results support a growing body of literature linking mTBI with PTSD.     

Immune responsiveness and risk of illness in U.S. Air Force Academy cadets during basic cadet training.

It has been proposed, but not confirmed, that environmental stressors alter immune function and increase the risk of viral infection among healthy individuals. We evaluated this hypothesis, examining the relationship among stress, immune function, and illness in 96 first-year U.S. Air Force Academy cadets during orientation and 4 weeks later during the stressful environment of Basic Cadet Training (BCT). Perceived stress and well-being levels of cadets were assessed via questionnaire. Immune responsiveness was analyzed by PHA-stimulated thymidine uptake in mononuclear leucocytes and by serologic evidence of reactivation of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). We documented significant declines in in vitro PHA-induced lymphocyte transformation (-35%; p less than 0.05) and subjective well-being (-19%; p less than 0.05) from orientation to BCT with corresponding, significant increases in perceived stress (+32%; p less than 0.05). Despite significantly altered in vitro immune responsiveness, there was no serologic evidence of EBV reactivation nor was there an association between these measures and risk of illness as determined by medical chart review and self-reported symptoms. These results suggest that reduced in vitro immune responsiveness during a moderate stressor may not necessarily lead to an increased risk of infection and/or reactivation of EBV in normal individuals.     

The ethical and legal responsibilities of the medical profession in relation to Torture and the implications of any form of participation by doctors in Torture∗

The terrorist attack on the USS Cole on 12 October 2000 was remarkably similar to the 1987 attack on the USS Stark. This article discusses the psychosocial consequences of the attacks on the families and crews of the ships and the community response of the Navy to the attacks, particularly that of the Navy Family Service Centers. The impact of the attacks is compared to the impact of natural and man‐made disasters on communities while the impact on the crew is examined in light of combat psychiatry and post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Events such as these are very likely to produce PTSD despite early intervention efforts. Following the attack on the Stark greater attention was given to the grief of family members than to the trauma of the crew, while the crew of the Cole has received longer‐term psychiatric assistance than in previous similar episodes.     

童年创伤对抑郁情绪的影响:有调节的中介模型

 目的 为明确童年期创伤经历对抑郁情绪的作用机制,本研究构建了一个有调节的中介模型,考察在新兵中愤怒表达在二者关系中的中介作用以及压力的调节作用。方法 418 名男性新兵为被试,采用问卷法对童年期创伤经历、压力、愤怒表达及抑郁情绪进行调查。结果 (1)在控制年龄、学历、家庭所在地、是否独生和父母关系后,童年创伤对抑郁情绪具有显著的正向预测作用;(2)愤怒对内表达、愤怒对外表达和控制愤怒对外表达能够在童年创伤经历与抑郁情绪的关系中起中介作用;(3)童年创伤经历对抑郁情绪的直接预测作用受到压力的调节。结论 引导新兵合理地表达愤怒情绪,对其抑郁情绪及其心理社会适应服务具有意义。     

Approaches to the primary prevention of posttraumatic stress disorder in the military: a review of the stress control literature

Numerous studies are underway, using data collected from clinical studies and data collected from surveys of combat troops, to determine the most efficacious treatment options for those diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In contrast, little is known about the effectiveness of predeployment training in preventing or mitigating the impact of combat-related stressors on the development of PTSD. We conducted a comprehensive review of literature pertaining to primary prevention efforts to stem the advent of PTSD and other combat and operational stress injuries in military populations using databases from the peer-reviewed literature as well as online searches and colleague referrals. Results show that, as with treatment for PTSD, the most promising preventive approaches appear to utilize exposure strategies, especially those in conjunction with education and stress reduction skills training.     

肌酸激酶、肌酸激酶同工酶、肌钙蛋白指标在新兵身体状况评估中的意义

 目的 探讨肌酸激酶(creatine kinase, CK)及其同工酶(creatine kinase-MB, CK-MB) 和肌钙蛋白Ⅰ(cardiac troponin Ⅰ, CTnⅠ)指标在新兵身体状况评估中的意义。方法 选择2019秋季武警某部新入伍战士1660名为研究对象,入伍14 d检测CK值,其中CK值高于90%分位数人员归入高CK组,低于10%分位数纳入对照组;比较两组人员既往运动史、入伍14~90 d临床症状情况,以及入伍90 d后CK、CK-MB、CTnⅠ、CK较入伍14 d的改变量。结果 (1)1660名士兵入伍14 d CK中位数(四分位数)为321(201,592)U/L,整体分布呈左偏态分布,95%医学参考值范围为33.59~1906.53 U/L。(2)入伍14~90 d,高CK组166例样本中38例(22.89%)出现临床症状,对照组166例样本中8例(4.82%)出现临床症状,两组比较差异有统计学意义(χ²=22.71,P＜0.01,OR=5.86,95%CI:2.64~13.01);高CK组中16例(9.64%)有既往训练史,对照组中有35例(21.08%), 两组比较差异有统计学意义(χ²=8.36,P=0.004,OR=0.40, 95%CI:0.21~0.75)。(3)入伍90 d,两组样本CK-MB值、CTnⅠ值均在正常范围内,高CK组较对照组CK值低、CK改变量大、CK-MB值低、CTnⅠ值高。结论 新兵体格复查时,CK医学参考值范围推荐为33.59~1906.53 U/L,同时无明显临床症状时血清CK值升高无需过多关注。新兵集训的运动量及持续时间可能无法导致CK-MB、CTnⅠ升高,其他阳性指征时查血清CK-MB、CTnⅠ亦可能无临床意义。     

Gender differences in subjective distress attributable to anticipation of combat among U.S. Army soldiers deployed to the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm

This study compares perceptions of stress, cohesion, and psychological well-being among 856 male soldiers and 169 female soldiers from combat support and combat service support units deployed to the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm. Three different types of stressors were measured: anticipation of combat, operational stress, and personal stress. Female soldiers scored higher than male soldiers on all three measures of stress but scored lower than males on horizontal and vertical cohesion. In a stepwise discriminant function analysis, anticipation of combat was the most significant discriminator between the genders, followed by horizontal cohesion. Anticipation of combat was a significant predictor of increased psychological symptoms for both genders, but it had a greater effect on the psychological symptoms of female soldiers compared with male soldiers.