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Psychiatry and Psychology

Veterans

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

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Full-Text Articles in Medicine and Health Sciences

Research Brief: "Impact Of Military Trauma Exposures On Post-Traumatic Stress And Depression In Female Veterans", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University Jun 2017

Research Brief: "Impact Of Military Trauma Exposures On Post-Traumatic Stress And Depression In Female Veterans", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

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This brief is about the relation between combat stressors, depression, and PTSD among female veterans. In policy and practice, health providers should refer female veterans to services if they have experienced military sexual trauma; the DoD and VA should conduct analysis on the experiences of service and veteran women, and how they can best support service women who experienced military sexual trauma. Suggestions for future research include using an expanded sample and more sampling strategies, as well as use clinical interviews to collect data.


Research Brief: "Unmet Mental Healthcare Need And Suicidal Ideation Among U.S. Veterans", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University Sep 2016

Research Brief: "Unmet Mental Healthcare Need And Suicidal Ideation Among U.S. Veterans", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

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This brief is about the relationship between veterans' unfulfilled mental healthcare needs and suicidal ideation. In policy and practice, physicians should provide information to veterans about organizations and initiatives for assistance, and veterans' organizations should address socioeconomic needs, mental healthcare needs, and alcohol and substance use among the veteran population; policymakers should provide healthcare services for veterans to ensure that they receive mental healthcare when they need it. Suggestions for future research include reporting techniques besides self-reporting, incorporating veterans into the study who might have mental health concerns but are not clinically diagnosed, and looking at the impact of family …


Research Brief: "Receipt Of Employment Services Among Veterans Health Administration Users With Psychiatric Diagnoses", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University Oct 2015

Research Brief: "Receipt Of Employment Services Among Veterans Health Administration Users With Psychiatric Diagnoses", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

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This study found that about four percent (4.2%) of VHA users with psychiatric diagnoses accessed employment services in a given year. VHA patients with a psychiatric diagnosis of schizophrenia had higher odds of accessing employment services relative to VHA users with other psychiatric diagnoses, including PTSD, depression, and other anxiety disorders. In practice, veterans should be aware that receiving VHA employment services should not affect VA benefits and should discuss their medical and financial benefits with benefits advisors and other appropriate advisors. In policy, Policymakers could consider allocating funds to further study the efficacy and effectiveness of various employment services …


Research Brief: "Suicide Risk Among 1.3 Million Veterans Who Were On Active Duty During The Iraq And Afghanistan Wars", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University Sep 2015

Research Brief: "Suicide Risk Among 1.3 Million Veterans Who Were On Active Duty During The Iraq And Afghanistan Wars", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

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This brief is about a comparison between the post-service suicide risk of recent wartime veterans versus the suicide risk of the general population in the US. In policy and practice, veterans at risk for suicide should seek counseling, counselors should be aware of military service-specific stressors, and family members should support veterans through readjustment periods; the DoD and VA should continue offering medical screening and counseling services to recent veterans and veterans who were deployed. Suggestions for future research include examining the reasons for lower rates of suicide within certain military branches, determining the reasons for an excess suicide rate …


Research Brief: "Prevalence Of Suicidality Among Hispanic And African American Veterans Following Surgery", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University Sep 2015

Research Brief: "Prevalence Of Suicidality Among Hispanic And African American Veterans Following Surgery", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

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This brief is about the likelihood of suicidal behavior and ideation among African Americans and Hispanic Americans after surgery. In policy and practice, pain medications should be prescribed after major surgery, health professionals should evaluate for both physical and psychological suffering several months after surgery, and also provide more services to the patient if necessary; the VHA should expand its suicide prevention program and tailor interventions toward cultural subgroups. Suggestions for future research include looking at prescriber and patient characteristics when prescribing pain medication, looking at the differences in post-surgery coping by race, and relying on data from veterans about …


Research Brief: "Coping, Family Social Support, And Psychological Symptoms Among Student Veterans", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University Jun 2015

Research Brief: "Coping, Family Social Support, And Psychological Symptoms Among Student Veterans", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

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This study is about coping styles among student veterans and what is related to various coping styles. For policy and practice, universities should understand veterans' stigmatization of mental health services and should improve cultural competence; the Department of Veterans Affairs should work with universities to ensure student veteran success. Suggestions for future research include using a larger, more representative sample and looking at the effects of actual versus perceived social support.


Research Brief: "Alcohol Use And Craving Among Veterans With Mental Health Disorders And Mild Traumatic Brain Injury", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University May 2015

Research Brief: "Alcohol Use And Craving Among Veterans With Mental Health Disorders And Mild Traumatic Brain Injury", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

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This brief is about the relation between alcohol craving and mental health disorders among veterans, and how mental health disorders impact alcohol cravings. For policy and practices, the research shows that alcohol cravings and mental health disorders among veterans could be a sign for risk of alcohol use disorder. It also shows that the VA should assess veterans for alcohol use disorder, and also research more ties between mental health disorders and alcohol use. Suggestions for future research include conducting the study in a larger, more representative population, as well as involving families in measuring alcohol use/cravings to ensure less …


Research Brief: "Housing Instability And Mental Distress Among Us Veterans", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University Mar 2014

Research Brief: "Housing Instability And Mental Distress Among Us Veterans", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

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This study highlights potential relationships between veteran mental health and veteran housing instability. This research shows that veterans reporting housing instability have an increased likelihood of symptoms of mental distress and mental illness, especially among female, younger, and unmarried veterans. Future researchers should conduct similar studies throughout the United States, as well as look at long-term data for the purpose of providing ways to improve quality of life for at-risk veterans.


Research Brief: "Suicides In The Military: The Post-Modern Combat Veteran And The Hemingway Effect", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University Jan 2014

Research Brief: "Suicides In The Military: The Post-Modern Combat Veteran And The Hemingway Effect", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

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This brief is about current suicide prevention interventions within the military. In policy and practice, practitioners should monitor the wellness of aging veterans and ensure that a support system exists for their veteran patients, while veterans should participate in social events with other veterans; the VA and DoD should implement programs to ensure that veterans have feelings of belongingness and the VA should monitor veterans' well-being for 2-3 years after service during transitions. Suggestions for future research include examining the communities and veteran service organizations that produce the most useful support for veterans with mental health problems.


Research Brief: "Predictors Of Psychiatric Disorders In Combat Veterans", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University Aug 2013

Research Brief: "Predictors Of Psychiatric Disorders In Combat Veterans", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

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This brief is about the predictors of mental health diagnoses within a sample of Marines who experienced combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. In policy and practice, support networks should be implemented for servicemembers to share with their peers, clinicians should give female servicemembers and others who have a higher likelihood of developing a mental health disorder after combat information on how to prevent certain psychiatric disorders, and families should know the signs of psychiatric disorders to help servicemembers in their re-adjustment period after deployment. Military branches and policymakers could improve counseling for servicemembers returning from combat and encourage servicemembers to …


Research Brief: "Supporting The Education Goals Of Post-9/11 Veterans With Self-Reported Ptsd Symptoms: A Needs Assessment", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University Jun 2013

Research Brief: "Supporting The Education Goals Of Post-9/11 Veterans With Self-Reported Ptsd Symptoms: A Needs Assessment", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

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This research undertook a needs assessment for educational support among post-9/11 service veterans with self-reported PTSD symptoms, and found a need for age relevant services that assist with: education planning and access, counseling for the G.I. Bill, accommodations for PTSD symptoms, and more. Administrators should work to ensure that educational services are customized to meet individual needs of student veterans, as well as policies that ensure veterans have access to peer mentors in their age group. This can provide social opportunities and support from veterans who have successfully transitioned from active duty to civilian life. Future research should include more …


Research Brief: "Suicide Among Patients In The Veterans Affairs Health System: Rural-Urban Differences In Rates, Risks, And Methods", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University Jun 2013

Research Brief: "Suicide Among Patients In The Veterans Affairs Health System: Rural-Urban Differences In Rates, Risks, And Methods", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

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This brief is about the differences between rural and urban veterans in risks and rates for suicide. In policy and practice, communities should implement support programs for rural veterans, and veteran families should educate themselves about the risk factors for suicide and support veterans in their families; policymakers should increase VA outreach programs in rural areas, as well as programs educating rural veterans about the importance of mental health treatment for those at risk for suicide. Suggestions for future research include looking at the impact of social context on suicide rates, determining the relationship between suicide risk for rural veterans …


Research Brief: "Anxiety, Social Support, And Physical Health In A Sample Of Spouses Of Oef/Oif Service Members", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University Jun 2013

Research Brief: "Anxiety, Social Support, And Physical Health In A Sample Of Spouses Of Oef/Oif Service Members", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

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This study focused on anxiety disorders in military spouses and their comorbidity with physical health, identifying the potential for such a comorbidity to worsen over time. The study suggests the importance of recognizing, identifying, and supporting these members of the community. The future research proposed includes objectively measuring this study's outcomes, examining ALL of the military branches, and ways of treating these situations of anxiety disorders.


Research Brief: "Accommodating Veterans With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms In The Academic Setting", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University Jan 2013

Research Brief: "Accommodating Veterans With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms In The Academic Setting", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

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This study examined specific barriers to education in a sample of seven student veterans, which included veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and found some professional adjustment issues, social interactions, behavioral and emotional challenges, and life changes. In practice, student veterans expressed impairments in developing close relationships, concerns about feelings of isolation, and heightened anxiety when asked insensitive questions about their military service. In policy, educational policies regarding course transferability may need to be revisited so that veterans seeking to further their education can take steps to do so both during and after their military service without repeating coursework. Suggestions …


Research Brief: "Psychopathology, Iraq And Afghanistan Service, And Suicide Among Veterans Health Administration Patients", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University Dec 2012

Research Brief: "Psychopathology, Iraq And Afghanistan Service, And Suicide Among Veterans Health Administration Patients", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

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This brief is about the connections between being a OIF/OEF veteran who receives care from the VHA and suicide mortality. In policy and practice, mental health screenings for OIF/OEF veterans should be implemented in non-VHA healthcare settings and families of OIF/OEF veterans should encourage veterans to seek treatment if they exhibit signs of a mental health condition. The VHA should implement policies that promote its healthcare to veterans in order to decrease suicide risks among veterans and should also offer more mental health screenings for recently returned veterans. Suggestions for future research include looking at risks for suicide after traumatic …


Research Brief: "Impact Of The Seeking Safety Program On Clinical Outcomes Among Homeless Female Veterans With Psychiatric Disorders", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University Oct 2012

Research Brief: "Impact Of The Seeking Safety Program On Clinical Outcomes Among Homeless Female Veterans With Psychiatric Disorders", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

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This brief is about the effect of the Seeking Safety program's services on improvement in PTSD, psychiatric symptoms, and social support among homeless female veterans. In policy and practice, clinicians should be trained on how to use the program to better serve homeless female veterans, and policymakers should push for clinician training for those who work with homeless veterans. Suggestions for future research include applying this study and the Seeking Safety program to non-VA healthcare systems, assessing substance use within the program, and assessing the long-term effects of the Seeking Safety program.


Research Brief: "Web-Based Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Education For Military Family Members", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University Sep 2012

Research Brief: "Web-Based Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Education For Military Family Members", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

In this study, researchers introduced an educational website to assess and improve knowledge of PTSD, and also help to engage family members in positive actions to assist service members struggling with PTSD. Web-based content can serve as a valuable method of providing care and information to military service members without the risk of being stigmatized; therefore, policy makers should focus on creating and maintaining structural and financial support for programs that provide military service members, and their families, tools to manage post-deployment issues. Future studies should focus on providing an increased range of services for military families using the educational …


Research Brief: "Civilian Employment Among Recently Returning Afghanistan And Iraq National Guard Veterans", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University Jul 2012

Research Brief: "Civilian Employment Among Recently Returning Afghanistan And Iraq National Guard Veterans", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

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This brief shows the impact of OIF and OEF National Guard and Reserve veterans' mental health problems on their likelihood of employment. This study, unusually, found that less than half of the surveyed National Guard and Reserve service members had obtained employment by 45-60 days post-mobilization, despite their possible mental health problems. Suggestions for future research include gathering information from all potential survey participants, as well as service members entering the civilian workforce, beyond the first 45-60 days post-deactivation, rather than within this period.


Research Brief: "Psychiatric Status And Work Performance Of Veterans Of Operations Enduring Freedom And Iraqi Freedom", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University Jun 2012

Research Brief: "Psychiatric Status And Work Performance Of Veterans Of Operations Enduring Freedom And Iraqi Freedom", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

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This study examines the relationship between psychiatric status and work impairment among OEF/OIF veterans enrolled in VA healthcare. In practice, mental health services are a high priority for the Veterans Administration, which is now focused on integrating behavioral health services into primary care so OEF/OIF veterans face fewer obstacles in obtaining and sustaining psychiatric care. In policy, policymakers should integrate veterans’ health programs with systematic assessment functioning, and develop treatment geared towards addressing impaired job performance. Suggestions for future study include focusing on whether workers with depression and other psychiatric conditions participate fully in the labor market and function effectively …