Reintegration Problems and Treatment Interests Among Iraq and Afghanistan Combat Veterans Receiving VA Medical Care

Abstract

Iraq-Afghanistan combat veterans who already receive VA medical care reported multiple current reintegration problems and wanted services and information to help them readjust to community life. These concerns were particularly prevalent among those with probable PTSD. Research is needed to explore nontraditional modes of service delivery, including the Internet.

Preliminary findings of a novel measure of driving behaviors in Veterans with comorbid TBI and PTSD

“…Many of the high-risk behaviors endorsed by our sample (e.g., speeding, accelerating through yellow lights, becoming easily distracted by sights and sounds) have been reported in prior studies on Veterans [2,14]. However, several protective behaviors were also highly endorsed by this sample (e.g., wearing a seatbelt or helmet, using a designated driver), and this finding likely to wear seatbelts and more likely to drive intoxicated than noncombat Veterans [8,[22][23]. However, this discrepancy may be explained by self-report bias or by measurement artifact.…”

“…Data suggest that post-9/11 military Veterans have difficulties readjusting to civilian driving patterns after returning home from deployment [2][3]; deployment history is associated with increased risky driving behavior and MVAs [4], and combat exposure may increase risk-taking propensity [5]. Moreover, the prevalence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the post-9/11 combat Veteran population appears to increase driving difficulties [6][7][8].…”

Behavioral medicine translation in the Veterans Health Administration: editorial to the special section on the Department of Veterans Affairs

“…In addition, mental health and neurological problems among Veterans cared for in the VHA, including post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury, are highly prevalent and are often comorbid with pain, obesity, substance use, and other health risk behaviors [26,[31][32][33]. Three common conditions treated with behavioral medicine interventions-pain, smoking, and obesity-are highly prevalent among Veterans and among those cared for in the VHA.…”

Veterans' attitudes toward work and disability compensation: Associations with substance abuse

“…Complicating efforts to work, recently discharged Veterans exhibit high rates of psychiatric problems, including Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, depression, and substance use (Hoge, Auchterlonie, & Milliken, 2006;Milliken, Auchterlonie, & Hoge, 2007;Sayer, Nooebaloochi, Carlson, Gravely, & Murdoch, 2010). These psychiatric illnesses have been strongly associated with impairment in social and occupational settings (Dewa & Lin, 2000;Goetzel et al, 2004;Hoge et al, 2002).…”

“…Substance abuse cannot be a stated reason for a disability claim, but it is highly prevalent among Veterans presenting for disability evaluations (Sayer et al, 2010;Rosenheck, Dauset, Frisman, & Kasprow, 2000), as it is a frequent co-occurring problem that exists with psychiatric disorders that confer eligibility for service connection including: PTSD, depression, anxiety disorders and psychosis.…”