{"title":"No more harm: A guiding principle of psychedelic drug policy","authors":"Katharine Neill Harris","doi":"10.3138/jmvfh.9.5.intro1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3138/jmvfh.9.5.intro1","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":36411,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Military, Veteran and Family Health","volume":"52 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2023-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139015665","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Mechanisms of integration in psychedelic-assisted therapy","authors":"N. Coverdale, Douglas J. Cook","doi":"10.3138/jmvfh-2023-0014","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3138/jmvfh-2023-0014","url":null,"abstract":"LAY SUMMARY Psychedelic pharmacotherapies combined with structured psychotherapy have shown promise in the treatment of several psychological conditions. This type of therapy is known as psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) and includes three phases: preparation, in-session support, and integration. The purpose of this review was to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that used psychedelics to treat a psychological condition and to summarize the literature on changes that may be associated with clinical outcomes, as measured with MRI and various psychologically based tools. Psychedelics were administered in 17 RCTs, and 16 of these did so within a PAP framework. A total of 19 studies were identified that looked at MRI or psychological outcomes during the integration phase. Changes in brain networks during integration were identified but were not consistent between studies because of small sample sizes and inconsistent methodology. Some evidence suggests that changes in the executive control network may occur after psychedelic administration. Psychological changes after psychedelic administration were related to cognitive flexibility and personality traits such as openness and neuroticism. Overall, studies in this field should be repeated with a greater number of participants and other MRI-based techniques.","PeriodicalId":36411,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Military, Veteran and Family Health","volume":"1188 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2023-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139019167","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Amy C. Reichelt, Eric Vermetten, Benjamin T. Dunkley
{"title":"Psychedelic and nutraceutical interventions as therapeutic strategies for military-related mild traumatic brain injuries","authors":"Amy C. Reichelt, Eric Vermetten, Benjamin T. Dunkley","doi":"10.3138/jmvfh-2022-0084","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3138/jmvfh-2022-0084","url":null,"abstract":"LAY SUMMARY Concussion is a type of acquired brain injury that is common in the military, as well as among civilians and contact sport athletes, and is defined by a transient impairment in mental function. Nevertheless, concussion presents a considerable health burden, and a small minority of people suffer from continued impairment. Repetitive sub-concussive head injury is a known risk factor for neurodegenerative disease, including dementias. Concussions are difficult to treat because symptom profiles vary, but psychedelic therapies may help address some of the neurological issues that occur after brain injury. Classic psychedelics show promise as an emerging pharmacological intervention because they appear to help the brain to rewire, and they have anti-inflammatory effects. Nutraceutical interventions are widely available, cost-effective, and well tolerated, and they could also support recovery when combined with psychedelic compounds. Here, studies presenting classical psychedelics and nutraceuticals that may be combined with psychedelics as therapeutic strategies for the treatment of concussions and persistent symptoms are discussed.","PeriodicalId":36411,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Military, Veteran and Family Health","volume":"54 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135217394","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Heather Millman, Kim Ritchie, Claude Vincent, Edouard Auger, Vicky Lavoie, Brahm Sanger, Charlene O’Connor, Ruth Lanius, Margaret McKinnon
{"title":"Evaluating the implementation of virtual Goal Management Training among Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder","authors":"Heather Millman, Kim Ritchie, Claude Vincent, Edouard Auger, Vicky Lavoie, Brahm Sanger, Charlene O’Connor, Ruth Lanius, Margaret McKinnon","doi":"10.3138/jmvfh-2023-0003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3138/jmvfh-2023-0003","url":null,"abstract":"LAY SUMMARY Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder experienced by many Canadian Veterans. In addition to symptoms such as distressing memories, nightmares, and emotional distress, PTSD has been linked to changes in the brain that affect an individual’s ability to function in daily life. These changes include difficulties with memory, concentration, attention, and learning new tasks. Goal Management Training (GMT) is a therapy designed to improve these areas of brain function, and it has been adopted by the Quebec City Occupational Stress Injury (OSI) Clinic to help treat clients with PTSD and other mental health disorders. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the clinic converted GMT to an online program. The aim of this study was to examine whether the use of online GMT at the clinic was practical and effective. To do so, the authors conducted and analyzed two virtual focus groups with 11 OSI clinicians. They found that GMT seemed to improve functioning in some Veterans and that participation in GMT groups helped improve participants’ self-esteem. Offering an online GMT option may make participation easier for some Veterans, and offering both online and in-person options may help reach more clients and improve outcomes.","PeriodicalId":36411,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Military, Veteran and Family Health","volume":"49 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135216899","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kelsey Madden, Alyssa Sbisa, Lisa Dell, Miranda Van Hooff, Alexander McFarlane, Ellie Lawrence-Wood
{"title":"Employment outcomes among transitioned Australian Defence Force members: An exploration of sex differences","authors":"Kelsey Madden, Alyssa Sbisa, Lisa Dell, Miranda Van Hooff, Alexander McFarlane, Ellie Lawrence-Wood","doi":"10.3138/jmvfh-2022-0082","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3138/jmvfh-2022-0082","url":null,"abstract":"LAY SUMMARY Gaining employment is one of the many challenges Veterans face when transitioning out of the military. Females and males have different experiences while serving, as well as when transitioning to civilian life, that can affect employment after transition. This study explores the factors affecting employment for females and males, finding that some factors differ by sex. Children, housing, age, amount of time since transition, military service type, and education were all shown to affect employment differently for females and males. Similarities between females and males were found for factors such as mental health, trauma, reasons for leaving, and transitioning to the reserves. Results show that different factors affect employment for females and males. Further research is needed to develop more awareness of the female transition experience to ensure services support the unique needs of female Veterans.","PeriodicalId":36411,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Military, Veteran and Family Health","volume":"2 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135215998","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Michael Short, Stephanie Felder, Lisa Garland Baird, Brenda Gamble
{"title":"Female Veterans’ risk factors for homelessness: A scoping review","authors":"Michael Short, Stephanie Felder, Lisa Garland Baird, Brenda Gamble","doi":"10.3138/jmvfh-2022-0069","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3138/jmvfh-2022-0069","url":null,"abstract":"LAY SUMMARY Homelessness is a problem among female Canadian Veterans. Approximately 15% of the Canadian Veteran population is female, yet female Veterans constitute approximately 30% of the homeless Canadian Veteran population. In response, the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs has called for the investigation of homelessness among female Canadian Veterans to address this research gap. A scoping review was conducted on the lived experiences of homeless female Veterans to identify factors associated with homelessness. This review was the initial step in a larger research framework to investigate the lived experiences of homeless Canadian female Veterans. Fifteen articles met the inclusion criteria and were included for synthesis. Four themes were identified, corresponding with the period in which they occurred (pre-military service, post-military service, during military service, and across the lifespan). Several implications are clear. First, Canadian research on female Veteran homelessness is needed. Second, future research must use a framework that accounts for multifactorial and multi-dimensional issues, as well as a sex- and gender-based analysis lens.","PeriodicalId":36411,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Military, Veteran and Family Health","volume":"282 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2023-09-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"76813690","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Exploring Veteran cultural competency in Canadian health care services","authors":"Linna Tam-Seto, Ashley Williams, H. Cramm","doi":"10.3138/jmvfh-2022-0073","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3138/jmvfh-2022-0073","url":null,"abstract":"LAY SUMMARY On leaving the military, Canadian Armed Forces Veterans begin receiving health care services in the civilian community. Health care providers may not understand the military culture from which Veterans come, and how military service can affect health and well-being. The purpose of this study was to identify what civilian health care providers need to know and do to provide culturally competent care to Canadian Veterans. Veterans and health care providers (family physicians and an occupational therapist) were interviewed, and specific knowledge, skills, and abilities were identified as important when establishing a quality health care relationship. This information can be used to develop resources for health care providers when beginning work with Veterans and their families, as well as for Veterans themselves as they transition to receiving care in civilian systems.","PeriodicalId":36411,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Military, Veteran and Family Health","volume":"20 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2023-09-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"77991229","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Fateme Rayyat Moeini, Nasser Goodarzi, Parviz Dabbaghi, Amir Mohsen Rahnejat, Mohammad Reza Ghasemzadeh
{"title":"A randomized controlled trial of cognitive analytic versus compassion-focused therapy for PTSD in Iran-Iraq War Veterans","authors":"Fateme Rayyat Moeini, Nasser Goodarzi, Parviz Dabbaghi, Amir Mohsen Rahnejat, Mohammad Reza Ghasemzadeh","doi":"10.3138/jmvfh-2023-0027","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3138/jmvfh-2023-0027","url":null,"abstract":"LAY SUMMARY Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common, debilitating mental illness with a substantial burden on individuals and society. The authors aimed to compare the effects of cognitive analytic therapy and compassion-focused therapy on Veterans with PTSD. This study showed that a 12-session program of cognitive analytic therapy or an 8-session program of compassion-focused therapy was effective for treating PTSD. The interventions controlled re-experiencing, avoidance, and hyperarousal in PTSD. Also, they decreased depression, anxiety, and numbness in patients with PTSD. Compassion-focused therapy was more effective in controlling avoidance and depression than cognitive analytic therapy.","PeriodicalId":36411,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Military, Veteran and Family Health","volume":"50 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135099190","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
C. Williamson, A. Wickersham, Marie-Louise Sharp, Danielle Dryden, Amos Simms, N. T. Fear, Dominic Murphy, Laura Goodwin, D. Leightley
{"title":"Loneliness among UK Veterans: Associations with quality of life, alcohol misuse, and perceptions of partner drinking","authors":"C. Williamson, A. Wickersham, Marie-Louise Sharp, Danielle Dryden, Amos Simms, N. T. Fear, Dominic Murphy, Laura Goodwin, D. Leightley","doi":"10.3138/jmvfh-2023-0009","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3138/jmvfh-2023-0009","url":null,"abstract":"LAY SUMMARY Loneliness occurs when there is a difference between the number and the quality of the social relationships people have and the ones they want. Research shows loneliness is negatively associated with quality of life and alcohol misuse; two common issues for military Veterans. Loneliness can also be affected by partner drinking, particularly if it does not match Veterans’ drinking behaviour. This study explored 1) the relationship between loneliness, quality of life, and alcohol misuse, and 2) the relationship between loneliness and perceived partner drinking among a sample of treatment-seeking UK military Veterans. In total, 163 treatment-seeking UK Veterans completed a survey via a smartphone application, DrinksRation, which included questions about their health and well-being. A large percentage of the sample reported loneliness (66%). This study found lonely treatment-seeking Veterans had poorer quality of life and higher alcohol misuse than non-lonely Veterans.","PeriodicalId":36411,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Military, Veteran and Family Health","volume":"20 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2023-09-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"73773551","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Amber Goetschius, Brian Peek, Paula Richley Geigle
{"title":"Developing a rural Veterans Affairs health care research program: Diligence and unique resolutions","authors":"Amber Goetschius, Brian Peek, Paula Richley Geigle","doi":"10.3138/jmvfh-2022-0074","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3138/jmvfh-2022-0074","url":null,"abstract":"LAY SUMMARY Development and growth of a rural Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) research program is one way to provide best care. This article reports the steps and barriers to building a rural research centre, using examples from western North Carolina. One goal driving the research centre’s creation was to increase under-served communities in the research workforce and among participants enrolled in Veterans Health Administration (VHA) research. The VHA reports health care differences for 4.7 million rural and highly rural Veterans, with rural Veterans using VHA services differently than urban and suburban Veterans. A total of 58% of rural Veterans enroll in the VHA, compared with 37% of urban and suburban Veterans. To achieve optimal Veteran health, all Veteran sub-groups must be adequately represented in clinical research trials, but rural Veterans are currently not equally represented. Research centre development steps included: 1) hiring a program specialist to focus on developmental needs, 2) finding a local program assistant to address the details required to develop a research centre, 3) obtaining a designated regulatory staff member, 4) negotiating staff, space, and focus needs, 5) hiring an experienced researcher to support initial research efforts, and 6) networking with other VAMCs, hospitals, agencies, and universities to create a best-care community.","PeriodicalId":36411,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Military, Veteran and Family Health","volume":"49 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2023-09-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"77027077","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}