Mental Health Issues of Veterans Returning from Iraq & Afghanistan

Heather Brown, PhDLouis A Johnson VA Medical CtrClarksburg, WVHeather.Brown4@va.gov

Following this presentation, the learner will:

identify specific combat issues impacting service members in Afghanistan and Iraq

state the mental health needs of Veterans and their families

understand the role of community providers in the readjustment process

Problems of returning service members seeking VA care:

1) Musculoskeletal diseases (joint and back), 43%

2) Mental health problems (higher in Guard/Reserves, non-officers), 36%

3) Signs and symptoms of ill-defined diseases, 33%

Mental Health problems of returning service members seeking VA care:

1) Adjustment Reactions (includes Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)

2) Drug abuse (includes nicotine)3) Depression

Hidden Wounds:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI):

80% of TBI cases are mild and involve no loss of consciousness

Primarily due to blast injuries29% of battle evacuees had TBI

TBI (cont’d)

TBI and PTSD symptoms often overlap (sleep/memory problems, decreased concentration, mood disturbance)

Unrecognized TBI leads to poor psychosocial functioning

Have high suicide rates

TBI medical considerations

Use caution when sending TBI patients for MRI because of metal fragments (do CT scans first)

Wellbutrin and TBI may not mix (due to increased seizure risk)

If have genetic markers for Alzheimer’s disease, will develop sooner in TBI pts.

PTSD:

17% of the OEF/OIF population currently treated at VA are diagnosed with PTSD

Among new patients, PTSD rates are progressively higher than in previous years

Symptoms of PTSD (DSM V)

1. Exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence [i.e., traumatic stressor]

2. Presence of one (or more) intrusion symptoms associated with the traumatic event(s) [formerly, re-experiencing]

3. Persistent avoidance of stimuli associated with the traumatic event(s)

4. Negative alterations in cognitions and mood associated with the traumatic event(s) [new; formerly emotional numbing only]

5. Marked alterations in arousal and reactivity associated with the traumatic event(s)

Substance Abuse

11 percent of OEF and OIF veterans have been diagnosed with a substance use disorder (SUD)—an alcohol use disorder, a drug use disorder, or both

Almost 22 percent of OEF and OIF veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) also have an SUD

SUD may co-occur with a mental health issue for “self-medication”

Facts about Veteran suicide

• From the total noted deaths by suicide, 22 each day are Veterans (VA Suicide Data Report, 2012)

• Veterans are more likely than the general population to use firearms as a means for suicide (National Violent Death Reporting System 2013)

• 35 percent of recent Veteran suicides have a history of previous attempts (VA National Suicide Prevention Coordinator reports, 2012)

• West Virginia’s total population is 1,854,304 (2013 approx. Census data) West Virginia has a total Veteran population of 170,783 (Census 2010) West Virginia has a higher population of service members who serve or have served in the National Guard or Reserves

Operation S.A.V.E.

Operation S.A.V.E. will help you act with care and compassion if you encounter a Veteran who is in in distress or might be experiencing a suicidal crisis. The acronym “S.A.V.E.” helps one remember the important steps involved in suicide prevention:

Signs of suicidal thinking should be recognized

Ask the most important question of allValidate the Veteran’s experienceEncourage treatment and Expedite getting

help

Signs of a person of concern

Learn to recognize these warning signs: *Remember, it is commonly a combination of signs/symptoms rather than just one thing•Hopelessness, feeling like there’s no way out or no reason to live •Anxiety, agitation, sleeplessness or mood swings •Rage or anger •Engaging in risky activities without thinking

Signs of a person of concern (cont’d)

•Increasing alcohol or drug abuse •Withdrawing from family and friends •Talking about death, dying or suicide •Over-focusing on giving valued belongings away and preparing for ones death (Not mindful preparation/planning of a person’s preference of arrangements following a natural death)•Overachieving, perfectionism (newer signs that clinicians are identifying)

Ask the Question & Validate the experience

Are you thinking of suicide?

Have you had thoughts about taking your own life?

Are you thinking about killing yourself?

Are you thinking of hurting yourself?

Talk openly about suicide. Be willing to listen and allow the Veteran to express his or her feelings.

Recognize that the situation is serious

Do not pass judgment Reassure that help is

available

Encourage treatment and Expedite getting help

• Gently escort them to the closest professional person--let the person know that you would like to walk with them to find a professional that can help. (Complete a warm hand off to the next professional, explaining why you are there with the Veteran).• Alert the nearest staff person to assist you with the Veteran-you may wish to stay with the Veteran while the other staff person gets more help or next necessary level of care

Special issues of returning female service members:

Sexual HarassmentSexual AssaultMay not self-identify as “combat vets”

Family reintegration issues (after the “Honeymoon”):

Role changes (parenting, household responsibilities, etc.)

Employment issuesFinancial issuesSafety concerns

Family reintegration (cont’d)

DrivingRelationship w/spouse, childrenCommunication difficultiesChanges in support system

Seeking treatment (or not):

Stigma (military, cultural)68% of OEF/OIF vets eligible for VA

services have NOT sought treatmentWhere are they? In the community!

Role of community providers:

Awareness of Veterans needing assistance in the community

Awareness of VA and Vet Centers as referral sources

Understanding of why service members may not seek treatment (i.e., consequences)

Partner with local clergy

Role of health providers:

Primary care may be service members’ only contact with treatment

Screen for common mental health problems (e.g., depression)

Ask about exposure to blast injuries, screen for TBI

VA Medical Centers in West Virginia

Clarksburg VAMC, 304-623-3461 Martinsburg VAMC, 304-263-0811Beckley VAMC, 304-255-2121Huntington VAMC, 304-429-6741

Other VA treatment locations in WV

Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC) [Multiple locations, including some rural counties]

Vet Centers [Beckley, Charleston, Huntington, Martinsburg, Morgantown, Princeton, Wheeling and outreach sites]

Additional Resources

1.. Veterans Crisis Hotline (800) 273-8255, press 1. 2. Military OneSource: : 24/7 Assistance and resources by phone and online for service

members and their families on many different issues. (800) 342-9647. 3. 3. Vet Center Combat Call Center 877-WAR-VETSVet Center Combat Call Center 877-WAR-VETS: 24/7 call center staffed by

combat Veterans for combat Veterans and family members to discuss their military experience and adjustment issues. Individual & family counseling, bereavement counseling for family members, military sexual trauma counseling. 877-WarVets or (877) 927-8387.

4. . National Care Giver Support LineNational Care Giver Support Line: M-F 8am-8pm. VA support for anyone providing care for Veterans coping with the effects of war, disability, chronic illness, or aging. (855) 260-3274.

5. . Coaching Into CareCoaching Into Care: 8am-8pm Mon-Fri. Call center works with family/friends concerned about Veteran post-deployment difficulties. (888) 823-7458.