Sarah L. Martindale

Neuropsychological Sequelae of PTSD and TBI Following War Deployment among OEF/OIF Veterans

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) are highly prevalent among Veterans of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. These conditions are associated with common and unique neuropsychological and neuroanatomical changes. This review synthesizes neuropsychological and neuroimaging studies for both of these disorders and studies examining their co-occurrence. Recommendations for future research, including use of combined neuropsychological and advanced neuroimaging techniques to study these disorders alone and in concert, are presented. It is clear from the dearth of literature that addiitonal studies are required to examine and understand the impact of specific factors on neurocognitive outcome. Of particular relevance are temporal relationships between PTSD and mTBI, risk and resilience factors associated with both disorders and their co-occurrence, and mTBI-specific factors such as time since injury and severity of injury, utilizing comprehensive, yet targeted cognitive tasks.

Neuropsychological Test Administration by Videoconference: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The purpose of the current systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the effect of videoconference administration on adult neurocognitive tests. We investigated whether the scores acquired during a videoconference administration were different from those acquired during on-site administration. Relevant counterbalanced crossover studies were identified according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Twelve studies met criteria for analysis. Included samples consisted of healthy adults as well as those with psychiatric or neurocognitive disorders, with mean ages ranging from 34 to 88 years. Heterogenous data precluded the interpretation of a summary effect for videoconference administration. Studies including particpants with a mean age of 65–75, as well as studies that utilized a high speed network connection, indicated consistent performance across videoconference and on-site conditions, however studies with older participants and slower connections were more variable. Subgroup analyses indicated that videoconference scores for untimed tasks and those allowing for repetition fell 1/10th of a standard deviation below on-site scores. Test specific analyses indicated that verbally-mediated tasks including digit span, verbal fluency, and list learning were not affected by videoconference administration. Scores for the Boston Naming Test fell 1/10th of a standard deviation below on-site scores. Heterogenous data precluded meaningful interpretation of tasks with a motor component. The administration of verbally-mediated tasks by qualified professionals using existing norms was supported, and the use of visually-dependent tasks may also be considered. Variability in previous studies indicates a need for further investigation of motor-dependent tasks. We recommend the development of clinical best practices for conducting neuropsychological assessments via videoconference, and advocate for reimbursement structures that allow consumers to benefit from the increased access, convenience, and cost-savings that remote assessment provides.

Neuropsychological functioning, coping, and quality of life among returning war veterans.

PURPOSEnThe present research tested the hypothesis that action- and emotion-focused coping strategies would mediate the relationship between neuropsychological functioning and quality of life among a sample of returning Iraq/Afghanistan veterans.nnnMETHODnVeterans (N = 130) who served as part of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan completed a diagnostic assessment of PTSD, a battery of questionnaires assessing coping style, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and quality of life, and neuropsychological tests measuring attention, learning and memory, working memory, inhibition, executive control, and visual motor coordination.nnnRESULTSnExecutive control, immediate and delayed verbal recall, and visual motor coordination were associated with quality of life. However, after controlling for the effects of combat exposure, PTSD, and probable TBI, no measure of neuropsychological functioning was directly associated with quality of life. Mediation analyses indicated that delayed verbal recall influenced quality of life through its effect on action-focused coping.nnnCONCLUSIONSnAlthough replication is needed, these findings indicate that delayed verbal recall may indirectly influence quality of life among Iraq/Afghanistan veterans through its association with action-focused coping strategies. Psychologists who are working with veterans that are experiencing memory difficulties and poor quality of life may consider focusing on improving coping skills prior to rehabilitation of memory deficits. (PsycINFO Database Record

Evaluating the motor slowing hypothesis of depression

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the hypothesis that processing speed deficits are the primary cognitive deficits in those with depression, consistent with the motor slowing hypothesis. Participants (n=223) were research volunteers who served in the US military since September 11, 2001, and denied a history of significant brain injuries. Depression was measured using a structured interview, the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI), and the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). Outcomes included performance on 10 processing speed variables. Invalid performance/report accounted for significant variance for 8 of 10 processing speed measures. There was not a consistent pattern of slowed processing speed in those with current depressive diagnoses compared to those without. However, depression symptom burden per the PAI Depression scale was significant for 7 of 10 processing speed tests. Only non-dominant fine motor dexterity was significantly slower in those with high versus low burden using BDI-II quartiles. Thus, the motor slowing hypothesis was supported, but only for depression burden and not diagnostic status or high versus low categorical classification. These results underscore the importance of validity assessment and consideration of how one measures psychiatric constructs when evaluating relations among symptoms and cognition.

Distress Tolerance and Impulsivity Are Associated With Drug and Alcohol Use Consequences in an Online Community Sample

Impulsivity and distress tolerance (DT) have been implicated as key features in development and maintenance of substance use disorders. This study expanded on previous research by exploring the four factors of DT (Absorption, Appraisal, Regulation, Tolerance) and their interaction with impulsivity in relation to substance use. Participants were 105 men and 150 women who completed measures of impulsivity, DT, and substance use. Results indicated that Appraisal DT was a better predictor of substance use problems over and above overall DT or other DT factors. Mediation analysis indicated that Appraisal partially mediated the relationship between impulsivity and DT. Results suggest that DT, particularly Appraisal, plays a role in substance use problems, specifically in the relationship between impulsivity and substance use problems. Treatments emphasizing DT skills, particularly the appraisal of aversive emotions, may be useful to employ when attempting to reduce harmful drinking or drug use behaviors.

Word Memory Test Performance Across Cognitive Domains, Psychiatric Presentations, and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

ObjectivenThe current study addressed two aims: (i) determine how Word Memory Test (WMT) performance relates to test performance across numerous cognitive domains and (ii) evaluate how current psychiatric disorders or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) history affects performance on the WMT after excluding participants with poor symptom validity.nnnMethodnParticipants were 235 Iraq and Afghanistan-era veterans (Mage = 35.5) who completed a comprehensive neuropsychological battery. Participants were divided into two groups based on WMT performance (Pass = 193, Fail = 42). Tests were grouped into cognitive domains and an average z-score was calculated for each domain.nnnResultsnSignificant differences were found between those who passed and those who failed the WMT on the memory, attention, executive function, and motor output domain z-scores. WMT failure was associated with a larger performance decrement in the memory domain than the sensation or visuospatial-construction domains. Participants with a current psychiatric diagnosis or mTBI history were significantly more likely to fail the WMT, even after removing participants with poor symptom validity.nnnConclusionsnResults suggest that the WMT is most appropriate for assessing validity in the domains of attention, executive function, motor output and memory, with little relationship to performance in domains of sensation or visuospatial-construction. Comprehensive cognitive batteries would benefit from inclusion of additional performance validity tests in these domains. Additionally, symptom validity did not explain higher rates of WMT failure in individuals with a current psychiatric diagnosis or mTBI history. Further research is needed to better understand how these conditions may affect WMT performance.

RBANS Validity Indices: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Neuropsychology practice organizations have highlighted the need for thorough evaluation of performance validity as part of the neuropsychological assessment process. Embedded validity indices are derived from existing measures and expand the scope of validity assessment. The Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) is a brief instrument that quickly allows a clinician to assess a variety of cognitive domains. The RBANS also contains multiple embedded validity indicators. The purpose of this study was to synthesize the utility of those indicators to assess performance validity. A systematic search was completed, resulting in 11 studies for synthesis and 10 for meta-analysis. Data were synthesized on four indices and three subtests across samples of civilians, service members, and veterans. Sufficient data for meta-analysis were only available for the Effort Index, and related analyses indicated optimal cutoff scores of ≥1 (AUCu2009=u2009.86) andu2009≥u20093 (AUCu2009=u2009.85). However, outliers and heterogeneity were present indicating the importance of age and evaluation context. Overall, embedded validity indicators have shown adequate diagnostic accuracy across a variety of populations. Recommendations for interpreting these measures and future studies are provided.

Longitudinal changes in neuroimaging and neuropsychiatric status of post-deployment veterans: a CENC pilot study

ABSTRACT Primary objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate preliminary data on longitudinal changes in psychiatric, neurobehavioural, and neuroimaging findings in Iraq and Afghanistan combat veterans following blast exposure. Research design: Longitudinal observational analysis. Methods and procedures: Participants were invited to participate in two research projects approximately 7 years apart. For each project, veterans completed the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Disorders and/or the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale, Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Main outcomes and results: Chi-squared tests indicated no significant changes in current psychiatric diagnoses, traumatic brain injury (TBI) history, or blast exposure history between assessment visits. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests indicated significant increases in median neurobehavioural symptoms, total number of white matter hyperintensities (WMH), and total WMH volume between assessment visits. Spearman rank correlations indicated no significant associations between change in psychiatric diagnoses, TBI history, blast exposure history, or neurobehavioural symptoms and change in WMH. Conclusion: MRI WMH changes were not associated with changes in psychiatric diagnoses or symptom burden, but were associated with severity of blast exposure. Future, larger studies might further evaluate presence and aetiology of long-term neuropsychiatric symptoms and MRI findings in blast-exposed populations.

Behavioral and Health Outcomes Associated With Deployment and Nondeployment Acquisition of Traumatic Brain Injury in Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans

OBJECTIVEnTo characterize behavioral and health outcomes in veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI) acquired in nondeployment and deployment settings.nnnDESIGNnCross-sectional assessment evaluating TBI acquired during and outside of deployment, mental and behavioral health symptoms, and diagnoses.nnnSETTINGnVeterans Affairs Medical Centers.nnnPARTICIPANTSnIraq and Afghanistan veterans who were deployed to a warzone (N=1399).nnnINTERVENTIONSnNot applicable.nnnMAIN OUTCOME MEASURESnComprehensive lifetime TBI interview, Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Disorders, Combat Exposure Scale, and behavioral and health measures.nnnRESULTSnThere was a main effect of deployment TBI on depressive symptoms, posttraumatic stress symptoms, poor sleep quality, substance use, and pain. Veterans with deployment TBI were also more likely to have a diagnosis of bipolar, major depressive, alcohol use, and posttraumatic stress disorders than those who did not have a deployment TBI.nnnCONCLUSIONSnTBIs acquired during deployment are associated with different behavioral and health outcomes than TBI acquired in nondeployment environments. The presence of TBI during deployment is associated with poorer behavioral outcomes, as well as a greater lifetime prevalence of behavioral and health problems in contrast to veterans without deployment TBI. These results indicate that problems may persist chronically after a deployment TBI and should be considered when providing care for veterans. Veterans with deployment TBI may require treatment alterations to improve engagement and outcomes.

Comparability of iPad and Web-Based NIH Toolbox Cognitive Battery Administration in Veterans

OBJECTIVEnThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the comparability of National Institutes of Health Toolbox Cognitive Battery test scores across iPad application and web-based personal computer administration platforms. Original test norms were developed using a personal computer-based administration and no previous studies assessing platform comparability have been published.nnnMETHODnParticipants (N = 62; final analyzed sample n = 49) were combat-exposed post-deployment veterans without neurologic disorder, severe mental illness, current substance use disorder, or a history of moderate or severe traumatic brain injury. All participants completed both iPad and web-based versions of tests on the same day in an experimental within-subjects crossover design. Standalone validity measures were incorporated to exclude invalid performance. Outcome measures included the Dimensional Change Card Sort Test, Flanker Inhibitory Control and Attention Test, List Sorting Working Memory Test, and Pattern Comparison Processing Speed Test.nnnRESULTSnScore differences between platforms were found on the Flanker Inhibitory Control and Attention Test. Scores were moderately correlated across tests, with the exception of low correlations for the Pattern Comparison Processing Speed Test. Most participants preferred iPad to web administration, regardless of administration order.nnnCONCLUSIONSnResults suggest caution when interpreting iPad-acquired scores, particularly for the Flanker Inhibitory Control and Attention Test. iPad-based testing offers valuable improvements; however, the development of iPad-specific norms may be necessary to ensure valid interpretation of acquired data.