Psyc 190: Warriors At Home Traumatic Brain Injury, Depression & Anger Dr. Elena Klaw TBI OIF/OEF - Higher rates of survival from IEDs, rockets, mortars, projectiles Moderate & severe TBIs show up on MRIs/CTs = hospital treatment & rehab Minor TBIs = Blows to head that cause loss of consciousness, Silent injury, very common May cause common symptoms among vets: e.g. cognitive & sleep problems, irritability, pain These problems are physical and psychological Related to PTSD, impossible to separate Recovery from mBTIs Most people recover completely: brain plasticity Symptoms are not associated with weakness Key aspects of treatment: Recognize most vets have combat reactions VA screening essential for benefits Collaborative: medical and psych treatment Symptom management regardless of cause Treatment for sleep problems essential Avoidance of substances important Good self care, & support essential Changes How might someone change as a result of deployment/ military service? Which changes are positive? Which changes might be most difficult? Why might it be hard for vets to recognize mental health problems? Anger May be signature emotion of OIF/OEF Reaction to powerlessness, addictive Adaptive – allows you to act Physiological arousal Heart, blood flow, breathing, tension, sweting, flushing, shaking Attribution process Emotions Behaviors Depression Decreased physical arousal Thoughts Attributions Behaviors Emotions Physiological changes Cycle continues by lack of reinforcement Resources Discuss: What types of support might be most helpful to veterans? What are barriers to getting help? How would you respond to a peer who is struggling with the transition home?