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?