2024
Gambling and Substance Use Disorders in U.S. Military Veterans: Prevalence, Clinical Characteristics, and Suicide Risk
Stefanovics E, Potenza M, Tsai J, Pietrzak R. Gambling and Substance Use Disorders in U.S. Military Veterans: Prevalence, Clinical Characteristics, and Suicide Risk. Journal Of Gambling Studies 2024, 40: 2119-2139. PMID: 39342537, DOI: 10.1007/s10899-024-10359-7.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchSubstance use disordersU.S. military veteransMental health treatmentGambling groupSUD-onlySuicide riskHealth treatmentMilitary veteransNon-suicidal self-injuryLifetime substance use disorderNational Health and ResilienceRisk of substance use disordersSUD-only groupSelf-report measuresMental health difficultiesAdverse childhood experiencesMental health burdenPast-year gamblingSelf-injurySuicidality/self-harmVeterans StudyUse disorderNicotine dependenceTrauma variablesBehavioral correlatesBarriers to Mental Health Care in US Military Veterans
Lewis C, Fischer I, Tsai J, Harpaz-Rotem I, Pietrzak R. Barriers to Mental Health Care in US Military Veterans. Psychiatric Quarterly 2024, 95: 367-383. PMID: 38940875, DOI: 10.1007/s11126-024-10078-7.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMental health careMental health treatmentHealth careHealth treatmentReduce barriersUS veteransNegative beliefsInstrumental barriersNational Health and ResiliencePromote engagementMental health servicesPopulation-based effortsUS military veteransNationally representative dataMultivariate logistic regressionPerceived stigmaHealth servicesSocial supportPsychiatric needsVeterans StudyPractical barriersLow purposeConclusionsNearly halfMilitary veteransCareFunctional significance of posttraumatic growth in U.S. military veterans
Gower T, Fischer I, Tsai J, Kang H, Na P, Tedeschi R, Pietrzak R. Functional significance of posttraumatic growth in U.S. military veterans. Journal Of Affective Disorders 2024, 356: 267-273. PMID: 38614442, DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.04.046.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsPosttraumatic stress disorderPosttraumatic stress disorder symptomsPosttraumatic growthPsychosocial functioningTraumatic eventsTrauma-exposed U.S. veteransNational Health and ResilienceMale veteran samplePost-trauma functioningPattern of findingsRetrospective self-reportsU.S. military veteransVeteran sampleStress disorderVeterans StudyExamined relationsCross-sectional designMilitary veteransNationally representative sampleU.S. veteransAssociated with functionsPhysical functionClinical interventionsPsychosocial characteristicsVeterans
2023
Posttraumatic Growth in U.S. Military Veterans: Results from the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study
Kang H, Fischer I, Dickinson S, Na P, Tsai J, Tedeschi R, Pietrzak R. Posttraumatic Growth in U.S. Military Veterans: Results from the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study. Psychiatric Quarterly 2023, 95: 17-32. PMID: 37938492, DOI: 10.1007/s11126-023-10061-8.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchPosttraumatic growthU.S. military veteransPTSD symptomsTraumatic eventsPosttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomsPositive psychological changesVeterans StudyMilitary veteransGreater posttraumatic growthTrauma-exposed veteransIntrinsic religiosityPTSD symptom severitySevere PTSD symptomsHigh-risk sampleIntrusive symptomsDisorder symptomsPsychological changesPTG levelsTraumatic experiencesPTSD ChecklistVeteran samplePsychosocial characteristicsSymptom clustersDSM-5Symptom severityNot all traumas are created equal: Phenotypic heterogeneity of PTSD symptoms in relation to index traumas in U.S. military veterans
Kachadourian L, Duek O, Tsai J, Harpaz-Rotem I, Pietrzak R. Not all traumas are created equal: Phenotypic heterogeneity of PTSD symptoms in relation to index traumas in U.S. military veterans. Journal Of Affective Disorders 2023, 340: 728-731. PMID: 37572698, PMCID: PMC10754253, DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.08.012.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsPosttraumatic stress disorderU.S. military veteransMilitary veteransIndex traumaPTSD symptomsDysphoric arousal symptomsIllness/injuryGreater overall severityIndex traumatic eventClinical presentationNational HealthDiagnostic criteriaTreatment approachesGreater severityOverall severityVeterans StudyInterpersonal violenceStress disorderTraumaArousal symptomsSymptomsVeteransPhenotypic heterogeneityTraumatic eventsSeverityPandemic-related posttraumatic psychological growth in U.S. military veterans: A 3-year, nationally representative, longitudinal study
Kang H, Na P, Fischer I, Tsai J, Tedeschi R, Pietrzak R. Pandemic-related posttraumatic psychological growth in U.S. military veterans: A 3-year, nationally representative, longitudinal study. Psychiatry Research 2023, 326: 115370. PMID: 37499281, DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115370.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsPosttraumatic growthU.S. military veteransPost-pandemic onsetDomains of PTGPositive psychological changesMilitary veteransPosttraumatic stress symptomsLongitudinal studyEarly life traumaPsychological growthPsychological changesPsychosocial interventionsStress symptomsLife traumaCOVID-19 vaccineVeterans StudyGreater worryMental healthStrongest correlateFull sampleNational HealthVeteransSignificant decreaseOnsetPrevalenceFirearm Ownership Among a Nationally Representative Sample of U.S. Veterans
Fischer I, Aunon F, Nichter B, Hill M, Panza K, Kline A, Na P, Tsai J, Harpaz-Rotem I, Pietrzak R. Firearm Ownership Among a Nationally Representative Sample of U.S. Veterans. American Journal Of Preventive Medicine 2023, 65: 1129-1133. PMID: 37354925, DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2023.06.013.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsU.S. veteransMultivariable logistic regression analysisLogistic regression analysisAlcohol use disorderSuicide prevention effortsU.S. military veteransNationally Representative SampleMale sexTrauma burdenNational HealthRepresentative sampleFirearm ownershipChi-square analysisUse disordersFirearm safetyIndependent sample t-testLifetime historyVeterans StudyPrevention effortsPsychiatric variablesMilitary veteransVeteransRegression analysisT-testSignificant main effectPurpose in life and physical health in older U.S. military veterans: Cross-sectional results from the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study
Fischer I, Feldman D, Tsai J, Harpaz-Rotem I, McCutcheon V, Schulenberg S, Pietrzak R. Purpose in life and physical health in older U.S. military veterans: Cross-sectional results from the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study. Preventive Medicine 2023, 170: 107495. PMID: 37001606, DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2023.107495.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsPhysical health conditionsPhysical healthNational HealthDaily livingVeterans StudyHealth conditionsHigher bodily painPhysical role limitationsGeneral population studiesOverall self-reported healthPhysical health difficultiesHigher PILSelf-reported healthOlder U.S. veteransU.S. military veteransBodily painRole limitationsPhysical functioningSleep disordersInstrumental activitiesSelf-report assessmentsCurrent prevalenceCross-sectional resultsU.S. veteransMost veteransSex-specific risk and resilience correlates of suicidal ideation in U.S. military veterans
Stefanovics E, Potenza M, Tsai J, Nichter B, Pietrzak R. Sex-specific risk and resilience correlates of suicidal ideation in U.S. military veterans. Journal Of Affective Disorders 2023, 328: 303-311. PMID: 36775254, DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.02.025.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsSuicidal ideationMale veteransFemale veteransU.S. military veteransRisk factorsGender-specific risk factorsPrevalence of SISex-specific riskMilitary veteransDifferent risk factorsAlcohol use disorderLow psychological resilienceMultivariable analysisNational HealthRepresentative sampleUse disordersU.S. veteransVeterans StudySuicide preventionTreatment effortsVeteransLow purposeStrongest correlatePrevalenceIdeationIdentifying significant correlates of purpose in life in older US military veterans: results from the national health and resilience in veterans study.
Fischer I, Feldman D, Tsai J, Harpaz-Rotem I, Lucas K, Schulenberg S, Pietrzak R. Identifying significant correlates of purpose in life in older US military veterans: results from the national health and resilience in veterans study. International Psychogeriatrics 2023, 35: 560-565. PMID: 36715004, DOI: 10.1017/s1041610222001223.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsUS military veteransNational HealthMilitary veteransSignificant correlatesOlder US veteransAdverse health outcomesModifiable psychosocial factorsAdverse outcomesElastic net analysisUS veteransDepressive symptomsPsychosocial factorsHealth outcomesVeterans StudyPsychosocial variablesTreatment effortsCognitive outcomesCross-sectional dataVeteransOutcomesSocial supportCommunity integrationImportant correlatesHealthCorrelates
2022
Homelessness and Contact with the Criminal Legal System among U.S. Combat Veterans: An Exploration of Potential Mediating Factors
Orak U, Kelton K, Vaughn M, Tsai J, Pietrzak R. Homelessness and Contact with the Criminal Legal System among U.S. Combat Veterans: An Exploration of Potential Mediating Factors. Criminal Justice And Behavior 2022, 50: 392-409. DOI: 10.1177/00938548221140352.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCombat veteransUse disordersCLS involvementU.S. combat veteransDrug use disordersAlcohol use disorderPotential mediating factorsRisk factorsNational HealthModifiable mechanismsHistory of homelessnessVeterans StudyDescriptive studyPrevention effortsPotential mechanismsNotable proportionVeteransInvolvementDisordersAssociationMoral injuryMediating factorsIndirect associationsLarge proportionPrevalence and Clinical Characteristics of Recreational and At-Risk/Problematic Gambling in a National Sample of U.S. Military Veterans
Stefanovics E, Potenza M, Tsai J, Pietrzak R. Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics of Recreational and At-Risk/Problematic Gambling in a National Sample of U.S. Military Veterans. Journal Of Gambling Studies 2022, 39: 1077-1097. PMID: 36378356, DOI: 10.1007/s10899-022-10165-z.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsCurrent psychiatric diagnosisU.S. military veteransUse disordersPsychiatric diagnosisMilitary veteransU.S. veteransDrug use disordersMental health treatmentSubstance use disordersChi-square testClinical characteristicsTrauma burdenNational HealthAdjusted associationsRoutine screeningClinical measuresRecreational gamblingCurrent prevalenceMale veteransHealth treatmentHigher household incomeSuicidal ideationVeterans StudyLogistic regressionExtensive involvementPerceived Purpose in Life, Mental Health, and Suicidality in Older U.S. Military Veterans: Results From the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study
Fischer IC, Tsai J, Harpaz-Rotem I, McCutcheon VE, Schulenberg SE, Pietrzak RH. Perceived Purpose in Life, Mental Health, and Suicidality in Older U.S. Military Veterans: Results From the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study. American Journal Of Geriatric Psychiatry 2022, 31: 87-93. PMID: 36253289, DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2022.09.010.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsMental disordersNational HealthU.S. veteransVeterans StudyHigher PILSubstance use disordersOlder U.S. veteransU.S. military veteransMajor depressiveSelf-report assessmentsLower oddsCurrent prevalenceUse disordersMost veteransSuicide attemptsMental healthGeneralized anxietySuicidalityDisordersMilitary veteransVeteransPosttraumatic stressHealthOddsRepresentative sampleLoneliness in U.S. military veterans during the COVID-19 pandemic: A nationally representative, prospective cohort study
Na PJ, Straus E, Tsai J, Norman SB, Southwick SM, Pietrzak RH. Loneliness in U.S. military veterans during the COVID-19 pandemic: A nationally representative, prospective cohort study. Journal Of Psychiatric Research 2022, 151: 546-553. PMID: 35636030, PMCID: PMC9126310, DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.05.042.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsPrevalence of lonelinessPersistent lonelinessPandemic-related social restrictionsMultivariable logistic regression modelProtective factorsCOVID-19 pandemicPre-existing psychiatric conditionsProspective cohort studyMilitary veteransPre-pandemic measuresLogistic regression modelsProtective psychosocial factorsU.S. military veteransProspective cohortCohort studyUS veteransNational HealthHigh riskPsychiatric disordersPsychosocial factorsCOVID-related stressorsPsychiatric conditionsVeterans StudyLongitudinal changesVulnerable populationsMental Health Burden in Enlisted and Commissioned U.S. Military Veterans: Importance of Indirect Trauma Exposure in Commissioned Veterans
Merians AN, Na PJ, Tsai J, Harpaz-Rotem I, Pietrzak RH. Mental Health Burden in Enlisted and Commissioned U.S. Military Veterans: Importance of Indirect Trauma Exposure in Commissioned Veterans. Psychiatry 2022, 85: 418-432. PMID: 35532217, DOI: 10.1080/00332747.2022.2068301.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsPosttraumatic stress disorderMajor depressive disorderU.S. military veteransSuicidal ideationMilitary veteransTrauma exposureMost mental health outcomesMental health burdenPast-year suicidal ideationDrug use disordersU.S. veteran populationMental health historyHigh exposureMental health outcomesMultivariable analysisDepressive disorderNational HealthHealth burdenPost-stratification weightsUse disordersVeteran populationHealth historyHealth outcomesIndirect trauma exposureVeterans Study
2021
Mental Health Care Use Among U.S. Military Veterans: Results From the 2019–2020 National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study
Kline AC, Panza KE, Nichter B, Tsai J, Harpaz-Rotem I, Norman SB, Pietrzak RH. Mental Health Care Use Among U.S. Military Veterans: Results From the 2019–2020 National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study. Psychiatric Services 2021, 73: 628-635. PMID: 34775790, DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.202100112.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsMental health careMental health care utilizationHealth care utilizationSubstance use disordersCare utilizationU.S. military veteransMental dysfunctionNational HealthUse disordersHealth careVeterans StudyMental health care usePrimary health care providersHealth care useMilitary veteransHealth care providersUse of careHierarchical logistic regressionCare usePosttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severitySleep disordersCare providersDisorder symptom severityU.S. veteransNeed factorsFactors associated with post-traumatic growth in response to the COVID-19 pandemic: Results from a national sample of U.S. military veterans
Na PJ, Tsai J, Southwick SM, Pietrzak RH. Factors associated with post-traumatic growth in response to the COVID-19 pandemic: Results from a national sample of U.S. military veterans. Social Science & Medicine 2021, 289: 114409. PMID: 34537394, PMCID: PMC8445520, DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.114409.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsPost-traumatic growthPosttraumatic stress disorderPTSD symptomsU.S. military veteransPositive psychological changesNegative psychological outcomesMilitary veteransU.S. veteransNational samplePrior traumatic eventsAvoidance symptomsTrauma survivorsPsychological outcomesTraumatic eventsPsychological changesPsychosocial interventionsStress disorderPsychological distressPsychological impactCOVID-19 pandemicMajority of researchVeterans StudyMental healthLongitudinal studyFunctional correlatesDisentangling the association between PTSD symptom heterogeneity and alcohol use disorder: Results from the 2019–2020 National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study
Palmisano AN, Fogle BM, Tsai J, Petrakis IL, Pietrzak RH. Disentangling the association between PTSD symptom heterogeneity and alcohol use disorder: Results from the 2019–2020 National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study. Journal Of Psychiatric Research 2021, 142: 179-187. PMID: 34359013, DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.07.046.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchBehavioral Epidemic of Loneliness in Older U.S. Military Veterans: Results From the 2019-2020 National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study
Straus E, Norman SB, Tripp JC, Tsai J, Sippel LM, Jeste DV, Southwick SM, Pietrzak RH. Behavioral Epidemic of Loneliness in Older U.S. Military Veterans: Results From the 2019-2020 National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study. American Journal Of Geriatric Psychiatry 2021, 30: 297-310. PMID: 34417085, DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2021.07.006.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsU.S. military veteransNational HealthPhysical healthMilitary veteransSuicidal ideationVeterans StudyFunctional measuresPsychiatric risk factorsLoneliness severityCross-sectional studyU.S. veteran populationPhysical health conditionsReliable self-report assessmentsCurrent suicidal ideationRisk factorsSelf-report assessmentsTransdiagnostic preventionCurrent prevalenceVeteran populationU.S. veteransFunctional difficultiesMental healthHealth conditionsIntervention targetsReporting feelingMental health and suicidal ideation in US military veterans with histories of COVID-19 infection
Na P, Tsai J, Harpaz-Rotem I, Pietrzak R. Mental health and suicidal ideation in US military veterans with histories of COVID-19 infection. BMJ Military Health 2021, 168: 15-19. PMID: 34035155, PMCID: PMC8154290, DOI: 10.1136/bmjmilitary-2021-001846.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsStrong independent predictorUS military veteransSuicidal ideationIndependent predictorsCOVID-19COVID-related stressorsInternalising disordersPsychiatric conditionsProtective factorsMilitary veteransCOVID-19 infectionLogistic regression analysisPsychiatric symptom severityLower household incomeCurrent suicidal ideationSubstance use problemsProspective cohortMultivariable analysisTrauma burdenPositive screenUS veteransNational HealthPsychiatric symptomsPsychiatric disordersVeterans Study