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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
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Psyc 190: Warriors At HomeTraumatic 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?