Headache Disorders in VHA Primary Care: Prevalence, Psychiatric Comorbidity, and Health Care Utilization.

Military veterans are at increased risk for headache disorders compared to the general population, yet the prevalence and burden associated with headache disorders among veterans is not yet well understood. In this electronic medical record study, we examined the prevalence of headache disorders among veterans seen in a northeastern network of Veterans Health Administration (VHA) primary care during 2017-2018. We also examined rates of psychiatric comorbidity and health care utilization of veterans with headache disorders for the year following the date of the first headache code in the medical record.

Rates and Correlates of Alcohol and Substance Use Among Women Veterans During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Moderating Role of COVID-Specific Anxiety.

Introduction: Mental health symptoms and substance use increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, and women may be disproportionately affected. Women report substantial mental health consequences, and women veterans may experience additional risks associated with military service. However, rates and correlates of substance use and consequences among women veterans are largely unknown.

Randomized Clinical Trial of Brief Primary Care-Based Mindfulness Training Versus a Psychoeducational Group for Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.

Individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms are often reluctant to engage in traditional mental health care but do seek primary care services. Alternative strategies are needed to develop emotional regulation skills among individuals with PTSD symptoms. This study examined the feasibility and effectiveness of Primary Care Brief Mindfulness Training (PCBMT) compared to a psychoeducational group for reducing PTSD symptoms.

Understanding Who Uses Whole Health Services: A Program Evaluation.

Background: The Veterans Health Administration is rolling out a Whole Health system of care as part of an enhanced focus on proactive, person-centered healthcare.

Objective: Our program evaluation seeks to characterize what Veterans use Whole Health services, for what diagnoses they are seeking Whole Health services, and to examine "high utilizers" of Whole Health services.

Methods: Data were collected on 174 Veterans using Whole Health services from December 2018 through March 2020 and consisted of chart review and self-report data.

Relationship of rumination and self-compassion to posttraumatic stress symptoms among Veterans.

Past research demonstrates interrelationships amongst rumination, self-compassion, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. However, little research has considered rumination and self-compassion together in relation to PTSD in clinical populations. In this cross-sectional study, we examined the unique effect of self-compassion on PTSD beyond the effect of rumination.