Deployment Psychology Blog

Research Update: January 31, 2013

By Shirl Kennedy  on 31.01.2013 6:42 am

The CDP's weekly research update contains the latest news, journal articles and useful links from around the web. Some of this week's topics include:
• DOD Has Taken Steps to Meet the Health Needs of Deployed Servicewomen, but Actions Are Needed to Enhance Care for Sexual Assault Victims (GAO)
• DOD Health Care: Domestic Health Care for Female Servicemembers (GAO)
• The Future of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia: What Important Research Remains to Be Done?

Staff Voices: Examining and Dealing with Chronic Pain in Service Members

By Mary Brinkmeyer  on 30.01.2013 6:42 am

Chronic pain is the most common reason for medical evacuation from Iraq and Afghanistan deployments, and spinal pain is the most frequent reason for medical boards across military services. Service members face unique challenges in coping with chronic pain, including role loss, the psychological impact of combat and negotiating the limited duty/profile/medical board process.

By the Numbers - January 28, 2013

By Shirl Kennedy  on 28.01.2013 6:42 am

$150 billion

The amount requested by the Department of Defense (DoD) "to fund the pay and benefits of current and retired members of the military" for FY 2013, according to a report last fall from the Congressional Budget Office, Costs of Military Pay and Benefits in the Defense Budget. Of this amount -- roughly one-fourth of the entire military budget -- more than $90 million covers "basic pay, food and housing allowances, bonuses, and various types of special pay."

Staff Voices: Improving Therapy Outcomes via Psychophysiological Education - (Part II)

By Anthony McCormick  on 23.01.2013 6:42 am

In this segment, I continue on from part 1’s focus on “evolved perspective” and “integrating experiences” to discussing how helping individuals understand deployment’s impact on the nervous system seems to be helpful in facilitating positive clinical outcomes. Lastly, I discuss an anecdotal observation and subsequent treatment addendum that has proved helpful in increasing patient “buy in” and adherence to sleep protocols while reducing complaints about sleep.

Pages