Mental disorder prevalence among U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs outpatients with spinal cord injuries

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2018 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2017.1293868 · Published: January 1, 2018

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the prevalence of mental disorders among Veterans with spinal cord injuries (SCI) receiving outpatient care at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities. The study found that a significant proportion of Veterans with SCI experience mental health issues, highlighting the need for accessible and effective mental health services within the VA system. The research also explores the relationship between mental disorders and factors such as demographics, injury characteristics, and overall life satisfaction among this population.

Study Duration

24 Months

Participants

280 Veterans who attended annual comprehensive SCI evaluations

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional study

Key Findings

1
Approximately 40% of Veterans with SCI had at least one mental disorder diagnosis, with depressive disorders, PTSD, and substance use disorders being the most common.
2
Certain patient characteristics, including age, racial minority identity, non-traumatic SCI etiology, and incomplete injury, were predictive of mental disorders.
3
Mental disorders were associated with greater impairment from health and mental health-related problems, as well as lower satisfaction with life among Veterans with SCI.

Research Summary

The study aimed to estimate the point prevalence of mental disorders among U.S. military Veterans receiving outpatient care in the VA Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders (SCI/D) system of care. Data was collected from administrative and medical records of 280 Veterans who attended annual comprehensive SCI evaluations, focusing on demographics, injury characteristics, and mental disorder diagnoses. The findings revealed a high prevalence of mental disorders among this population, emphasizing the importance of providing adequate mental health services for Veterans with SCI.

Practical Implications

Resource Allocation

The findings can inform resource allocation within the VA healthcare system to better address the mental health needs of Veterans with SCI.

Early Detection and Screening

The study underscores the importance of implementing efficient screening programs to facilitate the early detection of mental disorders in this population.

Comprehensive Care Coordination

The results highlight the need for seamless care coordination across different sites within the VA SCI/D system to ensure Veterans receive comprehensive and integrated mental health support.

Study Limitations

1
Findings may not generalize to all patients with SCI treated by the VA nor patients treated outside the VA.
2
Use of unstandardized clinical interviews by SCI team psychologists to indicate mental disorders rather than a standardized interview could limit generalizability.
3
The secondary aim of examining predictors of mental disorders was limited to variables that were available to the research team

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