• Author: Melissa A. Polusny
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Predicting externalizing symptom trajectories in U.S. National Guard recruits: The role of adverse childhood experiences

Abstract: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are strongly associated with increased risk of externalizing problems. Despite their prevalence in military populations, limited …

Latent class patterns of adverse childhood experiences and mental health among National Guard recruits

Abstract: Background: Most studies have relied on a cumulative risk approach when examining adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). This approach assumes equal weighting of …

Validity of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-3 eating concerns (EAT) scale: A study with National Guard Veterans and their romantic partners

Abstract: Development and validation of screening tools for eating disorders is crucial for enhancing early intervention efforts among military-connected populations. The recently …

Feasibility of a prospective, longitudinal study of resilience among young military recruits with an embedded laboratory sub-study: the advancing research on mechanisms of resilience pilot trial

Abstract: Background: Despite extensive resilience research with military personnel, progress in developing effective resilience-specific interventions for military service members …

Telehealth mindfulness-based interventions for chronic pain: The LAMP randomized clinical trial

Abstract: Importance: Although mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are evidence-based treatments for chronic pain and comorbid conditions, implementing them at scale poses many …

"It made me feel more alive": A qualitative analysis of quality of life improvements following completion of trauma-focused therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder

Abstract: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with poor quality of life. Although randomized clinical trial data show improvements in quality of life following …

Ketamine-enhanced prolonged exposure therapy in Veterans with PTSD: A randomized controlled trial protocol

Abstract: Background: The 2023 VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of PTSD recommends individual, manualized trauma-focused such as Prolonged Exposure (PE) over …

Clusters based on within-treatment symptom trajectories as predictors of dropout in treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder and substance use disorder

Abstract: Objective: Dropout rates are high in treatments for co-occurring posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorders (SUDs). We examined dropout predictors …

Serotonin Transporter (SLC6A4) and FK506-Binding Protein 5 (FKBP5) Genotype and Methylation Relationships with Response to Meditation in Veterans with PTSD

Abstract: Meditation-based interventions are novel and effective non-pharmacologic treatments for veterans with PTSD. We examined relationships between treatment response, early …

Exploring gender differences in Veterans in a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial of mindfulness for chronic pain

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Although studies have documented higher rates of chronic pain among women Veterans compared to men Veterans, there remains a lack of comprehensive information …

The impact of substance use on posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and treatment discontinuation

Abstract: This study examined the impact of ongoing substance use during posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment on PTSD symptoms and …

A dynamic, multilevel approach to conceptualising and designing resilience research in the context of military stress

Abstract: Challenges in conceptualising resilience have impeded advancements in resilience science. In response, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) developed a general …