Comorbid chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder in UK veterans: a lot of theory but not enough evidence
Abstract: Introduction: Chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are strongly correlated in military veteran populations. The aim of this article is to review what is known about the comorbidity of the two conditions. Methods: A literature search was carried out to establish evidence for current explanatory models of why the two conditions frequently co-occur, the most appropriate treatments and current UK service provision for veterans and to identify gaps in research. Results: Chronic pain and PTSD share a number of features, yet the mechanisms behind their comorbidity are not well understood, and while each condition alone has extensive literature, there is limited evidence to support specific care and treatment for the two conditions simultaneously. In addition, there is currently no UK data for veterans with comorbid chronic pain and PTSD so it is not possible to gauge the numbers affected or to predict the numbers who will be affected in the future, and there appear to be no co-located services within the United Kingdom for the management of the two conditions simultaneously in this population. Conclusion:This review highlights a paucity of evidence in all areas of comorbid chronic pain and PTSD. Further work needs to consider fully the nature of the event that led to the development of the two conditions and examine further the possible mechanisms involved, and clinics need to establish routine and systematic evaluations of how any interventions work in practice.
Abstract: Objectives: Increasing numbers of older adults are reentering community following incarceration (i.e., reentry), yet risk of incident neurodegenerative disorders associated with reentry is unknown. Our objective was to determine association between reentry status (reentry vs never-incarcerated) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and/or dementia. Methods: This nationwide, longitudinal cohort study used linked Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and Veterans Health Administration data. Participants were aged 65 years or older who experienced reentry between October 1, 2012, and December 31, 2018, with no preincarceration MCI/dementia, compared with age-matched/sex-matched never-incarcerated veterans. MCI/dementia was defined by diagnostic codes. Fine-Gray proportional hazards models were used to examine association. Results: This study included 35,520 veterans, mean age of 70 years, and approximately 1% women. The reentry group (N = 5,920) had higher incidence of MCI/dementia compared with the never-incarcerated group (N = 29,600; 10.2% vs 7.2%; fully adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.12; 95% CI 1.00-1.25). On further investigation, reentry was associated with increased risk of dementia with or without prior MCI diagnosis (aHR 1.21; 95% CI 1.06-1.39) but not MCI only. Discussion: Transition from incarceration to community increased risk of neurocognitive diagnosis. Findings indicate health/social services to identify and address significant cognitive deficits on late-life reentry. Limitations include generalizability to nonveterans.