Executive Dysfunction and Self-Harm Behavior: An Examination of Veterans With TBI, PTSD, or Both

Individuals who served in Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) are reporting histories of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and symptoms associated with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Standard neuropsychological measures are ineffective at distinguishing between TBI and PTSD. This pilot project will examine whether methods from cognitive neuroscience can determine the effects of TBI and/or PTSD on executive function. Executive function includes many aspects of goal-oriented behavior, including the ability to inhibit inappropriate behaviors and thoughts. In the proposed study, the investigators are focusing on inhibitory processing, as it is a core component of executive function. Although both TBI and PTSD compromise executive function and TBI often occurs in the context of a traumatic event, very little research has attempted to disentangle the effects that each of these conditions has on inhibitory control. In addition, the investigators are interested in how disinhibition may be linked to impulsive real-world behaviors, such as suicidal tendencies, which are observed at elevated rates in individuals with TBI as well as those with PTSD. Knowing the ways in which inhibitory functions are compromised in these individuals should aid in the development of appropriate treatments aimed at functional improvement for those with mild TBI, PTSD, or mild TBI+PTSD.

Inclusion criteria

• Between the ages of 18-45 years old
• At least one OEF/OIF deployment
• Currently receiving or eligible to receive physical and/or mental health care through the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System

Exclusion criteria

• History of other significant neurological disease (other than mild TBI for the appropriate groups) as assessed by interview and chart review
• History or diagnosis of lifetime moderate or severe TBI for the TBI groups, or any history of TBI for the non-TBI groups, as assessed by interview and chart review
• History or diagnosis of non-active duty-related mild TBI or PTSD disorder as assessed by interview and/or chart review
• Diagnosis of schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder as assessed by interview and/or chart review
• Computerized Assessment of Response Bias (CARB) performance categorized as Very Poor or Symptom Exaggerator
• Problematic drinking behavior that consistently exceeds recommended drinking limits per day, e.g., Diagnosis of Alcohol Abuse Disorder or Alcohol Dependence Disorder per the SCID; or five or more alcoholic drinks per day, four out of seven days per week for the previous two weeks
• Use of illicit substance(s) more than five times in the two weeks before enrollment
• Inability to read the informed consent document or adequately respond to questions regarding the informed consent procedure
• Contraindication to having an MRI