Keywords
1. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
2. Veterans Mental Health
3. PTSD Treatment
4. Gender Differences in Therapy
5. Operation Enduring Freedom Veterans
A landmark study has highlighted potential gender differences in the response to psychotherapy, more specifically Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), among veterans who served in recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Published in the “Women’s Health Issues” journal, the study examined whether there are gender-specific differences in the effectiveness of ACT compared to present-centered therapy (PCT) among veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), and Operation New Dawn (OND). The study’s findings suggest that while no significant gender differences were observed in the primary outcome of general distress, variances did exist in symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (DOI: 10.1016/j.whi.2019.03.003).
A Closer Look at the Therapy Approaches
ACT is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that emphasizes psychological flexibility and the ability to engage in values-based action. PCT, on the other hand, is a non-trauma-focused therapy that provides support and a space for discussing daily stresses without delving into trauma content. The study examined 117 participants, scrutinizing gender’s role in their response to these treatment modalities.
Understanding the Study’s Implications
“The importance of this study lies in its potential to customize treatment plans for veterans based on their gender, which could revolutionize the way we approach mental health in military populations,” explains Dr. Robyn L. Gobin of the VA San Diego Healthcare System and lead author of the study.
The study, supported by the U.S. Government but not a Public Health Service, demonstrates the increasing awareness of the need for individualized treatment plans catering to different demographic parameters such as gender.
Gender-Specific Reactions to PTSD Treatment
Among the noteworthy findings, female veterans experiencing PTSD showed different responses to ACT compared to their male counterparts. While this preliminary result does not establish causality or a comprehensive gendered treatment model, it sparks a conversation on the necessity for further in-depth research.
Dr. Jennifer L. Strauss from the Department of Veterans Affairs adds, “Understanding treatment responses across genders is crucial in our efforts to provide the best care for all veterans, underlining the importance of personalized healthcare.”
Important Considerations
During a time when female service members are increasingly involved in combat roles, and with the number of female veterans rising, this study provides pivotal insights into gender-responsive care. Moreover, as PTSD remains a significant challenge for returning service members, with its debilitating impacts on personal and societal levels, innovative and inclusive approaches to treatment are in high demand.
Moving Forward with Additional Research
Despite the significance of these findings, the research team cautions that results are preliminary and should motivate further studies rather than conclusive changes in clinical practice.
“By expanding our knowledge base and examining larger samples with gender-balanced representation, we can develop more nuanced and effective interventions that cater to the specific needs of different genders,” says senior researcher Dr. Ariel J. Lang from the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego.
Real-World Impact
For veterans like John, a participant in the study, the findings open up new possibilities. “I’ve always felt that one approach doesn’t fit all. This study validates that feeling and gives me hope for more tailored treatments,” he shares.
Concluding Thoughts
With robust data analysis and interdisciplinary collaboration, studies like this are inching closer to cracking the code on nuanced treatment for mental health conditions like PTSD. It’s only through dedicated research and attention to individual differences that the healthcare community can truly meet the diverse needs of those who’ve served.
Expert Commentary
“There’s a treasure trove of potential in gender-based research in psychotherapy,” says Dr. Paula P. Schnurr of the National Center for PTSD. “We’ve only just begun to unravel how deep these differences go and how we can leverage this knowledge to better serve our veterans.”
References
1. Gobin, R.L., Strauss, J.L., Golshan, S., Allard, C.B., Bomyea, J., Schnurr, P.P., Lang, A.J. (2019). Gender Differences in Response to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Among Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation New Dawn Veterans. Women’s Health Issues, 29(3), 267-273. doi: 10.1016/j.whi.2019.03.003
2. Hayes, S. C., Strosahl, K., & Wilson, K. G. (1999). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: An Experiential Approach to Behavior Change. New York: Guildford Press.
3. Schnurr, P.P., Friedman, M.J., & Sengupta, A. (2000). PTSD and treatment of PTSD in the VA system. Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, 37, 295-304.
4. Kimerling, R., Street, A.E., Pavao, J., Smith, M.W., Cronkite, R.C., Holmes, T.H., & Frayne, S.M. (2010). Military-related sexual trauma among Veterans Health Administration patients returning from Afghanistan and Iraq. American Journal of Public Health, 100(8), 1409-1412.
5. Tanielian, T., Jaycox, L.H. (Eds.). (2008). Invisible wounds of war: Psychological and cognitive injuries, their consequences, and services to assist recovery. RAND Corporation.
The study has a DOI of 10.1016/j.whi.2019.03.003 and its insights present a stepping stone towards enhancing the efficacy of psychotherapy tailored for the veteran population. As society seeks to honor the service of its military members, pioneering research like this paves the way for more nuanced and effective healthcare interventions that honor their unique experiences and challenges.