Understanding the neuropsychological consequences of deployment stress: a public health framework
Jennifer J Vasterling1, Susan P Proctor
1Psychology Service and VA National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts 02130, USA. jennifer.vasterling@va.gov
Abstract:
Complaints of neuropsychological dysfunction have emerged among subsets of military personnel after almost every major deployment involving western nations in recent history. Although deployments have been characterized by a range of neural risk factors, psychological stress is common to most prolonged deployments. This review uses a public health framework to address associations between deployment-related stress and neuropsychological performance. Specifically, the review covers mechanisms by which deployment-related psychological stress may affect neuropsychological functioning, considers the advantages and disadvantages of approaching the question from a public health perspective, and discusses how epidemiological research may sort out questions regarding course, cause, and effect.
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