The MIND Study (Markers for the Identification, Norming, and Differentation of TBI and PTSD) will explore differences in the diagnosis of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and help build objective and consistent diagnostic criteria for both conditions.
Background
Current procedures for diagnosing TBI and PTSD in both the military and civilian population rely heavily on a patient’s description of his or her experiences. This is an important source of information in the diagnosis of any condition. However, both TBI and PTSD can impact a person’s ability to remember or to explain important aspects of their experiences. Another challenge for diagnosing TBI and PTSD is that many symptoms are present in both conditions.
Goals
This pilot study aims to identify objective measures for diagnosing TBI and PTSD, to increase the accuracy and speed of diagnosis. This study also aims to find measures that differentiate between TBI and PTSD, to help make each diagnosis more accurate. Finally, objective instruments, differential measures, and information from individuals will increase our knowledge about these conditions. This may lead to more effective treatments for TBI and PTSD.
Participants
The study participants will be:
- Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom Veterans
- Veterans with TBI, PTSD, both, or neither
- Recruited based on answers to a health survey that they completed in 2009 or 2010 for the National Health Study for a New Generation of U.S. Veterans
We are not accepting volunteers for this study.
Methods
Participants will be invited to travel to one of the VA War Related Illness and Injury Study Centers (WRIISCs) to receive physical evaluation and diagnostic testing.
Investigators
Julie Chapman, Psy.D.
Aaron Schneiderman, Ph.D., M.P.H., R.N.
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