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Understanding the Neuropsychological Consequences of Deployment Stress: A Public Health Framework

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  17 November 2010

Jennifer J. Vasterling  and
Susan P. Proctor
Jennifer J. Vasterling*
Affiliation:
Psychology Service and VA National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
Susan P. Proctor
Affiliation:
Military Performance Division, US Army Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Natick, Massachusetts Research Service, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
*
Correspondence and reprint requests to: Jennifer J. Vasterling, Psychology (116), VA Boston Healthcare System, 150 S. Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02130. E-mail: jennifer.vasterling@va.gov
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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. (JINS, 2011, 17, 000–000)

Keywords

DeploymentStressNeuropsychological functioningPublic healthEpidemiologyVeteransMilitary personnel
Type
Short Reviews
Information
Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society , Volume 17 , Issue 1 , January 2011 , pp. 1 - 6
Copyright
Copyright © The International Neuropsychological Society 2010

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Footnotes

Disclaimer: The content of this article does not necessarily reflect the position or policy of the U.S. government, and no official endorsement should be inferred.

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