Brookhaven Hospital: Mental Health Treatment for Behavioral Health Problems, Chemical Dependency, Eating Disorders, Brain Injuries, and Renewal Christian Treatment and Recovery

Tuesday, June 12, 2007 5:40 PM
posted by Michael Mason

Male Vets a High Risk for Suicide

As if vulnerability to brain injury at PTSD weren't enough for servicemembers, a researcher has identified that males who served in the military are at an extremely high risk for suicide, verses the general population:

For 12 years, Kaplan and his team of researchers followed more than 104,000 veterans who had served in the armed forces at some time between 1917 and 1994 and compared them with more than 216,000 non-veterans.

In all, between 1986 and 1997, 508 of them committed suicide - 197 veterans and 311 non-veterans.

After adjusting for a host of potentially compounding factors, including age, time of service and health status, the study showed that those who had been in the military were 2.13 times more likely to die of suicide over time.

Read more about the study here.

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8:59 AM
posted by Rolf B. Gainer, Ph.D.

Mental Distress Leads to Cognitive Impairment

Individuals with chronic distress are at a significant risk for developing cognitive impairments. In a study conducted by Robert Wilson, Ph.D. of Rush University Medical Center, reported in the June 12, 2007 issue of Neurology, individuals who scored high on a test of chronic mental distress where 40% more likely to develop mild cognitive impairments than individuals who were less stress prone and more "laid back". Dr. Wilson's study suggests that the accumulated effect of a lifetime of stress will affect the area of the brain which regulates memory. This study furthers our understanding of the importance of managing stress throughout one's lifetime. While we all will be exposed to stressful events throughout our life, it is the development of a chronic stress response which will lead to long term psychological and cognitive effects. A phrase from popular song few years ago said: "Don't worry, be happy". Not bad advice!

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Rolf B. Gainer, Ph.D., Diplomate ABDA, is the Chief Executive Office at Brookhaven Hospital and the Vice President of Rehabilitation Institutes of America. Dr. Gainer has been involved in the design and operation of treatment programs since 1977.

Stephen Harnish, MD is the Medical Director of Brookhaven Hospital. Dr. Harnish is a member of the American Psychiatric Association and is well known in Oklahoma for his informative radio and television appearances.

Aric Thorpe, MHR, is Brookhaven Hospital's Pastoral Liaison Representative. He conducts the quarterly Minister's Lifeline series and provides mental health information to pastors and clergy.

Sarah McGee serves as the Community Education Provider for Brookhaven Hospital. She provides information on mental health and drug and alcohol treatment to healthcare professionals in Oklahoma and surrounding states.

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