Psychiatric Services

Traumatic brain injury affects an estimated 22% of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. Deficits in memory and functioning among these veterans, who may also have PTSD and depression, can create challenges in household management and lead to friction among family members. Veterans with TBI who participated in a multifamily group intervention reported less anger expression and more social support and occupational activity. Their family members reported decreased burden and described “powerful experiences” of connecting with a wider social network and reconnecting with their loved ones.

In states that opt to expand Medicaid, individuals with household income less than 138% of the poverty level will gain access to treatment. To assess unmet need for substance abuse treatment among newly eligible adults, researchers analyzed data from two groups of respondents to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health: low-income Medicaid enrollees and uninsured individuals who will become Medicaid eligible. The rate of substance use disorders was significantly higher in the latter group. Findings suggest that Medicaid expansion will reduce unmet need for treatment.

As full implementation of the Affordable Care Act approaches, researchers are analyzing available data to reduce uncertainty about the future and help measure the effects of anticipated changes. This analysis of 1985–2005 data provides a baseline for understanding how the ACA and national parity will shift funding for specialty mental health and substance abuse treatment. The researchers documented substantial changes for hospital-based care, office-based providers, and specialty centers. They note that future spending increases are likely under both private insurance and Medicaid and that parity in private plans will shift payment sources for office-based professionals.