ESP Center Presents Evidence Map on Toxic Exposure and Mental Health to Psychiatry Chiefs

Research News

November 8, 2024

Kyle Bourassa, PhD, and Anna Magnante, PsyD, on behalf of HSR's Evidence Synthesis Program (ESP) Center in Durham, NC, presented results of the Center's project, "Occurrence of Psychiatric Conditions or Symptoms After Military Service-related Environmental and Chemical Toxic Exposures: An Evidence Map," to the National Psychiatry Chiefs. About 40 VA clinicians and national leaders from across VHA attended the presentation, which was requested by the ESP Center's operational partner Jennifer Patterson, PhD, ABPP, National Director, Integrated Services, VHA Office of Mental Health.

The Durham ESP Center's evidence map highlights psychological and neurocognitive symptoms and diagnoses associated with military toxic exposures, as well as key literature gaps. Available evidence suggests that Veterans with a high likelihood of toxic exposure during military service can be expected to present with relatively high levels of mental health and neurocognitive symptoms and diagnoses.

The evidence map will help VHA clinical teams provide evidence-informed care to Veterans who present with psychiatric concerns during toxic exposure screenings, and will inform national guidance for screening, assessment, and treatment.