Silvia Ronzitti

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between military-related traumatic experiences and postpartum depression in a cohort of post-9/11 women veterans. We hypothesized that women veterans would report high rates of postpartum depression, and that military-related traumas would constitute unique risk factors for postpartum depression. Methods: This cross-sectional study was based on survey data from post-9/11veterans who were discharged and gave birth between October, 2001 and September, 2015. Bivariate and multivariate analyses included military-related trauma variables, demographics, and factors that have been previously associated with postpartum depression in other populations. Results: Based on multivariate analyses of 151 respondents, 41% of women reported a definite or possible history of postpartum depression. Military exposures, namely multiple deployments (OR = 2.41, CI = 1.06-5.50), and combat exposure (OR= 1.05, CI = 1.01-1.10), were predictive of postpartum depression following the most recent, post-deployment pregnancy. Discussion: These findings suggest that military-related factors may increase the risk for postpartum depression among women veterans. Clinicians should be vigilant in screening for military service and exposures to provide early referral and additional support as needed.

One of the main difficulties faced in treating gambling disorder is compliance with psychological treatment. Gambling takes many forms and can differ greatly in its features such as speed of play and skill requirements. The type of gambling a pathological gambler opts for may play a key role in treatment compliance. The aim of the present study was to determine whether within treatment seeking sample of gambling disorder clients, gambling activity has any correlation with their resultant treatment outcomes. The study incorporated 524 treatment-seeking individuals who are clients of the National Problem Gambling Clinic in London. All of the clients were assessed prior to treatment and fulfilled the Problem Gambling Severity Index criteria for problem gambling. Data concerning clients’ gambling behavior over the previous year was gathered using self-reports. Subsequently, the data was fitted to a multinomial logistic regression model, with the treatment outcome (i.e. pre-treatment dropouts, during treatment dropouts, and completed treatment) as the dependent variable and gambling behavior as the independent variable, whilst controlling for socio-demographic factors. The use of gaming machines was a significant predictor of dropping out pre-treatment (p < 0.05, RRR 1.616), whilst betting on sports events was a significant predictor of dropping out during treatment (p < 0.01, RRR 2.435). Treatment outcomes have been found to significantly differ based on participation in certain gambling activities. Further research into the salient features of these gambling activities may help to further explain pre-treatment and during treatment dropouts within this population.

The aim of this study was to identify predictors of treatment dropout in a sample of gamblers attending a specialist clinic for gambling disorder. We analysed data on 846 treatment-seeking pathological gamblers. Firstly, we investigated differences in socio-demographic and clinical variables between treatment completers and pre-treatment dropouts, as well as between treatment completers and during-treatment dropouts. Subsequently, variables were entered into a multinomial logistic regression model to identify significant predictors of pre-treatment and in-treatment dropout. Overall, 44.8% of clients did not complete the treatment: 27.4% dropped out before starting it, while 17.4% dropped out during the treatment. Younger age and use of drugs were associated with pre-treatment dropout, while family history of gambling disorder, a lower PGSI score, and being a smoker were related with in-treatment dropout. Our findings suggest that pre-treatment dropouts differ from in-treatment dropouts, and, thus, further research will benefit from considering these groups separately. In addition, this newly gained knowledge will also be helpful in increasing treatment retention in specific subgroups of problem gamblers.