I was hosted by Maj Oscar Cabrera and Maj Jeff Thomas at WRAIR for another interesting day. I learnt about some of their research and in particular the findings from their Mental Health Advisory Team who go into theatre once per year and carry out research on deployed personnel looking at various MH issues. These include comparing PTS and MH symptoms to length of deployment/time at home/number of tours. They compare the effect of leadership in platoons on stress levels. They look at the effect of deployments on marriages, amongst other aspects. I was able to get a Powerpoint of some of their most recent findings. I was also able to discuss the Battlemind research and further research around this issue.
I was also able to spend time with the sleep lab staff finding out about some of their findings around optimal sleep levels and the advice they given command on sleep hygiene.
In addition I gave a presentation on the UK Defence MH services and some of the research that has been coming out of the ACDMH, which was well received.
