Background The course of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is frequently and severely complicated by co-occurring alcohol use disorder (AUD), yet there are few reports of pharmacologic treatments for these co-morbid conditions. The objective of this pilot study was to obtain a preliminary assessment of the efficacy and safety of topiramate in reducing alcohol use and PTSD symptoms in veterans with both disorders. Methods This was a prospective 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial of flexible-dose topiramate up to 300mg/day in 30 veterans with PTSD and AUD. The primary outcome measure was frequency of drinking. Secondary outcomes consisted of other measures of alcohol use and PTSD symptom severity. Results Within-group analyses showed that topiramate treatment was associated with significant reductions in frequency and amount of alcohol use and alcohol craving from baseline through week 12. Between-group analyses showed that topiramate reduced frequency of alcohol use and alcohol craving significantly more than placebo and tended to reduce drinking amount. Topiramate treatment was also associated with decreased PTSD symptom severity and tended to reduce hyperarousal symptoms compared to placebo. Topiramate transiently impaired learning and memory, with significant recovery by the end of treatment. Conclusions These preliminary results indicate that in veterans with co-occurring PTSD and AUD, topiramate may be effective in reducing alcohol consumption, alcohol craving, and PTSD symptom severity – particularly hyperarousal symptoms.. Topiramate was associated with transient cognitive impairment but was otherwise well tolerated.

Cognitive dysfunction is commonly observed among individuals with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and trauma exposure and is, in turn, associated with worse clinical outcomes. Accordingly, disruptions in cognitive functioning may be conceptualized as a trans-disease phenomenon representing a potential high-yield target for intervention. Less is known though about how different cognitive functions co-vary with alcohol use, craving, and posttraumatic stress symptom severity among trauma exposed individuals with AUD. Sixty-eight male and female trauma exposed military Veterans with AUD, entering treatment trials to reduce alcohol use, completed measures assessing alcohol use and craving, posttraumatic stress symptom severity, and cognitive functioning. In multivariate models, after controlling for posttraumatic stress symptom severity, poorer learning and memory was associated with higher alcohol consumption and higher risk-taking/impulsivity was associated with stronger pre-occupations with alcohol and compulsions to drink. Alcohol consumption and craving, but not performance on cognitive tests, were positively associated with posttraumatic stress symptom severity. Findings suggest that interventions to strengthen cognitive functioning might be used as a preparatory step to augment treatments for AUD. Clinicians are encouraged to consider a standard assessment of cognitive functioning, in addition to posttraumatic stress symptom severity, in treatment planning and delivery for this vulnerable and high-risk population.

Objective: Attitudes and beliefs related to immersion in military culture can affect postseparation transition to the civilian setting. The etiology and complexity of these reactions are often overlooked by mental health providers, which can result in negative consequences for treatment. This qualitative study examined veterans' perceptions of military culture and the impact of military service on veterans' values, beliefs, and behaviors. The goal of this research was to identify aspects of military culture that are important for health care providers to consider as they care for veterans and to inform culturally sensitive mental health care for veterans. Method: Fifty-two military veterans completed a self-report survey and participated in semistructured focus groups. Results: Participants reported diverse military experiences, and many endorsed a high level of continuing identification with aspects of military culture. Seven broad themes related to military culture emerged from qualitative analyses: (a) military values, beliefs, and behaviors; (b) relationships; (c) occupational habits and practices; (d) acquired skills; (e) communication; (f) affiliation; and (g) psychological health and well-being. Conclusion: This thematic analysis elucidated strategies to improve mental health services for veterans, using a nuanced model that encourages providers to better distinguish aspects of cultural transition from psychopathology. Results underscored the