In this episode of Sofia Unfiltered, Riley and Dr. Michelle talk to Dr. Monique Chouraeshkenazi, Air Force GWOT Combat Veteran, The Chouraeshkenazi Group Founder & CEO, Associate Professor of Psychology at American Military University, and Chief Clinical Neuropsychometrician.
From Combat Zones to Classrooms: Dr. Monique's Journey
Dr. Monique Chouraeshkenazi's journey from national security expert to mental health professional is nothing short of remarkable. After a distinguished career in the Air Force, she transitioned to the field of psychology, driven by her experiences witnessing mental health challenges during deployments in Afghanistan. With an impressive academic background, including multiple degrees in psychology and clinical psychopharmacology, Dr. Chouraeshkenazi now serves as an associate professor specializing in biopsychology and cognitive psychology at American Military University. Her expertise as a clinical neuropsychometrician, coupled with her passion for education and teaching, underscores her commitment to making a profound impact in the field of mental healthcare.
How does military service affect mental well-being?
Military service can significantly impact mental well-being due to exposure to combat, separation from loved ones, and stressors inherent in the military environment. Conditions like posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression are prevalent among veterans. The challenges extend beyond combat-related trauma to include suicide, traumatic brain injury (TBI), substance use disorder (SUD), and interpersonal violence. While combat deployments pose increased risks, the broader military service also presents challenges, with periods of heightened stress during deployments or transition to civilian life. Understanding these impacts is crucial for healthcare providers to deliver effective care and support to service members and veterans.
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Understanding Combat-Related Mental Illness
As a neuropsychometrician, Dr. Monique analyzes test validity and results in collaboration with licensed psychologists. Her expertise lies in assessing the impact of long-term mental illnesses on brain functioning, particularly in military service members and veterans. Through her research, she explores the neurological implications of conditions like PTSD and major depression, focusing on areas of the brain such as the frontal lobe and prefrontal cortex. Dr. Chouraeshkenazi's work sheds light on the cognitive challenges faced by individuals affected by severe mental health disorders, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive assessment and support for military personnel transitioning from combat environments.
Combat Veterans' Mental Health and Brain Function
Dr. Monique underscores the significance of early intervention and thorough neuropsychological evaluations for returning service members. She highlights the structural brain changes caused by these conditions and advocates for a multidisciplinary approach involving neurologists and neuropsychologists to address cognitive deficits effectively.
Additionally, they touch on the interaction between mental illness and the legal system, particularly in determining criminal liability and sentencing for individuals with severe mental health conditions. Dr. Monique emphasizes the need for increased awareness and support programs to provide proper treatment for military veterans and others suffering from mental illness, emphasizing a proactive approach to mitigate the risk of violent behavior associated with untreated conditions.
The Impact of Long-Term Mental Illness on Brain Function
Dr. Monique sheds light on the impact of long-term mental illnesses like PTSD, major depression, and anxiety on brain function and the nervous system. She emphasizes how these conditions can transition from short-term concerns to debilitating disorders, highlighting the importance of timely intervention. Seeking help often involves a journey through various healthcare providers, starting from general practitioners to therapists and eventually to specialists like neuropsychologists for comprehensive evaluation.
She underscores the significance of accurate diagnosis, as mental health conditions can sometimes mimic other disorders, necessitating a thorough assessment to determine the appropriate course of treatment. Additionally, Dr. Monique emphasizes the role of holistic approaches, including adequate sleep, exercise, and nutrition, in improving cognitive functioning alongside therapeutic interventions.
Veterans' Mental Health: Challenges and Solutions
In discussing barriers to mental health care for service members, Dr. Monique Chouraeshkenazi highlights the systemic challenges within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), emphasizing lengthy wait times and understaffing, which hinder timely access to services. She recommends contacting patient advocacy within the VA system to expedite appointments or explore civilian options if necessary.
Dr. Chouraeshkenazi also explains the concept of forensic neuropsychopathology, underscoring its potential to bridge the gap between mental health treatment and the criminal justice system, advocating for fairer treatment of individuals with mental health disorders within legal frameworks.
More from Sofia Health
Check out the full episode of the Sofia Unfiltered podcast, "Addressing Combat-Related Mental Health Issues with Dr. Monique Chouraeshkenazi", available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
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Disclaimer: The Sofia Unfiltered Podcast by Sofia Health is for general informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. No doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have. For any health concerns, users should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals.
