Brain research and innovation centre (BRAIC)
PTSD, veterans, mental health
Research aim
The BRAIC conducts research on mental health in Dutch military personnel and veterans. The BRAIC aims to provide recommendations for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of psychiatric illness in Dutch military personnel and veterans based on scientific research. Furthermore, the BRAIC promotes professional and personalized care by making its research and expertise available to healthcare professionals.
About us
Military personnel that engage in military operations are increasingly faced with acute stress by means of physical, environmental, social, and psychological stressors. These stressors can have detrimental effects on their mental health. In the Brain Research and Innovation Centre (BRAIC) the Dutch Ministry of Defence and Utrecht University Medical Center collaborate to investigate mental health in Dutch military personnel and veterans. The BRAIC focuses on three research themes, Investigating etiology and risk factors, Improving treatment and Improving mental performance and mental health in Dutch military personnel and veterans.
In Etiology and risk factors, the prevalence of mental health problems among military personnel up to ten years after deployment are examined. We apply machine learning techniques to predict long-term development of PTSD and depression. In addition, we aim to identify biological and psychological factors that can make individuals more vulnerable to develop mental health problems after deployment.
In Improving treatment, we examine new treatment options. We investigate the use of Cannabidiol (CBD) as a new medicine to target the endocannabinoid system in the reduction of anxiety symptoms. We examine the use of brain stimulation to reduce physiological stress responses to trauma exposure and to reduce symptoms in PTSD or anxiety disorders. We explore the feasibility and acceptability of VR-delivered exposure sessions, and we examine whether sleep interventions can enhance treatment outcome. In addition, we systematically collect clinical and biological data to predict treatment outcome of Dutch military personnel in treatment for mental health problems at the Military Mental Healthcare department.
In Improving mental performance and mental health, we examine (moral) decision making during acute stress. In addition, we investigate the relationship between emotional awareness and mental health. Furthermore, we examine the influence of stigmatization of mental health problems on the sustainable employability of Defence personnel.