Intensive coping skills training to reduce anxiety and depression for forward-deployed troops.

This study provides descriptive information and 2-year outcome data on the first intensive, outpatient, coping skills training program for forward-deployed troops in the Western Pacific Ocean region. Established in February 2003 by the Mental Health Department of the U.S. Naval Hospital in Okinawa, Japan, the Outpatient Crisis Prevention Program was designed as a multidisciplinary training program to reduce anxiety and depression and to enhance the coping skills of active duty personnel. This study describes the rationale for creating the program, the patient population, and treatment outcome data collected during the first 2 years. The Beck Depression Inventory II and the Beck Anxiety Inventory were administered as pretraining and posttraining measures to patients who completed the program between February 2003 and February 2005 (N = 326). Results revealed that the Outpatient Crisis Prevention Program was effective in reducing depression and anxiety symptoms and promoting healthy coping behaviors among participants. Follow-up data indicated that gains were maintained 1 month after treatment.

Review of the first year of an overseas military gambling treatment program.

This study provides descriptive information and preliminary first-year outcome data on the only overseas military gambling treatment option currently available. Implemented in January 2003 within the Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program, U.S. Naval Hospital, Okinawa, Japan, gambling treatment was developed as a specific track within the overall substance abuse program. The present study explores the various considerations and requirements for setting up such a program, as well as a description of individuals seeking gambling treatment and preliminary outcome data. Participants consisted of all gambling referrals (N = 35, 26 males; mean age, 33.2 years; SD = 8.93) obtained over the first year that gambling services were offered. A significant degree of depression, suicidality, and substance abuse problems were observed in the sample. Results revealed that the gambling program was easily implemented within an established substance abuse program. The program was effective in preventing suicides in both military members and eligible beneficiaries and was effective in facilitating the retention of military members with gambling problems.