Defense Health: Coordinating Authority Needed for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury Activities

Abstract

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which falls into the broader field of psychological health (PH), and traumatic brain injury (TBI) are recognized as the signature wounds of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. In two reports issued in 2011 (GAO-11-219 and GAO-11-611), GAO cited numerous management weaknesses at the Defense Center of Excellence for PH and TBI (DCOE). For the present report, GAO reviewed (1) funding for DOD's PH and TBI activities in fiscal years 2007 through 2010 and the accuracy of its reporting on these activities to Congress and (2) DOD's ability to coordinate its PH and TBI activities to help ensure that funds are used to support programs of the most benefit to servicemembers. GAO interviewed DOD officials, reviewed legislation and DOD s annual reports, and obtained relevant documentation.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2012
Accession Number
ADA555608

Entities

Organizations

  • United States Government Accountability Office

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Brain Injuries
  • Health Services
  • Medical Personnel
  • Military Medicine
  • Pain
  • Stem Cells
  • Therapy

Readers

  • Defense Acquisition Program Management
  • Government Contracting/Procurement.
  • Mental Health of Military Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Risk Factors, Prevalence, Symptoms, and Treatment.