The association between inflammatory markers and psychological disorders in veterans and military personnel: a systematic review protocol

Abstract

Review question(s)/objective(s) The objective of this systematic literature review is to identify whether there is an association between inflammatory markers and psychological disorders in veterans and military personnel. The primary question to be examined is: Is there an association between increased inflammatory markers and psychological disorders in military personnel or veterans? Inclusion criteria Types of participants This review will consider studies that include currently serving military personnel, as well as individuals who have already left the military (veterans). Military populations of all countries and all ethnicities will be considered. Both females and males will be considered. No age restrictions will be applied. This review will exclude studies that involve participants undergoing basic recruit or military training as this population is not considered to have met the definition of being a currently serving military member, or a military veteran in the sense of having had a period of service, or been deployed and involved in a period of active duty. Phenomena of interest The phenomena of interest in this review are inflammatory markers and psychological disorders. Studies that seek to identify changes in inflammatory markers and the presence or absence of psychological disorders will be considered. Specific inflammatory markers are likely to include C-Reactive Protein, Interleukin-6, and Tumour Necrosis Factors. Psychological disorders of interest will include posttraumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety related conditions, adjustment disorder as well as somatic complaints; however, studies which have sought to identify other psychological disorders will also be considered. Types of outcomes: TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS