DSW Showcase Student Presentation

Ayana Thaanum

LCSW, DSW Candidate

Treating Traumatic Brain Injury in Military Populations

Concentration - Military Behavioral Health

Abstract

The number of military personnel who sustain a service-connected traumatic brain injury (TBI) is on the rise and presents an urgent social problem. Despite this rise, limited knowledge on TBI’s and best practices for mental health treatment interventions for service members who have sustained a TBI is available. Further, those who sustain a TBI often experience long-term cognitive deficits or impairments, as well as mental and physical comorbidities. This presentation aims to provide insight into the scope of the issue of TBIs in military populations, the psychotherapeutic interventions that are efficacious in achieving positive treatment outcomes, and supply an evidence base to justify the need for future research. Of particular interest for future research is determining if treatment modifications are necessary when a cognitive deficit is present in the setting of a military–related TBI. While there are evidence-based interventions for treating TBIs, the available data and literature are insufficient when taking into consideration the full breadth of this issue. With a concentration in military behavioral health, this presenter will tackle the issue of TBI’s in the military and aid in setting the stage for a brighter and more innovative future.

Biography

Ayana Thaanum is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Parker, Colorado. Ayana received her bachelor’s degree in psychology and social science from the University of Wyoming before pursuing her Master of Social Work degree at the University of Denver. Currently, Ayana is working as the Help for Heroes Senior Clinical Program Manager at Denver Springs, a Colorado-based behavioral health hospital. While managing the Help for Heroes program, Ayana has also pursued her Doctor of Social Work degree at the University of Kentucky. As the spouse of a Marine Corps veteran and relative of active-duty service members and veterans from varying military branches, Ayana has a vested interest in the health and well-being of our military populations. This has led Ayana to focus on the potential need for mental health treatment modifications for individuals with military-related traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Ayana co-published "Technology Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Ways in Which Technology Can Support Adolescent Well-being: Qualitative Exploratory Study". Ayana is also working on a study to better understand the impact of deployment on military mothers and their children. This study was presented at the 2023 APA conference in Washington, D.C. and shows promise in supplying data on the experience of military mothers. Ayana’s clinical and research interests lie heavily in better understanding and serving military populations. Ayana hopes to aid in efforts to destigmatize mental health in the military and get service members and veterans the care they need quickly and efficiently.