E261 - When Trauma Compounds: Clinical Strategies for PTSD and mTBI in Veterans with Dr. Pamela Wall
NEI PodcastShow Notes
In this episode, Dr. Andy Cutler interviews Dr. Pamela Wall about the complex intersection of PTSD and mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in veterans. They explore how military culture influences the experience and treatment of trauma, the challenges of distinguishing overlapping symptoms, and evidence-based strategies for assessment and intervention. Tune in for practical insights, clinical pearls, and resource recommendations for improving care in this uniquely vulnerable population.
Pamela Wall, PhD, PMHNP-BC is an associate professor in the College of Nursing at Rosalind Franklin University and maintains a clinical practice at a neuropsychiatric clinic in Fairfax, VA. She has extensive experience working with adult psychiatric mental health populations, and her research has focused on PTSD, mTBI, and sleep disorders in deployed military service members. Dr. Wall served 20 years on active duty as a Nurse Corps Officer in the United States Navy.
Andrew J. Cutler, MD, is a distinguished psychiatrist and researcher with extensive experience in clinical trials and psychopharmacology. He currently serves as the Chief Medical Officer of Neuroscience Education Institute and holds the position of Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York. Resources
Center for Deployment Psychology
National Center for PTSD
Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence
Never miss an episode!🎙SUBSCRIBE to the NEI Podcast– available on all your favorite platforms: https://nei.global/podcast
Interested in Psychopharmacology? Learn about the NEI Master Psychopharmacology Program: https://nei.global/mpp
Stay updated with email alerts and join our conversations on social. Follow us on: YouTube: https://nei.global/youtube
Instagram: https://nei.global/instagram
LinkedIn: https://nei.global/linkedin
Facebook: https://nei.global/facebook
More from NEI Podcast
In this episode, Dr. Andy Cutler talks with Dr. Jon Grant about how compulsivity presents across obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), trichotillomania, and skin-picking disorder (excoriation disorder). They discuss how clinicians can distinguish OCD compulsions from body-focused repetitive behaviors and choose among treatments such as exposure and response prevention, habit-reversal training, medication, and emerging treatment approaches.
Originally released in 2022, this episode of The PsychopharmaStahlogy Show features Drs. Andrew Cutler and Stephen Stahl in conversation with Dr. Tiffany Greenwood on the genetic and trait-based links between bipolar disorder and creativity. They explore how temperament, personality, and cognitive style may occupy the space between madness and genius, the role of dopamine, evolutionary explanations for why bipolar risk persists, and why stabilizing mood doesn't have to mean losing creativity.
Originally released in 2024, this episode features the late Dr. Vladimir Maletic in conversation with Drs. Andy Cutler and Stephen Stahl about the clinical significance and neurobiology of anhedonia. They discuss its different dimensions, how it differs from emotional blunting, its relationship to functioning and treatment response, and practical approaches to assessment and treatment. The episode highlights why recovery from depression requires restoring interest, motivation, and pleasure—not simply reducing negative symptoms.
In this episode, Dr. Andy Cutler speaks with Dr. Tim Wilens about the complex relationship between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and substance use disorders. They discuss how to distinguish ADHD from substance-related cognitive symptoms, determine when co-occurring conditions should be treated concurrently, and select appropriate ADHD medications based on the substance involved. Dr. Wilens also examines stimulant misuse and diversion, the role of nonstimulants, what is known about centanafadine's abuse potential, and practical approaches to monitoring treatment without undermining the therapeutic relationship.
Originally released in 2021, this episode features Dr. Thomas Schwartz discussing common mistakes in psychopharmacology and how psychiatric clinicians can recognize and manage them. He explores diagnostic uncertainty, medication dosing, informed consent and monitoring, and rational versus irrational polypharmacy. He also considers how clinicians can reassess inherited diagnoses, learn from prescribing errors, and preserve the therapeutic relationship when mistakes occur.