Objective: The presence of multiple comorbid conditions is common after combat deployment and complicates treatment. A potential treatment approach is to target shared mechanisms across conditions that maintain poorer health-related quality of life (HRQOL). One such mechanism may be decrements in pleasurable activities. Impairment in pleasurable activities frequently occurs after deployment and may be associated with poorer HRQOL.
Method: In this brief report, we surveyed 126 Veterans who had previously sought an assessment at a Veterans Affairs post-deployment health clinic and assessed pleasurable activities, HRQOL, and post-deployment health symptoms.
Results: Forty-three percent of Veterans met our criteria for all three post-deployment conditions (PTSD, depression and chronic wide-spread physical symptoms). Greater engagement in pleasurable activities was associated with better HRQOL for all Veterans regardless of type or level of post-deployment health symptoms.
Conclusion: Future research should study if interventions that encourage Veterans with post-deployment health conditions to engage in pleasurable activities are effective rehabilitation strategies
