Overview
VA and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) launched a collaborative study in 2023 to describe clinical and biological characteristics of Gulf War Illness, aiming to identify underlying causes and pave the way toward treatments.
Active Studies
Collaborative Specialty Care for Gulf War Illness (June 2020 – May 2026)
This HSR-funded study compares tele-Collaborative Specialty Care (CSC) with e-consultation. Tele-CSC delivers health coaching, problem-solving treatment, and PACT analgesic optimization directly to Veterans. E-consultation provides one-time recommendations for local care.
Co-PIs: Lisa Marie McAndrew, PhD (VA New Jersey Healthcare); Justeen Hyde, PhD (VA Bedford Healthcare); Scott Sherman, MD (VA New York Harbor Healthcare)
Listening to Gulf War Vets (September 2018 – March 2024)
This study conducted extensive interviews with Veterans and caregivers rather than focus groups or questionnaires. Findings amplify patient and caregiver voices in GWI research and clinical care, illuminating experiences of illness and informing patient-centered design.
PI: Shannon Nugent, PhD (VA Portland Healthcare)
Evaluation of Mindfulness-based Intervention for Gulf War Illness (April 2017 – September 2023)
This randomized controlled trial evaluated an 8-week Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program against Chronic Disease Self-Management (CDSMP). Contrary to expectations, MBSR did not produce better outcomes than CDSMP on pain, fatigue, or cognitive failures. Results suggest MBSR should not be widely recommended for this population.
PI: Tracy Simpson, PhD (VA Puget Sound Healthcare)
Systematic Review of GWI Interventions (2020)
Investigators reviewed 45 studies examining 12 randomized controlled trials. Findings showed moderate evidence that cognitive behavioral therapy combined with exercise—or exercise alone—improved fatigue and overall mental health. Doxycycline was found to be ineffective and associated with harms.