The Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress (CSTS) of the Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University (USU) is pleased to present the Brain, Behavior, & Mind 2026 Spring Conference. 

This virtual event includes presentations and live, moderated panels with our featured speakers, as well as a poster session. There is no cost to attend, and the event is open to the public.

Continuing Education credits are available for Physicians, Psychologists, and Social Workers.

Accreditation and Designation Statement

In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and The Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) designates this live activity for a maximum of 5.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

The following CME/CE Credit types have been approved:

Physician CME Credit(s)

Psychology CE Credit(s)

Social Work CE Credit(s)

Although adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been linked to gastrointestinal (GI) conditions in children, it remains unclear which specific adversities confer greatest risk and how psychosocial or contextual factors modify these associations. This study identified ACEs most strongly associated with GI symptoms in US youth and evaluated emotional, behavioral, and environmental pathways that may affect these relationships. GI symptoms were reported in 6% of children. Five ACEs were retained for the primary outcome; strongest associations were for household mental illness and economic insecurity, followed by neighborhood violence and racial discrimination. Emotional/behavioral difficulties mediated 20%–35% of effects; food insecurity mediated 26% for economic insecurity. School and neighborhood safety and community support attenuated several ACE–GI associations. Household mental illness and economic insecurity were the strongest ACEs associated with GI symptoms in US youth. Emotional distress and perceived environmental safety mitigated these associations. Integrating psychosocial and contextual factors into evaluation of recurrent GI symptoms may improve care and identify targets for early intervention.

Machine learning predictive modeling can support scalable prevention of suicide-related behavior (SRB). SAFEGUARD is a three-pronged universal, indicated, and clinical SRB-prevention intervention system focused on key military career touchpoints. The targeted SAFEGUARD interventions are designed to improve on the mixed results of universal interventions. Level Up uses digital tools, personalized messaging, and remote booster sessions to deliver customized universal military-focused cognitive behavioral therapy skills training designed to reduce SRBs during first duty assignments. Operation Life Force delivers remote group dialectical behavior therapy skills training with a mental toughness focus to soldiers identified during annual physicals as high-risk for SRBs. Pathfinding delivers remote wrap-around case management after psychiatric inpatient discharge to soldiers identified as high-risk for SRBs. SAFEGUARD is a data-driven system for SRB prevention that delivers targeted best-practice interventions at critical points to optimize impact and efficiently use mental health resources across the military.