Examining the relation between posttraumatic stress disorder and suicidal ideation in an OEF/OIF veteran sample

This study examined the relation between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suicidal ideation among U.S. military veterans deployed during Operation Enduring Freedom and/or Operation Iraqi Freedom. Specific aims included investigation of (1) whether PTSD was associated with suicidal ideation after controlling for combat exposure and history of suicide attempt(s), (2) whether PTSD was associated with suicidal ideation absent a co-occurring depressive disorder (MDD) or alcohol use disorder (AUD), (3) whether co-occurring MDD or AUD increased risk of suicidal ideation among those with PTSD and (4) whether PTSD/MDD symptom clusters were differentially associated with suicidal ideation. Results pointed to unique effects associated with prior suicide attempt(s), PTSD and MDD. PTSD-diagnosed participants with co-occurring MDD or AUD were not significantly more likely to endorse suicidal ideation than PTSD-diagnosed participants without such comorbidity. The ‘emotional numbing’ cluster of PTSD symptoms and the ‘cognitive-affective’ cluster of MDD symptoms were uniquely associated with suicidal ideation.

Research highlights▶ PTSD associated with suicidality, even absent psychiatric comorbidity. ▶ Dually diagnosed S's not more likely to endorse suicidality than S's with PTSD only. ▶ PTSD/MDD symptom clusters differentially related to suicidality among S's with PTSD.