A 12-Month prospective study of the effects of PTSD-depression comorbidity on suicidal behavior in Iraq/Afghanistan-era veterans. (30th September 2016) - Kimbrel, Nathan A.
Abstract: The present study used validated clinical interviews to assess the effect of comorbid PTSD-depression on suicidal behavior over the course of 12 months in 309 Iraq/Afghanistan-era veterans. Logistic regression models demonstrated that comorbid PTSD-depression was a statistically significant predictor of suicide attempts at the 12-month follow-up in both the total sample and in the subset of veterans with PTSD/depression (n=98). In contrast, gender, age, race, sexual orientation, and baseline history of suicide attempts did not have significant effects. These findings suggest that comorbid PTSD-depression may be a significant risk factor for future suicidal behavior in veterans. Highlights: This study examined comorbid PTSD-depression and suicidal behavior over time. Comorbid PTSD-depression predicted suicide attempts at 12-month follow-up. This effect was found in the total sample and in the subset of veterans with PTSD/depression. Veterans with comorbid PTSD-depression should be carefully monitored.