Contributions of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and mild TBI (mTBI) history to suicidality in the INTRuST consortium. (23rd August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fisher, Lauren B.; Bomyea, Jessica; Thomas, Garrett; Cheung, Joey C.; He, Feng; Jain, Sonia; Flashman, Laura A.; Andaluz, Norberto; Coimbra, Raul; George, Mark S.; Grant, Gerald A.; Marx, Christine E.; McAllister, Thomas W.; Shutter, Lori; Lang, Ariel J.; Stein, Murray B.; Zafonte, Ross D.
• Is Part Of: Brain injury. Volume 34:Number 10(2020)
• Page Start: 1339
• Page End: 1349
• Publication Date: 2020-08-23
• Subjects: Mild brain injury -- posttraumatic stress disorder -- suicide risk; Brain damage -- Periodicals; Brain -- Wounds and injuries -- Periodicals; Brain Injuries -- Periodicals; 617.481
• DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2020.1807054
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-9052

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Objective: Mild TBI (mTBI) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are independent risk factors for suicidal behaviour (SB). Further, co-occurring mTBI and PTSD increase one's risk for negative health and psychiatric outcomes. However, little research has examined the role of comorbid mTBI and PTSD on suicide risk. Methods: The present study utilized data from the Injury and TRaUmatic STress (INTRuST) Consortium to examine the prevalence of suicidal ideation (SI) and behaviours among four groups: 1) comorbid mTBI+PTSD, 2) PTSD only, 3) mTBI only, and 4) healthy controls. Results: Prevalence of lifetime SI, current SI, and lifetime SB for individuals with mTBI+PTSD was 40%, 25%, and 19%, respectively. Prevalence of lifetime SI, current SI, and lifetime SB for individuals with PTSD only was 29%, 11%, and 11%, respectively. Prevalence of lifetime SI, current SI, and lifetime SB for individuals with mTBI only was 14%, 1%, and 2%, respectively. Group comparisons showed that individuals with mTBI alone experienced elevated rates of lifetime SI compared to healthy controls. History of mTBI did not add significantly to risk for suicidal ideation and behaviour beyond what is accounted for by PTSD. Conclusion: Findings suggest that PTSD seems to be driving risk for suicidal behaviour.