Examining suicide risk correlates in individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Abstract

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is one of the key psychiatric disorders that significantly predicts suicidal ideation and the likelihood of suicide attempts. As such, understanding the factors contributing to this risk in affected individuals is crucial. In this regard, the current study aimed to investigate the correlates of suicide risk in individuals with PTSD, focusing on PTSD symptom clusters, negative posttraumatic cognitions and beliefs, prior suicide attempt history, and comorbidity with other psychiatric disorders. A sample of 80 participants with PTSD was gathered through a purposeful sampling method and completed study measures, including the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), the Posttraumatic Cognitions Inventory (PTCI), and the Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R). Correlation and hierarchical regression analyses indicated that prior suicide attempts, psychiatric comorbidity, re-experiencing symptoms, and negative cognitions about the self were significantly associated with suicide risk. Of note, re-experiencing symptoms were the only PTSD symptom cluster that remained significantly associated with suicide risk. Similarly, among the PTCI dimensions, only negative cognitions about the self demonstrated a significant association. Findings emphasize the importance of symptom-level, cognitive, and clinical factors in suicide risk in patients with PTSD, which could inform suicide risk assessment and future intervention research.