ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: We sought to gather perspectives of veterans with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) regarding suicide risk factors, warning signs, and protective factors. We also aimed to modify an existing Veterans Health Administration tool, the Suicide Risk Assessment Guide Pocket Card, for HIV/AIDS provider use. METHODS: Twenty male veterans participated in audio-recorded semistructured interviews that were transcribed and coded for themes. FINDINGS: Veterans highlighted personally relevant psychosocial stressors (i.e., poverty, social isolation and loneliness, and physical health). Although the concept of warning signs did not seem salient to participants, they named indicators of elevated imminent risk for self-directed violence (i.e., "relapse," "not take'n medications," and "miss'n appointments") and few protective factors. No themes emerged regarding recommended pocket card changes. CONCLUSIONS: This sample of veterans identified self-directed violence risks noted in the general population and others with HIV/AIDS, as well as proximal events associated with increased risk. Care providers are encouraged to explore the relevance of noted imminent and persistent indicators of increased risk with veterans seeking care.
Subject(s)
HIV Infections/psychology , Protective Factors , Suicide/psychology , Veterans/psychology , Adult , Aged , Female , HIV-1 , Humans , Male , Mental Health/standards , Middle Aged , Qualitative Research , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
History of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been found to increase risk of suicidal behavior. The association between suicide attempt history among veterans with PTSD and/or TBI was explored. Cases (N = 81) and 2:1 matched controls (N = 160) were randomly selected from a Veterans Affairs Medical Center clinical database. PTSD history was associated with an increased risk for a suicide attempt (OR = 2.8; 95% CI: 1.5, 5.1). This increased risk was present for those with and without a history of TBI. Results support incorporating PTSD history when assessing suicide risk among veterans with and without TBI.
Subject(s)
Brain Injuries/epidemiology , Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/epidemiology , Suicide, Attempted/statistics & numerical data , Veterans/statistics & numerical data , Adult , Aged , Brain Injuries/psychology , Chi-Square Distribution , Female , Hospitals, Veterans/statistics & numerical data , Humans , Logistic Models , Male , Mental Health Services/statistics & numerical data , Middle Aged , Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/psychology , United States , Veterans/psychology , Young AdultABSTRACT
The objective of this study was to explore suicidal behaviors documented at time of discharge from acute psychiatric hospitalization. Data from 114 acute psychiatric admissions were reviewed for 22 veterans with a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Information extracted included presence of suicidal ideation, nature of suicide attempts, and TBI characteristics. The Lethality of Suicide Attempt Rating Scale was used to classify veterans' non-lethal self-harm behavior. Post-TBI, 6 patients (27.3%) made a total of 14 suicide attempts. Half of those attempts required wounds being sutured, stomach lavage, or other medical attention. Clinicians and researchers are strongly encouraged to focus increased attention on suicide prevention in those with a history of TBI.
