Suicidal behavior among chronic Vietnam theatre veterans with PTSD

J Clin Psychol. 1990 Nov;46(6):713-21. doi: 10.1002/1097-4679(199011)46:6<713::aid-jclp2270460604>3.0.co;2-7.

Abstract

Suicidal behavior among Vietnam veterans with chronic Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) was evaluated. Sixty chronic PTSD vets admitted to a Specialized PTSD Unit were divided into two groups based on the presence of suicidal behavior: 29 patients in a Suicide Group and 31 in a Non-suicide Group. Subjects were evaluated on symptoms, psychometric measures, military variables, adjustment factors, and pre-military parental patterns of discipline. Results showed that the Suicide Group possessed problems in paternal child-rearing patterns, current adjustment difficulties, and the PTSD symptoms of survival guilt and crying. In a regression analysis, paternal inconsistency of love, survivor guilt, and tendency to cry, in addition to age and sex, accounted for the significant variance of suicidal behavior.

MeSH terms

  • Chronic Disease
  • Combat Disorders / diagnosis
  • Combat Disorders / psychology*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Personality Tests
  • Risk Factors
  • Suicide / psychology*
  • Suicide Prevention
  • Veterans / psychology*
  • Vietnam