INTRODUCTION
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a growing problem amongst active duty military and veterans. The Department of Veterans Affairs reports eleven to twenty percent of veterans are diagnosed with PTSD (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2015). With respect to OIF/OEF Veterans, PTSD has been found to be a risk factor for suicidal ideation (Jakupcak, Vannoy, Imel, Cook, Fontana, Rosenheck & McFall, 2010). It is estimated twenty-two veterans commit suicide per day (Kemp & Bossarte, 2012). The purpose of this paper is to research veterans diagnosed with PTSD; is there a lower incidence of suicide for those who have available resources to help them cope than those who do not have the available resources to cope with PTSD?
NURSING …show more content…
Various studies have found evidence of PTSD acting as a strong risk factor for suicidal behaviors. In a study conducted by the National Comorbidity Survey, found participants with PTSD are five times more likely to have suicidal ideation and six times more likely for suicidal attempts compared to participants without PTSD (Kessler, Borges & Walters, 1999). With evidence claiming a correlation with PTSD and suicide, the next question that must be answered is whether or not treatment and resources available reduces suicide. Researchers for the National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System (2012) concluded:
Suicidal ideation decreased sharply during treatment (Cognitive processing therapy & prolonged exposure) with continued, but more subtle decreases, during the follow-up period. These decreases were associated with decreases in PTSD symptoms over the course of treatment. These associations were not accounted for by depression diagnoses at the start of the study or changes in hopelessness over the course of treatment. (p.1046)
While it might be difficult to determine if suicide was due to PTSD and its related symptoms or by other psychological mental issues, by reducing suicidal ideation, suicide can greatly be reduced in
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a growing problem amongst active duty military and veterans. The Department of Veterans Affairs reports eleven to twenty percent of veterans are diagnosed with PTSD (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2015). With respect to OIF/OEF Veterans, PTSD has been found to be a risk factor for suicidal ideation (Jakupcak, Vannoy, Imel, Cook, Fontana, Rosenheck & McFall, 2010). It is estimated twenty-two veterans commit suicide per day (Kemp & Bossarte, 2012). The purpose of this paper is to research veterans diagnosed with PTSD; is there a lower incidence of suicide for those who have available resources to help them cope than those who do not have the available resources to cope with PTSD?
NURSING …show more content…
Various studies have found evidence of PTSD acting as a strong risk factor for suicidal behaviors. In a study conducted by the National Comorbidity Survey, found participants with PTSD are five times more likely to have suicidal ideation and six times more likely for suicidal attempts compared to participants without PTSD (Kessler, Borges & Walters, 1999). With evidence claiming a correlation with PTSD and suicide, the next question that must be answered is whether or not treatment and resources available reduces suicide. Researchers for the National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System (2012) concluded:
Suicidal ideation decreased sharply during treatment (Cognitive processing therapy & prolonged exposure) with continued, but more subtle decreases, during the follow-up period. These decreases were associated with decreases in PTSD symptoms over the course of treatment. These associations were not accounted for by depression diagnoses at the start of the study or changes in hopelessness over the course of treatment. (p.1046)
While it might be difficult to determine if suicide was due to PTSD and its related symptoms or by other psychological mental issues, by reducing suicidal ideation, suicide can greatly be reduced in