Measuring the impact of suicide attempt posttraumatic stress

To examine the associations between posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTS) following a medically serious suicide attempt with suicidal ideation, related interpersonal constructs, and outpatient mental health service utilization.

The study utilized an existing data set from a clinical trial consisting of 66 patients recruited at a level 1 trauma center following medical admission for a suicide attempt. Measures of suicide attempt-related PTS (SA-PTS), suicidal ideation, perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, and outpatient medical and mental health utilization were completed at 1 and 3 months. A series of mixed-effects regression models were used to analyze the data.

Greater SA-PTS at 1 month was associated with significantly greater suicidal ideation, thwarted belongingness, and perceived burdensomeness across 1 and 3 months.

Addressing PTS following a medically serious suicide attempt may aid in addressing suicide-specific constructs and improve the recovery trajectory following hospitalization.