Advancements in the understanding of PTSD and suicide risk: Introduction to a special section

Individuals with elevated symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or a PTSD diagnosis are at increased risk of thinking about, attempting, and dying by suicide. Yet, there remain key gaps in the field’s understanding of the relation between PTSD and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. In response, Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy organized this Special Section on PTSD and Suicide Risk. The articles included in this Special Section represent innovations in the understanding of the link between PTSD and suicidality across various at-risk populations and units of analysis. This Special Section additionally contains articles that address key data analytic and assessment considerations, paving the way for methodologically rigorous future research. Ultimately, it is my hope and belief that advancements in the scientific understanding of PTSD and suicide risk will contribute to decreases in suffering and decreases in suicide deaths.