Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms, Functioning, and Suicidal Ideation in Older U.S. Veterans: A Network Analysis
Robert H Pietrzak1, Ian C Fischer2, Peter J Na3
1U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for PTSD (RHP, ICF), VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT; Department of Psychiatry (RHP, ICF, PJN, JMC, TRS), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT; Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences (RHP), Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT.
Negative beliefs and emotional reactivity are central to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in older veterans. Difficulty concentrating and anhedonia link PTSD symptoms to functional issues and suicidal ideation.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Gerontology
- Veterans Health
Background:
- Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects many older adults, particularly veterans.
- Understanding core PTSD symptoms and their impact on functioning and suicidal ideation (SI) is crucial for this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- Identify central PTSD symptoms in older U.S. military veterans.
- Examine associations between PTSD symptoms, daily functioning, and SI in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- Network analysis was used on data from 233 veterans (aged ≥60) with full or subthreshold PTSD.
- Symptom centrality and associations with functioning and SI were evaluated.
Main Results:
- Negative self/world beliefs and trauma-related emotional/physiological reactivity were identified as the most central PTSD symptoms.
- Difficulty concentrating and anhedonia were most strongly linked to functional impairments and SI.
Conclusions:
- A dual-focus treatment approach is suggested for older veterans with PTSD.
- Addressing interconnected PTSD symptoms and those linked to functional decline and suicide risk may improve recovery outcomes.
More Related Videos
04:02Author Spotlight: Developing Precise and Clinically Relevant Models for Studying Secondary Degeneration in Traumatic Optic Neuropathy
Published on: November 29, 2024
08:29Biomarkers in an Animal Model for Revealing Neural, Hematologic, and Behavioral Correlates of PTSD
Published on: October 10, 2012
Related Concept Videos
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations
A spectrum of distressing symptoms characterizes PTSD. Recurrent flashbacks, where individuals involuntarily relive traumatic events,...
Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Traumatic Memory
Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle
Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia
