PTSD + Major Depression = Increased Suicide Risk
In a brief report published this month in the American Journal of Psychiatry, researchers from NY Psychiatric Institute conducted a study evaluating comorbidity in post traumatic stress disorder and major depression. Both disorders separately can increase the risk of suicidal behavior. Patients were evaluated for PTSD and assessed for suicidal behavior and clinical risk factors for suicidal behavior.
They found that “patients with comorbid major depressive episode and PTSD were more likely to have attempted suicide, and women with both disorders were more likely to have attempted suicide than men with both disorders.” They screened for substance use, childhood abuse, or cluster B personality disorders and found that these did not influence the results.
Although this is a preliminary study, the data can serve to remind the clinician of the need to carefully evaluate depressed patients for PTSD and to assess for the possibility of an increased suicide risk.
Am J Psychiatry 160:580-582, March 2003
11:18:38 PM 
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