PTSD and chronic suicidal ideation: The role of counter suicidal cognition.

Abstract

Post traumatic stress disorder is often associated with an increase in suicidal thoughts and behaviors. However, this link remains poorly understood; particularly unclear are the mechanisms victims use to help them persevere through periods of increased suicidal ideation. This pilot study of veterans examines the frequency and quantity of suicidal ideation as well as preventative cognitions the victim utilizes to prevent suicide. These cognitions are known as counter-suicidal cognitions.

Towards the next millennium: Disaster mental health-learning from the past and planning for the future.

“…Sivak, Swartz & Swenson (1999) advance a hypothesis that suicidal thinking often increases when individuals are afflicted with PTSD. They present information from a descriptive study conducted at the Twin Ports VA outpatient clinic with both combat and non-combat veterans suffering from PTSD.…”