Psychiatry research
-
Psychiatry research · Aug 2019
Meaning in life following deployment sexual trauma: Prediction of posttraumatic stress symptoms, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation.
Deployment sexual trauma (DST; i.e., sexual harassment or assault during deployment in the military) is associated with physical and mental health consequences, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and suicidal ideation (SI). Less attention has been placed on factors that may offer protection from deleterious mental health outcomes following DST. Global meaning in life (i.e., purpose, beliefs, goals, and subjective feelings) has been shown to be a protective factor against PTSD, depression, and SI following combat trauma; however, the extent to which meaning in life may affect outcomes following DST has not been investigated. ⋯ Further, meaning in life was a significant mediator between DST and each of the three outcomes, even after controlling for demographic variables and combat experiences. The mediation models did not differ by gender. Findings suggest meaning in life may be an important clinical factor, both for the identification of risk and as a point of intervention.
-
Psychiatry research · Apr 2019
Psychometric properties of the German version of the suicide cognitions scale in two clinical samples.
The present study aimed at evaluating the psychometric properties of German Suicide Cognitions Scale (SCS-18/SCS-9) in two clinical samples. Validity and reliability were established in an outpatient- (n = 277) and in an inpatient sample (n = 75). Statistical analyses included confirmatory factor analyses, correlation analyses, between-group comparison by history of lifetime suicide attempts, and regression analyses. ⋯ The SCS-18 subscales and the SCS-9 demonstrated clinical utility by differentiating between participants with prior and without prior suicide attempts. The SCS (subscale unsolvability and SCS-9 score) predicted current suicide ideation as well as suicide ideation 7-10 days later - even after controlling for established risk-factors (e.g., depression, hopelessness, interpersonal variables). Results suggest that the SCS-18 and the SCS-9 are reliable and valid measures to assess suicidal cognitions that can be used in clinical as well as in research settings.
-
Psychiatry research · Mar 2019
Predicting status along the continuum of suicidal thoughts and behavior among those with a history of nonsuicidal self-injury.
Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicidal thoughts and behavior often co-occur, representing a growing public health concern. Despite extensive research examining suicidal thoughts and behavior among those who engage in NSSI, there is a lack of research investigating factors that, when considered together, can differentiate individuals along the continuum of suicidal thoughts and behavior (no history, suicidal ideation, suicide plan, suicide attempt). This study sought to address this question using a sample of 1178 college students with NSSI history (68.70% female). ⋯ Those who use a greater number of NSSI methods and acts, paired with higher depressive symptoms and repeated self-disclosure of suicidal ideation are most likely to have a suicide attempt history; decreases in these variables suggest membership within less severe groups. Furthermore, older age may be related to greater suicidality. Findings suggest that the evaluation and co-occurrence of these variables may contribute to a more accurate suicide risk assessment.
-
Psychiatry research · Feb 2019
Associations between neuropsychiatric and health status outcomes in individuals with probable mTBI.
Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is a common occurrence, and may impact distal outcomes in a subgroup of individuals. Improved characterization of health outcomes and identification of factors associated with poor outcomes is needed to better understand the impact of mTBI, particularly in those with co-occurring posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Participants in a data repository of the Injury and Traumatic Stress (INTRuST) Clinical Consortium (n = 625) completed functional disability [FD] and health-related quality of life [HRQOL] questionnaires, and a subset completed a neuropsychological assessment. ⋯ Individuals in the mTBI/PTSD group endorsed poorer health outcomes than those in the mTBI group, who endorsed poorer outcomes than those in the HC group. Individuals in either mTBI group performed worse than those in the HC on verbal learning and memory and psychomotor speed. Health outcomes were correlated with mental health and postconcussive symptoms, as well as neuropsychological variables. mTBI may adversely impact self-reported health, with the greatest effect observed in individuals with co-occurring mTBI/PTSD.
-
Psychiatry research · Feb 2019
A factor analytic evaluation of the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 among veterans presenting to a generalist mental health clinic.
The shift from a multiaxial system of diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) brought forth the discontinuation of the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF). DSM-5 proposes the use of a more reliable method for assessing and describing disability, the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0). The WHODAS 2.0 is widely-used within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Veterans Benefits Administration to guide clinical decision making and assist in decisions pertaining to financial compensation. ⋯ Analyses confirmed the hardiness of the WHODAS 2.0 for use with Veterans. However, exploratory analyses pointed to several items that may reduce the functioning of the questionnaire in clinical Veteran samples. Exploratory and confirmatory analyses indicated better model fit can be achieved.