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ABSTRACT
Objectives: Eliminating Veteran suicide is a top priority for the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA). This study identified factors associated with suicidal ideation (SI) among a rarely studied subgroup of Veterans: those with cancer.
Methods: Veterans (age M = 61.83) with cancer (N= 175) referred for psychological evaluation completed measures of pain, sleep, depressive, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms. SI was defined by endorsing on paper-and-pencil questionnaire thoughts of killing oneself in the past 2 weeks or during clinical interview.
Results: 25.1% reported SI. Compared to those without SI, Veterans with SI had higher ratings on measures of depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms. History of suicide attempt(s) was included in the model due to clinical significance. Logistic regression was performed with these variables as predictors of SI. The omnibus model was significant (p< .001). However, only anhedonia and depressed mood had a statistically significant contribution to the model (β = 0.540, p= .001).
Conclusions: Anhedonia and depressed mood predicted SI among Veterans with cancer above and beyond other risk factors.
Clinical Implications: This study’s findings highlight the importance of incorporating suicide risk screenings in oncology clinics across VA medical centers.
Acknowledgments
This material is the result of work supported with resources and the use of facilities at the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Disclaimer
All opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not in any way represent those of the Department of Veteran Affairs, the Department of Defense, the United States Government, or any of its agencies.