Increased Suicidal Ideation in Patients with Co-Occurring Bipolar Disorder and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Abstract

Suicide risk increases for those with Bipolar Disorder or PTSD, however little research has focused on risk for co-occurring Bipolar Disorder and PTSD. The aim of this article was to evaluate increased suicide risk in co-occurring disorders, and differences in suicide risk for patients with Bipolar I versus Bipolar II. This study evaluated suicide risk in patients with co-occurring PTSD and Bipolar Disorder (n = 3,158), using the MADRS and Suicide Questionnaire. Those with history of PTSD had significantly higher suicidal ideation than those without (U = 1063375.00, p < .0001). Those with Bipolar I had higher risk than those with Bipolar II. Patients with Bipolar I and PTSD were at higher risk for suicidal ideation, implying the importance of diagnosis and risk assessment.

Keywords:

• anxiety/anxiety disorders
• bipolar disorder
• co-occurring diagnosis
• PTSD
• suicidal ideation
• suicide risk

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Julia M. Carter

Julia M. Carter, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX.

Timothy J. Arentsen

Timothy J. Arentsen, Memphis Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Memphis, TN.

Matthew J. Cordova

Matthew J. Cordova, Palo Alto University, and Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA.

Josef Ruzek

Josef Ruzek, Palo Alto University, and Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA.

Robert Reiser

Robert Reiser, School of Nursing and Health Professions, University of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA.

Trisha Suppes

Trisha Suppes, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, and Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA.

Michael J. Ostacher

Michael J. Ostacher, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto and Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA.