Abstract
Methods
The sample included 606 veterans [mean age = 54.96 (SD = 14.96)] referred by primary care for a clinical mental health/substance
abuse (MH/SA) assessment following a positive MH/SA screen. Data on sociodemographics, MH/SA conditions (e.g., depression,
PTSD, anxiety, and alcohol abuse), the self-reported frequency of positive and negative social exchanges, and suicidal ideation
were extracted from clinical interviews and evaluated.
abuse (MH/SA) assessment following a positive MH/SA screen. Data on sociodemographics, MH/SA conditions (e.g., depression,
PTSD, anxiety, and alcohol abuse), the self-reported frequency of positive and negative social exchanges, and suicidal ideation
were extracted from clinical interviews and evaluated.
Results
Veterans were primarily male, non-married, and had adequate financial resources, and approximately half were White. 74.4 and
20.3 % met criteria for a MH/SA condition and suicidal ideation, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed
that, adjusting for sociodemographics, physical functioning, and comorbid MH/SA conditions, veterans reporting more frequent
negative exchanges with network members were significantly more likely to report suicidal ideation. Positive exchanges, in
contrast, were not significantly related to the outcome. Inadequate finances and MH/SA conditions also were significantly
related to suicidal ideation.
20.3 % met criteria for a MH/SA condition and suicidal ideation, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed
that, adjusting for sociodemographics, physical functioning, and comorbid MH/SA conditions, veterans reporting more frequent
negative exchanges with network members were significantly more likely to report suicidal ideation. Positive exchanges, in
contrast, were not significantly related to the outcome. Inadequate finances and MH/SA conditions also were significantly
related to suicidal ideation.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-11
- DOI 10.1007/s00127-012-0534-5
- Authors
- Shahrzad Mavandadi, Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Philadelphia VA Medical Center, 3900 Woodland Ave, B215, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Karen S. Rook, Department of Psychology and Social Behavior, School of Social Ecology, University of California, Irvine, 5300 Social and Behavioral Sciences Gateway, Irvine, CA 92697-7085, USA
- Jason T. Newsom, Institute on Aging, School of Community Health, Portland State University, P.O. Box 751, Portland, OR 97207-0751, USA
- David W. Oslin, Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Philadelphia VA Medical Center, 3900 Woodland Ave, B215, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Journal Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology
- Online ISSN 1433-9285
- Print ISSN 0933-7954