P0072 - Study on suicidality in veterans of Iraq-Iran war suffering from chronic PTSD

Abstract

Introduction:

The Iraq-Iran war lasted for 8 years and ended approximately 20 years ago. It left many physically and mentally injured individuals. Many of these veteran have been suffering from chronic post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).. We observed a percentage of them, suddenly died which could be attributed to self over-medicated. In this research we evaluate tendency to suicide in them.

Material & Method:

One hundred and four patients with chronic PTSD who referred to Beheshti psychiatric hospital in Kerman/Iran were included in the study. Subjects should met DSM-IV criteria for PTSD. After collecting demographic data, the risk of suicide was evaluated with California risk estimator for suicide. History of opium dependence and one to one fight were obtained from patients.

Results:

The mean±SD of age was 39.90±4.33 years and the mean duration of disease was 18.31±1.99 years.. Severity of suicide based on California test showed 15.4% had high and 63.5% and very high tendency to suicide. History of substance dependence (t=6.58, P<0.0001) and history of one to one fight (t=2.9111, P<0.01) were two factors which are contributed to high suicidal tendency.

Conclusion:

Veterans with chronic PTSD are patients who are at risk for many consequent problems. One of these is suicidal tendency. Suicide is a matter which was not paid sufficient attention. Veterans who had specific problem such as drug dependence and whom which were involved in one to one fight are more at risk of suicide.