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Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology

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01-02-2013 | Original Paper

Suicidal ideation and social exchanges among at-risk veterans referred for a behavioral health assessment

Authors: Shahrzad Mavandadi, Karen S. Rook, Jason T. Newsom, David W. Oslin

Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology | Issue 2/2013

Abstract

Purpose

The current study examined the independent association between positive (e.g., emotional and instrumental support) and negative (e.g., insensitive behavior, unwanted advice from others) social exchanges and suicidal ideation among veterans referred for a behavioral health assessment.

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.

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.

Conclusions

Findings highlight the value of exploring the quality of social exchanges among veterans in primary care who screen positive for behavioral health issues, as such information has the potential to inform screening and intervention efforts aimed at reducing suicidal ideation.

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Title: Suicidal ideation and social exchanges among at-risk veterans referred for a behavioral health assessment
Authors: Shahrzad Mavandadi
Karen S. Rook
Jason T. Newsom
David W. Oslin
Publication date: 01-02-2013
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology / Issue 2/2013
Print ISSN: 0933-7954
Electronic ISSN: 1433-9285
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-012-0534-5

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Suicidal ideation and social exchanges among at-risk veterans referred for a behavioral health assessment

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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