Childhood Trauma Linked With Suicidality in Veterans With Bipolar Disorder

Veterans with bipolar disorder who reported a previous suicide attempt had significantly higher levels of exposure to childhood trauma compared with other veterans, according to a study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research.

Researchers investigated associations between trauma exposure and suicide attempt in 106 veterans with bipolar disorder and 815 veterans with no psychiatric history. Participants, who ranged in age from 20 to 72, completed a clinical questionnaire, the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation, and the Traumatic Live Events Questionnaire.

Among veterans with bipolar disorder, 75 had comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to the study. After researchers controlled for PTSD, they found that veterans with bipolar disorder had a higher prevalence of all types of trauma. Of note, odds ratios were 2.89 for childhood sexual trauma and 2.85 for physical assault.

Exposure to childhood trauma was significantly higher (researchers reported an odds ratio of 5.69) among the 42 veterans with bipolar disorder who reported previous suicide attempts.

“Results support incorporating history of previous trauma exposure when assessing veterans at risk for bipolar disorder, especially trauma characterized as attack and childhood sexual abuse,” advised Adam Fijtman, MD, Duke University School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Durham, North Carolina, and coauthors. “Particular attention should be given to veterans with bipolar disorder and exposure to trauma during childhood, which may be associated with increased risk of suicidality.”

Reference:
Fijtman A, Clausen A, Kauer-Sant'Anna M; VA Mid-Atlantic MIRECC Workgroup, Morey R. Trauma history in veterans with bipolar disorder and its impact on suicidality. J Psychiatr Res. 2023;157:119-126. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.10.063