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The role of pain, functioning, and mental health in suicidality among veterans affairs primary care patients

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  • Magruder, K.M.
  • Yeager, D.
  • Brawman-Mintzer, O.

Abstract

Objectives: We examined suicidality, pain, functioning, and psychiatric disorders among veterans in primary care by using both self-report and clinical measures of pain and mental health to determine correlates that might be clinically useful in primary care settings. Methods: Data were from 884 Veterans Affairs patients enrolled in a regional 4- site cross-sectional study. Patients were administered measures that assessed functioning (including pain) and psychiatric disorders. Data were merged with medical records for clinical pain indicators. Results: Overall, 9.1% (74 of 816) of patients indicated suicidal ideation, with those who were middle-aged, unemployed because of disability, had less than college education, and served in a warzone most likely to consider suicidality. Suicidal patients had worse functioning (measured by the Short Form-36) than did nonsuicidal patients in every domain, including bodily pain, and were more likely to meet criteria for a psychiatric diagnosis. However, when pain and mental health were jointly considered, only mental health (both psychiatric diagnosis and mental health functioning) was related to suicidality. Conclusions: Although providers should be alert to the possibility of suicidality in patients with pain, they should be vigilant when patients have a psychiatric disorder or poor mental health.

Suggested Citation

  • Magruder, K.M. & Yeager, D. & Brawman-Mintzer, O., 2012. "The role of pain, functioning, and mental health in suicidality among veterans affairs primary care patients," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 102(S1), pages 118-124.
    • Handle: RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2011.300451_2
    DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2011.300451
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