Original Research Prim Care Companion CNS Disord January 2023

Sexual Abuse and Its Impact on Suicidal Ideation and Attempts and Psychiatric Illness in Children and Adolescents With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

PCC CNS Disord 2023;25(1 ):10.4088/PCC.22m03239

Full Article Read the complete peer-reviewed article in Prim Care Companion CNS Disord. Clinical Summary Hospitalized youth with posttraumatic stress disorder often present with suicidality and multiple psychiatric comorbidities, but risk is not uniform across patients. A history of sexual abuse marks a subgroup with more depression, more substance use disorder, and higher unadjusted suicidal ideation/attempt rates, making this a high-yield history element during inpatient assessment. FAQ In children and adolescents hospitalized with posttraumatic stress disorder, does a history of sexual abuse increase suicidal ideation or suicide attempts?

Key Takeaways In this inpatient PTSD cohort, sexual abuse history was associated with a higher unadjusted rate of suicidal ideation/attempt (35.4% vs 29.8%, P = .05), but the association was not significant after adjustment (OR = 1.16, P = .29), suggesting that comorbid burden may account for much of the excess risk. Clinical Guide How should clinicians assess suicide risk in children and adolescents hospitalized with posttraumatic stress disorder?