PS28 - Impacts of Suicide Bereavement

Understanding the Complexity of Suicide Loss: PTSD, Complex PTSD and Prolonged Grief Disorder Following Suicide Bereavement
August, 30 | 08:30 - 10:00

Background: Suicide-bereaved individuals are often confronted with profound grief reactions and also have an increased risk for mental health disorders, as well as suicidal ideation. To date, little is known about the development of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD), and the associated symptom clusters, following a loss by suicide. Methods: A total of 161 suicide loss survivors completed an online questionnaire, which collected information on the suicide, as well as symptoms of grief (TGI-SR+), PTSD, CPTSD (ITQ), and depression (PHQ-D). Results: In total, 12.3% met the diagnosis for CPTSD and 5.0% for PTSD. A total of 27.3% fulfilled the diagnosis for PGD. Time since loss was associated with PG and PTSD symptoms, kinship to the deceased was associated with PG severity. The sample scored high on all CPTSD associated symptom clusters. Conclusion: Suicide loss survivors show an increased prevalence of CPTSD and its symptom clusters. A focus on symptoms of CPTSD may be a necessary component in the care of survivors of suicide loss.

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