Psychiatric comorbidity in veterans with chronic PTSD treated at Center for Crisis Intervention, Zagreb University Hospital Center

Epidemiological and clinical studies provide evidence that veterans with chronic PTSD can be at risk of relapse with respect to a number of high-risk behaviors, including attempted suicide, violence, and misuse of alcohol and drugs. AIM, PATIENTS AND METHODS: The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence of psychiatric comorbidity in veterans with chronic PTSD treated at Center for Crisis Intervention, Zagreb University Hospital Center, for 4 years. The diagnosis of PTSD and comorbid psychiatric diagnosis were confirmed according to DSM-IV criteria. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Study results showed PTSD without comorbid psychiatric diagnosis to persist in 25.3%, and PTSD with comorbid psychiatric diagnosis in 74.7% of study subjects. The most common psychiatric disorders were depression, personality disorders, and alcoholism. CONCLUSION: It is important to recognize other comorbid disorders because of the increased risk of suicidal behavior. Accordingly, therapeutic intervention should be adjusted to each individual case.