title: An exploratory examination of risk-taking behavior and PTSD symptom severity in a veteran sample.
abstract: The present study conducted an exploratory examination of the relationship between self-reported symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and an expanded definition of risk-taking behaviors among 395 veterans at a large Midwestern Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms were associated with elevated rates of substance use, thrill seeking, aggression, risky sexual practices, and firearm possession. Results indicated that suicidal ideation and aggressive driving behavior were among the most frequently reported. The present findings hold significant public health implications and highlight the need to attend to risk-taking behaviors in treatment planning.
authors.affiliation: Minneapolis VA Medical Center (116A), One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55417, USA.
authors.forename: Thad Q
authors.initials: TQ
authors.lastname: Strom
authors.forename: Jennie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Leskela
authors.forename: Lisa M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: James
authors.forename: Paul D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Thuras
authors.forename: Emily
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Voller
authors.forename: Rebecca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Weigel
authors.forename: Maya
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Yutsis
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Khaylis
authors.forename: Jamie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lindberg
authors.forename: Kenna Bolton
authors.initials: KB
authors.lastname: Holz
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000374:Aggression; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008887:Military Medicine; D015995:Prevalence; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012919:Social Behavior; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D059020:Suicidal Ideation; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014728:Veterans / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*