title: Risk-taking behaviors and impulsivity among veterans with and without PTSD and mild TBI.
abstract: Military personnel commonly experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), both of which are associated with premature mortality. The present study examined two factors that may play a role in premature mortality--impulsivity and risk-taking behaviors--in a sample of 234 veterans screening positive for PTSD, mTBI, PTSD + mTBI, and controls. Analyses of variance demonstrated that veterans with PTSD, regardless of mTBI status, reported engaging in more frequent risky behaviors and reported a greater tendency to engage in impulsive behaviors when in a negative affective state. They also reported more premilitary delinquent behaviors and more suicide-related behaviors than controls. The present study highlights associations between impulsivity, risk-taking behaviors, and PTSD, and suggests continuity across the lifespan in terms of a predisposition to engage in impulsive and/or risky behaviors. Thorough evaluation of impulsivity and potentially risky behaviors is important in clinical settings to guide interventions and reduce the mortality and public health impact of high-risk behaviors in veterans.
authors.affiliation: Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55417.
authors.forename: Lisa M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: James
authors.affiliation: Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55417.
authors.forename: Thad Q
authors.initials: TQ
authors.lastname: Strom
authors.affiliation: Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55417.
authors.forename: Jennie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Leskela
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000523:psychology*; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007175:Impulsive Behavior; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D012309:Risk-Taking; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000523:psychology; D059020:Suicidal Ideation; D014728:Veterans / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult