Aggressive Behavior in Combat Veterans With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Violent behaviour in 116 Croatian combat veterans was analyzed. Of these veterans, 79 had diagnosed posttraumatic stress disorder. Of 15 veterans displaying autoaggression, 3 engaged in self-mutilation, 7 (5 with posttraumatic stress disorder & 2 without) had suicide ideation, & 5 (all with posttraumatic stress disorder) attempted suicide. Of the 7 veterans with suicide ideation, two asked for medical help on their own. All 5 veterans who attempted suicide said they felt sorry about the attempt & that they felt separated & marked because of it. 4 of the 5 said, in the same circumstances, they would not attempt suicide again. (53 refs.)