Guilt and It’s Relationship to Mental Illness and Suicide Attempts in an Australian Veteran Population with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Background: Australian veterans have an increased risk of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Guilt is a common post-trauma reaction; however, research in this area is limited. Purpose: This study aimed to explore the relationship between guilt, PTSD severity, alcohol use, anger, history of suicide attempts and deployment period among Australian veterans with PTSD. Material and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 219 ex-service personnel diagnosed with PTSD who attended a Military Trauma Recovery Day Program. Veterans completed self-report questionnaires as well as a clinician-administered PTSD assessment tool. Demographic information and self-reported history of suicide attempts were also recorded. Results: Guilt scores were significantly correlated with PTSD severity (R=0.411), anger (R=0.373) and alcohol use (R=0.239). Guilt was most strongly correlated with the re-experiencing cluster of PTSD (R=0.420), although it was significantly correlated with all clusters (hyperarousal R=0.343, and avoidance R=0.327). Guilt scores were significantly higher in those who had attempted suicide and for contemporary veterans. Conclusions: In Australian veterans with PTSD, guilt was significantly associated with PTSD severity, anger, alcohol use, attempted suicide and being a contemporary veteran. The study highlights the importance of guilt identification and treatment by clinicians for improved outcomes. Conflicting interests: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest.