Reckless Self-Destructive Behavior in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

DSM-5 recognizes reckless and self-destructive behavior (RSDB) as a symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To examine how RSDB affects the course of PTSD, investigators assessed 222 veterans with probable PTSD (mean age, 51; 79% white; 64% unemployed or on disability) at baseline and 4 years later.

At baseline, 74% of veterans reported RSDB in the previous 5 years (61% reported multiple forms). The most common behaviors were alcohol and drug abuse, driving while intoxicated, gambling, and aggression. During follow-up (retention, 67%), 82% reported at least one new adverse event; most common were sudden death of a close person, physical assault, motor vehicle accident, life-threatening or disabling event in a loved one, and life-th…