Depression and Suicidality in ACT for PTSD
Booz Allen
Department of Veterans Affairs
Yale University
University of Nevada, Reno
Key Points
- Suicidal behavior, ideation, and depression co-occur for trauma survivors.
- Depression and suicidal behaviors help an individual escape from painful private events.
- This strategy can lead to notable constrictions on value-based behavior.
- Help the client come into contact with the present, defuse from unhelpful thoughts, increase willingness, and re-engage with valued living.
Materials Downloads
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Transcript
PTSD is not the only presenting problem that’s relevant for individuals with trauma histories.
Many trauma survivors may also have mood problems, like depression, or may experience suicidal ideation. Or they may experience significant grief because they’ve either lost others as part of the traumatic experience that they went through or because they’ve had a more symbolic loss, like a loss of functioning or a loss of innocence.
Batten, S. V. (2011). Essentials of acceptance and commitment therapy. SAGE Publications Ltd.,Chiles, J. A., Strosahl, K. D., & Roberts, L. W. (2018). Clinical manual for assessment and treatment of suicidal patients (2nd ed.). American Psychiatric Association Publishing.
And at this point in the course, it is likely not a surprise to you that, consistent with other problems we’ve discussed, depression and suicidality can also be conceptualized through an ACT lens of experiential avoidance with suicidal ideation and other suicidal behaviors seen as a common experiential escape strategy. Because of the high frequency of suicidal behaviors and ideation in trauma survivors and individuals with depression, ACT therapists should routinely assess for suicidal thoughts and behaviors with all of their trauma clients. However, it’s also important to note that suicidal thoughts and behaviors are quite common in general, regardless of whether someone meets the criteria for a psychiatric diagnosis or has a trauma history.
Batten, S. V. (2011). Essentials of acceptance and commitment therapy. SAGE Publications Ltd.,Chiles, J. A., Strosahl, K. D., & Roberts, L. W. (2018). Clinical manual for assessment and treatment of suicidal patients (2nd ed.). American Psychiatric Association Publishing.