Associations between PTSD and intimate partner and non-partner aggression among substance using veterans in specialty mental health

Background: Risk factors of violence perpetration in veterans include substance use and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD); however, it is unknown whether these factors are associated with greater risk for partner or non partner violence. This study investigated the associations between probable PTSD, heavy drinking, marijuana use, cocaine use, and partner and non-partner violence perpetration. Methods: Self-report questionnaires assessing past-year partner and non-partner aggression (CTS2) as well as past-month substance use (SAOM), probable PTSD (PCL-C), and probable depression (PHQ-9) were administered to 810 substance using veterans entering VA mental health treatment. Results: In bivariate analyses, probable PTSD in substahce using veterans was associated with violence perpetration (partner physical, chi(2) = 11.46, p = 0.001, 9 = 0.12; non-partner physical, chi(2) = 50.64, p < 0.001, phi = 0.25; partner injury, chi(2) = 6.41, p = 0.011, phi= 0.09; non-partner injury, chi(2) = 42.71, p < 0.001, phi = 0.23). In multiple logistic regression analyses that adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, probable PTSD was independently associated with non:partner physical (odds ratio [OR], 2.82; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.97-4.05) and injury aggression (OR, 3.96; CI, 2.56-6.13). Cocaine and heavy drinking were independently associated with non-partner physical and injury aggression and non-partner injury aggression respectively. Conclusions: The results provide evidence that probable PTSD, heavy drinking, and cocaine use are associated with increased risk of non-partner violence perpetration in substance using veterans. These results underscore the importance of screening for PTSD symptoms and violence perpetration towards non-partners in substance using veterans presenting for treatment Published by Elsevier Ltd.