Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Veterans with Depression and Suicidal Ideation

The current study examined suicidal ideation (SI) and depression outcomes among Veterans receiving Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for depression (CBT-D) throughout the Department of Veterans Affairs health care system. Patient outcomes included Beck Depression Inventory-II total score and SI item. Of 902 patients, 427 (47%) had no SI, 405 (45%) had SI but no suicidal intent, 26 (3%) indicated suicidal desire, 8 (1%) indicated suicide intent if they had the chance, and 36 (4%) did not answer this question at session one. The odds of SI decreased by 64% from 1.03 at session one to 0.37 at final assessment (OR = 0.36; 95% CI: 0.31, 0.43). Findings reveal that CBT-D was associated with significant decreases in SI and depression among Veterans.