Study Looks at Increase in Soldier Suicide
Posted by Guest. Filed in Active Duty, Information, National Guard, News, PTSD, Reserves, Spouses, Suicide Prevention, Veterans |
The National Institute of Mental Health announced recently that a new study is being prepared to look into causes for the increases in suicides among soldiers. The study will collect data from Army active duty, National Guard and Army Reserves personnel over the next five years. However, researchers are expected to quickly identify and report on potential risk factors to help the Army prevent suicide.
Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 25- to 44-year-olds in the United States. Historically, the suicide rate has been lower in the military than among civilians. However, last year, that pattern was reversed, with the suicide rate in the Army exceeding the rate in the civilian population. In 2008, 143 soldiers committed suicide, the highest number in the three decades that the Army has kept records.
“The most frustrating thing is trying to find a cause,” Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli, the Army’s vice chief of staff, told the Senate Armed Services Committee on July 30. While the stresses of the current wars, including long and repeated deployments and post-traumatic stress, are important potential factors for research to address, suicidal behavior is a complex phenomenon.
A number of factors may play roles in suicide, according to Robert J. Ursano, chairman of the psychiatry department at Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda. These include post-traumatic stress disorder, family issues, alcohol abuse and childhood abuse and overall mental health. Also, repeated deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere is another factor, but one that does not by itself account for the increases in suicide, Ursano said.
To read a recent story in the Washington Post about this study, click here.
To read the National Institute of Mental Health press release, click here.
Call Military OneSource at 1-800-342-9647 to arrange for free, confidential counseling if you or a loved one may be at risk for suicide. Information on preventing suicide can be found through Military OneSource by clicking here.
Tags: Army, National Institute of Mental Health, PTSD, stress, suicide, suicide increase
