Suicide among U.S Military Personnel Continues to Rise?

A recently released study revealed that cases of suicide continue to rise, from 2005 to 2007. The study involved the entire active U.S military population, which numbered 2,064,183 in 2005 and 1,981,810 in 2007. Suicide rates for all services increased, and it actually exceeded the numbers of soldiers killed in action in Iraq and Afghanistan.

 

Mental problems prevalent

The study revealed risk factors associated with suicide, and several of these are issues regarding mental health. Having a mental health diagnosis and prescription of SSRI’s (antidepressants) are seen to contribute to suicide. It is good to note that SSRI’s causes higher risk of suicide behavior among children and adolescents.

Several mental disorders can also trigger suicide, some notable are mood disorders, substance abuse and schizophrenia, in order. Among them, mood disorders and substance abuse are thought to be the most prevalent among military personnel.

Other factors associated with suicide are reduction in rank, spousal separation or divorce and being prescribed with sleep-inducing medications. Those who were deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan wars are also at risk.  Researchers explained that extended duration of war and increasing lengths and frequencies of tours by individual soldiers were responsible for increasing rates of suicide. The rate of suicide has risen among all uniformed services, most especially in the regular Army and the National Guard.

 

Alarming suicide rates

In a separate report, the Army reported a suicide rate of 20.2 per 100,000 personnel in 2010, with more males than females – a doubled rate compared before 2001. At the same time, rates among Marines soared from from 12 in 2001 to 19.5 per 100,000. Army and Marine personnel are often the most exposed when it comes to combat duty and peacekeeping.

Researchers of the study made recommendations to address increasing rates of suicides among active duty personnel.

The study is available at American Journal of Public health.

 

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