Citation

Ritchie EC, Keppler WC, Rothberg JM. Mil. Med. 2003; 168(3): 177-181.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, Association of Military Surgeons of the United States)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

12685680

Abstract

Suicide is currently the second leading cause of death in the U.S. military. Little recent research has been done on a well-defined cohort at high risk for death by suicide, which consist of military patients who attempt suicide or are admitted for suicidal ideation. As a pilot investigation based on a literature review of suicidal behavior in the U.S. military, 100 consecutive charts of suicidal patients at a tertiary military treatment facility were reviewed. The findings included the following: 94% were admitted with a depressed mood; 67% had a history of previous attempts or gestures; 49% had been treated with psychiatric medication prior to admission and 88% were treated with psychiatric medications while on the ward; 47% returned to a full duty status; 29% were recommended for administrative separation; and 18% were recommended for a medical board. Suggestions for future research are presented to help improve our suicide prevention programs.

Language: en

Keywords

Adult; Chi-Square Distribution; Female; Humans; Male; Military Personnel; Patient Admission; Pilot Projects; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Suicide, Attempted; United States