Suicidal behavior in war veterans. (May 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rice, Timothy R; Sher, Leo
• Is Part Of: Expert review of neurotherapeutics. Volume 12:Number 5(2012)
• Page Start: 611
• Page End: 624
• Publication Date: 2012-05
• Subjects: OEF/OIF -- Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom -- post-traumatic mood disorder -- suicidal behavior -- suicidal ideation -- suicide -- suicide risk factors -- traumatic brain injury -- veteran; Neuropharmacology -- Periodicals; 615.7805
• DOI: 10.1586/ern.12.31
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1473-7175

Abstract

Military veterans represent a unique, heterogeneous population with suicide prevalence rates, risk factors and preventative management needs that differ from those of the rest of community. Veterans worldwide receive high proportions of their healthcare from community providers, and sensitivity to these distinct needs is required for optimized care. An overview of the recent prevalence-study literature, with a focus upon statistical design, is presented in order to provide a critical orientation within this field with high levels of popular media attention. Attention to psychiatric comorbidity, subthreshold symptomology, select signature disorders of contemporary conflicts (namely, post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury), and veteran life narratives before, within and beyond military service will guide our review of risk factor assessment and management strategies. This critical review of the literature provides an overview of this active field of neuropsychiatric research with a select focus upon these topics of special interest.