Suicide Attempts Higher Among US Military Soldiers

American soldiers who try to commit suicide is increasing, according to a study. The study examined about 163,178 enlisted Army soldiers on active duty between 2004 and 2009 and also the risk factors for suicide attempts among the US veterans. They found that about 9650 enlisted soldiers attempted suicide, where non-deployed soldiers accounted for 61%, previously deployed soldiers accounted for 36% and current deployed soldiers for 23%.

Firearms were highly used for attempting suicide among all the group of soldiers and overdoses were the next preferred method.

Also, soldiers who had been diagnosed with depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental illnesses were at an increased risk of attempting suicide.

On comparing deployment status, the highest rates of suicide attempts were among non-deployed soldiers and those in their first years of service. In basis of gender, currently deployed women soldiers were at increased risk of suicide attempt compared to men.

The study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Psychiatry, did not say the exact reason behind the increased rates of suicide attempts among the soldiers but emphasized the need to figure out interventions.

Source-Medindia