Surveillance of Suicidal Behavior January through December 2016
Abstract
This publication presents characteristics of Active Army Soldiers with suicidal behavior during 2016. This includes suicides identified by the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System (AFMES), as well as suicide attempts and suicidal ideations reported in Department of Defense Suicide Event Reports (DoDSERs). During the 2016 calendar year, 2,129 Active Army Soldiers engaged in suicidal behavior. Of these, 127 Soldiers died by suicide, 532 attempted suicide, and 1,470 Soldiers had a suicidal ideation. The 2016 crude rates of suicidal behavior were 27 suicides,112 suicide attempts, and 310 suicidal ideations per 100,000 persons. The majority of suicidal behavior cases in 2016 were non-Hispanic White, males, between 17 and 34 years of age, and of enlisted ranks. The most common method of suicide and suicide attempts were gunshot wound and drug/alcohol overdose. The principal personal issues reported for suicide and suicide attempt cases were relationship problems and work stress. Nearly three-fourths (73 percent) of Soldiers with suicidal behavior had a previous BH diagnosis, the most prevalent diagnoses being adjustment, mood, and other anxiety disorders. In the year before their event, more than one-quarter (26 percent) of suicidal behavior cases were diagnosed with a sleep disorder.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1216111
Entities
People
- Elizabeth Corrigan
- Eren Y. Watkins
- Joseph A. Pecko
- Keri Kateley
- Nkechinyere Gibson