Health Care Experiences Prior to Suicide and Self-inflicted Injury, Active Component, U.S. Armed Forces, 2001-2010
Abstract
Suicide is a leading cause of deaths of U.S. service members. Medical care providers may play a role in suicide prevention. We summarized the outpatient experiences of service members prior to suicide or self-inflicted injury and compared them with service members without suicidal behavior. During 2001-2010, 45 percent of individuals who completed suicide and 75 percent of those who injured themselves had outpatient encounters within 30 days prior to suicide/self-harm. Primary care was the most frequently visited clinical service prior to suicide/self-harm. As compared to their counterparts service members with suicidal behavior had especially excessive outpatient visit rates within, but not prior to, 60 days of their deaths/injuries. The finding suggests that there may be one or more "triggering" events that lead to care-seeking. Th ese results may help identify individuals that should be screened for suicide risk.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA564590
Entities
People
- David D. Luxton
- Lily Trofimovich
- Mark A. Reger
- Nancy A. Skopp
Organizations
- Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center