Suicide Risk Doubles Among Veterans

Week of June 18, 2007

Researchers in Portland, Ore. have found that the risk for suicide doubles among white, male veterans. Mark S. Kaplan, Ph.D., of Portland State University, and his colleagues have reported in the July issue of the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health that the risk of suicide was greatest among those with few friends or family who had chronic medical or psychiatric conditions. The authors concluded that the findings have substantial public health implications and healthcare facilities outside the VA system that serve veterans should recognize the increased risk of suicide in this population. The study was funded by the National Institute of Mental Health.

Learn about VA's Suicide Prevention Program at Military.com.