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Curley LJM, Duffy FF, Kim PY, Clarke-Walper KM, Riviere LA, Wilk JE. Suicide Behavior Results From the U.S. Army's Suicide Prevention Leadership Tool Study: The Behavioral Health Readiness and Suicide Risk Reduction Review (R4). Mil Med 2024; 189:361-369. [PMID: 35726499 PMCID: PMC9384320 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usac169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The U.S. Army developed a new tool called the Behavioral Health Readiness and Suicide Risk Reduction Review (R4) for suicide prevention. A 12-month evaluation study with the primary objective of testing the hypothesis (H1) that Army units receiving R4 would demonstrate improved outcomes in suicidal-behavior measures following the intervention, relative to control, was then conducted. The results of analyses to answer H1 are herein presented. MATERIALS AND METHODS The R4 intervention (R4-tools/instructions/orientation) evaluation study, Institutional Review Board approved and conducted in May 2019-June 2020, drew samples from two U.S. Army divisions and employed a repeated measurement in pre-/post-quasi-experimental design, including a nonequivalent, but comparable, business-as-usual control. Intervention effectiveness was evaluated using self-report responses to suicide-related measures (Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised/total-suicide behaviors/ideations/plans/attempts/non-suicidal self-injuries) at 6-/12-month intervals. Analyses examined baseline to follow-up linked and cross-sectional cohorts, incidence/prevalence, and intervention higher-/lower-use R4 subanalyses. RESULTS Both divisions demonstrated favorable in-study reductions in total-suicide burden, with relatively equivalent trends for total-suicide behaviors, total-suicide risk (Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised), suicidal ideations, and non-suicidal self-injuries. Although both demonstrated reductions in suicide plans, the control showed a more robust trend. Neither division demonstrated a significant reduction in suicide attempts, but subgroup analyses showed a significant reduction in pre-coronavirus disease 2019-attempt incidence among those with higher-use R4 relative to control. CONCLUSIONS There is no evidence of harm associated with the R4 intervention. R4 effectiveness as a function of R4 itself requires confirmatory study. R4 is judged an improvement (no evidence of harm + weak evidence of effectiveness) over the status quo (no safety data or effectiveness studies) with regard to tool-based decision-making support for suicide prevention in the U.S. Army.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ltc Justin M Curley
- Department of Military Psychiatry, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
| | - Farifteh F Duffy
- Department of Military Psychiatry, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
| | - Paul Y Kim
- Department of Military Psychiatry, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
| | - Kristina M Clarke-Walper
- Department of Military Psychiatry, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
| | - Lyndon A Riviere
- Department of Military Psychiatry, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
| | - Joshua E Wilk
- Department of Military Psychiatry, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
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Mash HBH, Ursano RJ, Kessler RC, Naifeh JA, Fullerton CS, Aliaga PA, Dinh HM, Sampson NA, Kao TC, Stein MB. Predictors of suicide attempt within 30 days of first medically documented major depression diagnosis in U.S. army soldiers with no prior suicidal ideation. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:392. [PMID: 37268952 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-04872-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding mental health predictors of imminent suicide attempt (SA; within 30 days) among soldiers with depression and no prior suicide ideation (SI) can inform prevention and treatment. The current study aimed to identify sociodemographic and service-related characteristics and mental disorder predictors associated with imminent SA among U.S. Army soldiers following first documented major depression diagnosis (MDD) with no history of SI. METHODS In this case-control study using Army Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Servicemembers (STARRS) administrative data, we identified 101,046 active-duty Regular Army enlisted soldiers (2010-2016) with medically-documented MDD and no prior SI (MDD/No-SI). We examined risk factors for SA within 30 days of first MDD/No-SI using logistic regression analyses, including socio-demographic/service-related characteristics and psychiatric diagnoses. RESULTS The 101,046 soldiers with documented MDD/No-SI were primarily male (78.0%), < 29 years old (63.9%), White (58.1%), high school-educated (74.5%), currently married (62.0%) and < 21 when first entering the Army (56.9%). Among soldiers with MDD/No-SI, 2,600 (2.6%) subsequently attempted suicide, 16.2% (n = 421) within 30 days (rate: 416.6/100,000). Our final multivariable model identified: Soldiers with less than high school education (χ23 = 11.21, OR = 1.5[95%CI = 1.2-1.9]); combat medics (χ22 = 8.95, OR = 1.5[95%CI = 1.1-2.2]); bipolar disorder (OR = 3.1[95%CI = 1.5-6.3]), traumatic stress (i.e., acute reaction to stress/not PTSD; OR = 2.6[95%CI = 1.4-4.8]), and "other" diagnosis (e.g., unspecified mental disorder: OR = 5.5[95%CI = 3.8-8.0]) diagnosed same day as MDD; and those with alcohol use disorder (OR = 1.4[95%CI = 1.0-1.8]) and somatoform/dissociative disorders (OR = 1.7[95%CI = 1.0-2.8]) diagnosed before MDD were more likely to attempt suicide within 30 days. Currently married soldiers (χ22 = 6.68, OR = 0.7[95%CI = 0.6-0.9]), those in service 10 + years (χ23 = 10.06, OR = 0.4[95%CI = 0.2-0.7]), and a sleep disorder diagnosed same day as MDD (OR = 0.3[95%CI = 0.1-0.9]) were less likely. CONCLUSIONS SA risk within 30 days following first MDD is more likely among soldiers with less education, combat medics, and bipolar disorder, traumatic stress, and "other" disorder the same day as MDD, and alcohol use disorder and somatoform/dissociative disorders before MDD. These factors identify imminent SA risk and can be indicators for early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly B Herberman Mash
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., 6720A Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20817, USA
| | - Robert J Ursano
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA.
| | - Ronald C Kessler
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, 180 Longwood Avenue, 02115, Boston, MA, USA
| | - James A Naifeh
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., 6720A Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20817, USA
| | - Carol S Fullerton
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Pablo A Aliaga
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., 6720A Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20817, USA
| | - Hieu M Dinh
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., 6720A Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20817, USA
| | - Nancy A Sampson
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, 180 Longwood Avenue, 02115, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tzu-Cheg Kao
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Murray B Stein
- Departments of Psychiatry and School of Public Health, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, 92093-0855, CA, USA
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, 92161, San Diego, CA, USA
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Rivera AC, LeardMann CA, Rull RP, Cooper A, Warner S, Faix D, Deagle E, Neff R, Caserta R, Adler AB. Combat exposure and behavioral health in U.S. Army Special Forces. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0270515. [PMID: 35763535 PMCID: PMC9239470 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Although combat has been found to be associated with adverse health outcomes, little is known about the impact of specific combat exposures, particularly among specialized personnel. This study examined the association of different types of combat exposures with behavioral health outcomes, and whether these associations differed by Army occupational specialization: General Purpose Forces infantrymen (n = 5,361), Ranger Qualified infantrymen (n = 308), and Special Forces personnel (n = 593). Multivariable regression models estimated the association of combat severity, type of combat event (fighting, killing, threat to oneself, death/injury of others), and type of killing with mental health disorders, trouble sleeping, and problem drinking. Combat severity, each type of combat event, and killing noncombatants were associated with adverse health outcomes after adjusting for covariates and other combat exposures. Except for trouble sleeping, these associations did not differ by occupational specialization, though the prevalence and odds of outcomes were generally lower for Special Forces personnel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna C. Rivera
- Deployment Health Research Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California, United States of America
- Leidos, San Diego, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Cynthia A. LeardMann
- Deployment Health Research Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California, United States of America
- Leidos, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Rudolph P. Rull
- Deployment Health Research Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Adam Cooper
- Deployment Health Research Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California, United States of America
- Innovative Employee Solutions, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Steve Warner
- Deployment Health Research Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California, United States of America
- Leidos, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Dennis Faix
- Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Edwin Deagle
- Preservation of the Force and Family, United States Special Operation Command Headquarters, MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa, Florida, United States of America
| | - Rob Neff
- Preservation of the Force and Family, United States Special Operation Command Headquarters, MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa, Florida, United States of America
| | - Ryan Caserta
- Preservation of the Force and Family, United States Special Operation Command Headquarters, MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa, Florida, United States of America
| | - Amy B. Adler
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
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Naifeh JA, Ursano RJ, Stein MB, Mash HBH, Aliaga PA, Fullerton CS, Dinh HM, Vance MC, Wynn GH, Kao TC, Sampson NA, Kessler RC. Risk of suicide attempt in reserve versus active component soldiers during deployment to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Suicide Life Threat Behav 2022; 52:24-36. [PMID: 34032314 DOI: 10.1111/sltb.12770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Little is known about the degree to which U.S. Army soldiers in the Reserve Components (Army National Guard and Army Reserve) and Active Component (Regular Army) differ with respect suicide attempt (SA) risk during high-stress times, such as deployment. METHOD Using administrative person-month records of enlisted soldiers on active duty during 2004-2009, we identified 1170 soldiers with a medically documented SA during deployment and an equal-probability control sample of other deployed soldiers (n = 52,828 person-months). Logistic regression analyses examined the association of Army component (Guard/Reserve vs. Regular) with SA before and after adjusting for socio-demographic and service-related predictors. RESULTS Guard/Reserve comprised 32.1% of enlisted soldiers and 19.7% of suicide attempters in-theater, with a SA rate of 81/100,000 person-years (vs. 157/100,000 person-years among Regular; rate ratio = 0.5 [95% CI = 0.5-0.6]). Risk peaked near mid-deployment for both groups but was consistently lower for Guard/Reserve throughout deployment. Guard/Reserve had lower odds of SA after adjusting for covariates (OR = 0.7 [95%CI = 0.6-0.8]). Predictors of SA were similar between components. CONCLUSIONS Guard/Reserve and Regular soldiers had similar patterns and predictors of SA during deployment, but Guard/Reserve had lower risk even after controlling for important risk factors. Additional research is needed to understand the lower SA risk among Guard/Reserve in-theater.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A Naifeh
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Robert J Ursano
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Murray B Stein
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Department of Family Medicine & Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.,VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Holly B Herberman Mash
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Pablo A Aliaga
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Carol S Fullerton
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Hieu M Dinh
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mary C Vance
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Gary H Wynn
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tzu-Cheg Kao
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Nancy A Sampson
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ronald C Kessler
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Schafer KM, Duffy M, Kennedy G, Stentz L, Leon J, Herrerias G, Fulcher S, Joiner TE. Suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and suicide death among Veterans and service members: A comprehensive meta-analysis of risk factors. MILITARY PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/08995605.2021.1976544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mary Duffy
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida
| | - Grace Kennedy
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida
- Department of Psychology, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Lauren Stentz
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida
| | - Jagger Leon
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida
| | - Gabriela Herrerias
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida
| | - Summer Fulcher
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida
| | - Thomas E. Joiner
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida
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Mash HBH, Ursano RJ, Kessler RC, Naifeh JA, Fullerton CS, Aliaga PA, Riggs-Donovan CA, Dinh HM, Vance MC, Wynn GH, Zaslavsky AM, Sampson NA, Kao TC, Stein MB. Predictors of Suicide Attempt Within 30 Days After First Medically Documented Suicidal Ideation in U.S. Army Soldiers. Am J Psychiatry 2021; 178:1050-1059. [PMID: 34465200 PMCID: PMC8570995 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2021.20111570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The authors sought to identify predictors of imminent suicide attempt (within 30 days) among U.S. Army soldiers following their first documented suicidal ideation. METHODS Using administrative data from the Army Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Servicemembers, the authors identified 11,178 active-duty Regular Army enlisted soldiers (2006-2009) with medically documented suicidal ideation and no prior medically documented suicide attempts. The authors examined risk factors for suicide attempt within 30 days of first suicidal ideation using logistic regression analyses, including sociodemographic and service-related characteristics, psychiatric diagnoses, physical health care visits, injuries, and history of family violence or crime perpetration or victimization. RESULTS Among soldiers with first documented suicidal ideation, 830 (7.4%) attempted suicide, 46.3% of whom (N=387) attempted suicide within 30 days (rate, 35.4 per 1,000 soldiers). Following a series of multivariate analyses, the final model identified females (odds ratio=1.3, 95% CI=1.0, 1.8), combat medics (odds ratio=1.6, 95% CI=1.1, 2.2), individuals with an anxiety disorder diagnosis prior to suicidal ideation (odds ratio=1.3, 95% CI=1.0, 1.6), and those who received a sleep disorder diagnosis on the same day as the recorded suicidal ideation (odds ratio=2.3, 95% CI=1.1, 4.6) as being more likely to attempt suicide within 30 days. Black soldiers (odds ratio=0.6, 95% CI=0.4, 0.9) and those who received an anxiety disorder diagnosis on the same day as suicidal ideation (odds ratio=0.7, 95% CI=0.5, 0.9) were less likely. CONCLUSIONS Suicide attempt risk is highest in the first 30 days following ideation diagnosis and is more likely among women, combat medics, and soldiers with an anxiety disorder diagnosis before suicidal ideation and a same-day sleep disorder diagnosis. Black soldiers and those with a same-day anxiety disorder diagnosis were at decreased risk. These factors may help identify soldiers at imminent risk of suicide attempt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly B. Herberman Mash
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of
Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge
Road, Bethesda, MD 20814,Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military
Medicine
| | - Robert J. Ursano
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of
Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge
Road, Bethesda, MD 20814
| | - Ronald C. Kessler
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School,
180 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115
| | - James A. Naifeh
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of
Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge
Road, Bethesda, MD 20814,Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military
Medicine
| | - Carol S. Fullerton
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of
Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge
Road, Bethesda, MD 20814
| | - Pablo A. Aliaga
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of
Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge
Road, Bethesda, MD 20814,Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military
Medicine
| | - Charlotte A. Riggs-Donovan
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of
Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge
Road, Bethesda, MD 20814,Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military
Medicine
| | - Hieu M. Dinh
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of
Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge
Road, Bethesda, MD 20814,Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military
Medicine
| | - Mary C. Vance
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of
Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge
Road, Bethesda, MD 20814,Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military
Medicine
| | - Gary H. Wynn
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of
Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge
Road, Bethesda, MD 20814
| | - Alan M. Zaslavsky
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School,
180 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Nancy A. Sampson
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School,
180 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Tzu-Cheg Kao
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics,
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road,
Bethesda, MD 20814
| | - Murray B. Stein
- Departments of Psychiatry and Family Medicine & Public
Health, University of California San Diego, 8939 Villa La Jolla Drive, Suite 200, La
Jolla, California 92037,VA San Diego Healthcare System, 8810 Rio San Diego Drive,
San Diego, CA 92108
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Garcia A, Miles SR, Reljic T, Silva MA, Dams-O'Connor K, Belanger HG, Bajor L, Richardson R. Neurobehavioral Symptoms in U.S. Special Operations Forces in Rehabilitation After Traumatic Brain Injury: A TBI Model Systems Study. Mil Med 2021; 187:1412-1421. [PMID: 34591087 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usab347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Special Operations Forces (SOF) personnel are at increased risk for traumatic brain injury (TBI), when compared with conventional forces (CF). Prior studies of TBI in military samples have not typically investigated SOF vs. CF as specific subgroups, despite documented differences in premorbid resilience and post-injury comorbidity burden. The aim of the current study was to compare SOF vs. CF on the presence of neurobehavioral symptoms after TBI, as well as factors influencing perception of symptom intensity. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study conducted an analysis of the prospective veterans affairs (VA) TBI Model Systems Cohort, which includes service members and veterans (SM/V) who received inpatient rehabilitation for TBI at one of the five VA Polytrauma Rehabilitation Centers. Of those with known SOF status (N = 342), 129 participants identified as SOF (average age = 43 years, 98% male) and 213 identified as CF (average age = 38.7 years, 91% male). SOF vs. CF were compared on demographics, injury characteristics, and psychological and behavioral health symptoms. These variables were then used to predict neurobehavioral symptom severity in univariable and multivariable analyses. RESULTS SOF personnel reported significantly greater posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms but less alcohol and drug use than the CF. SOF also reported greater neurobehavioral symptoms. When examining those with TBIs of all severities, SOF status was not associated with neurobehavioral symptom severity, while race, mechanism of TBI, and PTSD symptoms were. When examining only those with mTBI, SOF status was associated with lower neurobehavioral symptoms, while PTSD severity, white race, and certain mechanisms of injury were associated with greater neurobehavioral symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Among those receiving inpatient treatment for TBI, SOF SM/V reported higher neurobehavioral and symptom severity. PTSD was the strongest predictor of neurobehavioral symptoms and should be considered an important treatment target in both SOF and CF with co-morbid PTSD/TBI. A proactive human performance approach towards identification and treatment of psychological and neurobehavioral symptoms is recommended for SOF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Garcia
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.,Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences Section (MHBSS), James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Shannon R Miles
- Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences Section (MHBSS), James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.,Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neurosciences, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33613, USA
| | - Tea Reljic
- Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Marc A Silva
- Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences Section (MHBSS), James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.,Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neurosciences, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33613, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.,Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Kristen Dams-O'Connor
- Department of Rehabilitation and Human Performance, Icahn School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA.,Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Heather G Belanger
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neurosciences, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33613, USA.,United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), MacDill AFB, FL 33621, USA.,St Michael's Inc., Woodbridge, VA 22192, USA
| | - Laura Bajor
- Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences Section (MHBSS), James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.,Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neurosciences, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33613, USA.,Harvard South Shore Psychiatry Residency Program, Brockton, MA 02301, USA
| | - Risa Richardson
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.,Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences Section (MHBSS), James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
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8
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Curley JM, Duffy FF, Kim PY, Clarke-Walper KM, Nugent KL, Penix EA, Elliman TD, Wilk JE, Riviere LA. Methodology of the U.S. Army's Suicide Prevention Leadership Tool Study: The Behavioral Health Readiness and Suicide Risk Reduction Review (R4). Mil Med 2021; 186:336-343. [PMID: 33219666 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usaa503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Secretary of the U.S. Army issued two directives in late 2017 to directly combat the problem of suicide in the U.S. Army. The first was to develop an Army tool to assist commanders and first-line leaders in preventing suicide and improving behavioral health (BH) outcomes, which has been previously published as the BH Readiness and Risk Reduction Review (R4). The second was to conduct an evaluation study of the tool with Army units in the field. This study is the first to empirically examine the Army's tool-based methods for identifying and caring for the health and welfare of soldiers at risk for suicide, and this article outlines the methodology employed to study the effectiveness of the R4 tools and accomplish the Secretary's second directive. METHODS The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research Institutional Review Board approved the R4 study. The study employed a repeated measurements in pre/post quasi-experimental design, including a nonequivalent but comparable business-as-usual control group. The R4 intervention consisted of the R4 tools, accompanying instructions, and an orientation. Samples were drawn from two geographically separated U.S. Army divisions in the continental United States, each composed of four comparable brigades. Study implementation consisted of three phases and three data collections over the course of 12 months. Soldiers completed anonymous survey instruments to assess a range of health factors, behaviors, characteristics, tool-related decision-making processes, and the frequency, type, and quality of interactions between soldiers and leaders. RESULTS The R4 study commenced on May 6, 2019, and concluded on June 4, 2020. Sample size goals were achieved for both the divisions at all three data collection time points. CONCLUSIONS The methodology of the R4 study is critical for the U.S. Army from both a precedential and an outcome-based standpoint. Despite the use of many previous tools and programs for suicide prevention, this is the first time the Army has been able to empirically test the effectiveness of tool-supported decision-making among Army units in a rigorous fashion. The methodology of such a test is a critical marker for future interventional inquiries on the subject of suicide in the Army, and the results will allow for more informed decision-making by leaders when approaching these ongoing challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin M Curley
- Department of the Army, Office of the Deputy Under Secretary of the Army, Arlington, VA 22202, USA.,Department of Military Psychiatry, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
| | - Farifteh F Duffy
- Department of Military Psychiatry, TechWerks, Arlington, VA 22201, USA
| | - Paul Y Kim
- Department of Military Psychiatry, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
| | - Kristina M Clarke-Walper
- Department of Military Psychiatry, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
| | - Katie L Nugent
- Department of Military Psychiatry, TechWerks, Arlington, VA 22201, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Penix
- Department of Military Psychiatry, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
| | - Toby D Elliman
- Department of Military Psychiatry, TechWerks, Arlington, VA 22201, USA
| | - Joshua E Wilk
- Department of Military Psychiatry, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
| | - Lyndon A Riviere
- Department of Military Psychiatry, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
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Naifeh JA, Ursano RJ, Kessler RC, Aliaga PA, Mash HBH, Fullerton CS, Ng THH, Dinh HM, Gonzalez OI, Stokes CM, Wynn GH, Kao TC, Sampson NA, Stein MB. Early First Deployment and Risk of Suicide Attempt Among First-term Enlisted Soldiers in the U.S. Army. Suicide Life Threat Behav 2020; 50:345-358. [PMID: 31544970 PMCID: PMC7085964 DOI: 10.1111/sltb.12592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We examined early first deployment and subsequent suicide attempt among U.S. Army soldiers. METHOD Using 2004-2009 administrative data and person-month records of first-term, Regular Army, enlisted soldiers with one deployment (89.2% male), we identified 1,704 soldiers with a documented suicide attempt during or after first deployment and an equal-probability control sample (n = 25,861 person-months). RESULTS Logistic regression analyses indicated soldiers deployed within the first 12 months of service were more likely than later deployers to attempt suicide (OR = 1.7 [95% CI = 1.5-1.8]). Adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, service-related characteristics, and previous mental health diagnosis slightly attenuated this association (OR = 1.6 [95% CI = 1.5-1.8]). Results were not modified by gender, deployment status, military occupation, or mental health diagnosis. The population-attributable risk proportion for deploying within the first 12 months of service was 17.8%. Linear spline models indicated similar risk patterns over time for early and later deployers, peaking at month 9 during deployment and month 5 postdeployment; however, monthly suicide attempt rates were consistently higher for early deployers. CONCLUSIONS Enlisted soldiers deployed within the first 12 months of service have elevated risk of suicide attempt during and after first deployment. Improved understanding of why early deployment increases risk can inform the development of policies and intervention programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A Naifeh
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD
| | - Robert J Ursano
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD
| | - Ronald C Kessler
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Pablo A Aliaga
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD
| | - Holly B Herberman Mash
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD
| | - Carol S Fullerton
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD
| | - Tsz Hin Hinz Ng
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD
| | - Hieu M Dinh
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD
| | - Oscar I Gonzalez
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD
| | - Cara M Stokes
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD
| | - Gary H Wynn
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD
| | - Tzu-Cheg Kao
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD
| | - Nancy A Sampson
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Murray B Stein
- Department of Psychiatry and Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA
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10
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Zuromski KL, Bernecker SL, Chu C, Wilks CR, Gutierrez PM, Joiner TE, Liu H, Naifeh JA, Nock MK, Sampson NA, Zaslavsky AM, Stein MB, Ursano RJ, Kessler RC. Pre-deployment predictors of suicide attempt during and after combat deployment: Results from the Army Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Servicemembers. J Psychiatr Res 2020; 121:214-221. [PMID: 31865211 PMCID: PMC6953717 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2019.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deployment-related experiences might be risk factors for soldier suicides, in which case identification of vulnerable soldiers before deployment could inform preventive efforts. We investigated this possibility by using pre-deployment survey and administrative data in a sample of US Army soldiers to develop a risk model for suicide attempt (SA) during and shortly after deployment. METHODS Data came from the Army Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Servicemembers Pre-Post Deployment Survey (PPDS). Soldiers completed a baseline survey shortly before deploying to Afghanistan in 2011-2012. Survey measures were used to predict SAs, defined using administrative and subsequent survey data, through 30 months after deployment. Models were built using penalized regression and ensemble machine learning methods. RESULTS Significant pre-deployment risk factors were history of traumatic brain injury, 9 + mental health treatment visits in the 12 months before deployment, young age, female, previously married, and low relationship quality. Cross-validated AUC of the best penalized and ensemble models were .75-.77. 21.3-40.4% of SAs occurred among the 5-10% of soldiers with highest predicted risk and positive predictive value (PPV) among these high-risk soldiers was 4.4-5.7%. CONCLUSIONS SA can be predicted significantly from pre-deployment data, but intervention planning needs to take PPV into consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly L. Zuromski
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA,Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Samantha L. Bernecker
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA,Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Carol Chu
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA,Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Chelsey R. Wilks
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA,Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Peter M. Gutierrez
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA,Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Thomas E. Joiner
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Howard Liu
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - James A. Naifeh
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University School of Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Matthew K. Nock
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Nancy A. Sampson
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alan M. Zaslavsky
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Murray B. Stein
- Departments of Psychiatry and Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Robert J. Ursano
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University School of Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ronald C. Kessler
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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11
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Naifeh JA, Ursano RJ, Kessler RC, Gonzalez OI, Fullerton CS, Herberman Mash HB, Riggs-Donovan CA, Ng THH, Wynn GH, Dinh HM, Kao TC, Sampson NA, Stein MB. Suicide attempts among activated soldiers in the U.S. Army reserve components. BMC Psychiatry 2019; 19:31. [PMID: 30658601 PMCID: PMC6339319 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-018-1978-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the majority of active duty U.S. Army soldiers are full-time personnel in the Active Component (AC), a substantial minority of soldiers on active duty are in the Reserve Components (RCs). These "citizen-soldiers" (Army National Guard and Army Reserve) represent a force available for rapid activation in times of national need. RC soldiers experience many of the same stressors as AC soldiers as well as stressors that are unique to their intermittent service. Despite the important role of RC soldiers, the vast majority of military mental health research focuses on AC soldiers. One important goal of the Army Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Servicemembers (Army STARRS) is to address this gap. Here we examine predictors of suicide attempts among activated RC soldiers. METHODS This longitudinal, retrospective cohort study used individual-level person-month records from Army and Department of Defense administrative data systems to examine socio-demographic, service-related, and mental health predictors of medically documented suicide attempts among activated RC soldiers during 2004-2009. Data from all 1103 activated RC suicide attempters and an equal-probability sample of 69,867 control person-months were analyzed using a discrete-time survival framework. RESULTS Enlisted soldiers comprised 84.3% of activated RC soldiers and accounted for 95.7% of all activated RC suicide attempts (overall rate = 108/100,000 person-years, more than four times the rate among officers). Multivariable predictors of enlisted RC suicide attempts included being female, entering Army service at age ≥ 25, current age < 30, non-Hispanic white, less than high school education, currently married, having 1-2 years of service, being previously deployed (vs. currently deployed), and history of mental health diagnosis (particularly when documented in the previous month). Predictors among RC officers (overall rate = 26/100,000 person-years) included being female and receiving a mental health diagnosis in the previous month. Discrete-time hazard models showed suicide attempt risk among enlisted soldiers was inversely associated with time in service. CONCLUSIONS Risk factors for suicide attempt in the RCs were similar to those previously observed in the AC, highlighting the importance of research and prevention focused on RC enlisted soldiers in the early phases of Army service and those with a recent mental health diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A. Naifeh
- 0000 0001 0421 5525grid.265436.0Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814 USA
| | - Robert J. Ursano
- 0000 0001 0421 5525grid.265436.0Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814 USA
| | - Ronald C. Kessler
- 000000041936754Xgrid.38142.3cDepartment of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, 180 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Oscar I. Gonzalez
- 0000 0001 0421 5525grid.265436.0Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814 USA
| | - Carol S. Fullerton
- 0000 0001 0421 5525grid.265436.0Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814 USA
| | - Holly B. Herberman Mash
- 0000 0001 0421 5525grid.265436.0Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814 USA
| | - Charlotte A. Riggs-Donovan
- 0000 0001 0421 5525grid.265436.0Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814 USA
| | - Tsz Hin Hinz Ng
- 0000 0001 0421 5525grid.265436.0Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814 USA
| | - Gary H. Wynn
- 0000 0001 0421 5525grid.265436.0Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814 USA
| | - Hieu M. Dinh
- 0000 0001 0421 5525grid.265436.0Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814 USA
| | - Tzu-Cheg Kao
- 0000 0001 0421 5525grid.265436.0Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814 USA
| | - Nancy A. Sampson
- 000000041936754Xgrid.38142.3cDepartment of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, 180 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Murray B. Stein
- 0000 0001 2107 4242grid.266100.3Departments of Psychiatry and Family Medicine & Public Health, University of California San Diego, 8939 Villa La Jolla Drive, Suite 200, La Jolla, CA 92037 USA ,0000 0004 0419 2708grid.410371.0VA San Diego Healthcare System, 8810 Rio San Diego Drive, San Diego, CA 92108 USA
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12
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Naifeh JA, Mash HBH, Stein MB, Fullerton CS, Kessler RC, Ursano RJ. The Army Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Servicemembers (Army STARRS): progress toward understanding suicide among soldiers. Mol Psychiatry 2019; 24:34-48. [PMID: 30104726 PMCID: PMC6756108 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-018-0197-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Revised: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Responding to an unprecedented increase in the suicide rate among soldiers, in 2008 the US Army and US National Institute of Mental Health funded the Army Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Servicemembers (Army STARRS), a multicomponent epidemiological and neurobiological study of risk and resilience factors for suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and their psychopathological correlates among Army personnel. Using a combination of administrative records, representative surveys, computerized neurocognitive tests, and blood samples, Army STARRS and its longitudinal follow-up study (STARRS-LS) are designed to identify potentially actionable findings to inform the Army's suicide prevention efforts. The current report presents a broad overview of Army STARRS and its findings to date on suicide deaths, attempts, and ideation, as well as other important outcomes that may increase suicide risk (e.g., mental disorders, sexual assault victimization). The findings highlight the complexity of environmental and genetic risk and protective factors in different settings and contexts, and the importance of life and career history in understanding suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A. Naifeh
- 0000 0001 0421 5525grid.265436.0Department of Psychiatry, Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Holly B. Herberman Mash
- 0000 0001 0421 5525grid.265436.0Department of Psychiatry, Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Murray B. Stein
- 0000 0001 2107 4242grid.266100.3Department of Psychiatry and Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA ,0000 0004 0419 2708grid.410371.0VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA USA
| | - Carol S. Fullerton
- 0000 0001 0421 5525grid.265436.0Department of Psychiatry, Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Ronald C. Kessler
- 000000041936754Xgrid.38142.3cDepartment of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Robert J. Ursano
- 0000 0001 0421 5525grid.265436.0Department of Psychiatry, Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD USA
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13
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Ursano RJ, Kessler RC, Naifeh JA, Herberman Mash HB, Nock MK, Aliaga PA, Fullerton CS, Wynn GH, Ng THH, Dinh HM, Sampson NA, Kao TC, Heeringa SG, Stein MB. Risk Factors Associated With Attempted Suicide Among US Army Soldiers Without a History of Mental Health Diagnosis. JAMA Psychiatry 2018; 75:1022-1032. [PMID: 30167650 PMCID: PMC6233801 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2018.2069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The US Army suicide attempt rate increased sharply during the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Although soldiers with a prior mental health diagnosis (MH-Dx) are known to be at risk, little is known about risk among those with no history of diagnosis. OBJECTIVE To examine risk factors for suicide attempt among soldiers without a previous MH-Dx. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS In this retrospective longitudinal cohort study using administrative data from the Army Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Servicemembers (Army STARRS), person-month records were identified for all active-duty Regular Army enlisted soldiers who had a medically documented suicide attempt from January 1, 2004, through December 31, 2009 (n = 9650), and an equal-probability sample of control person-months (n = 153 528). Data analysis in our study was from September 16, 2017, to June 6, 2018. In a stratified sample, it was examined whether risk factors for suicide attempt varied by history of MH-Dx. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Suicide attempts were identified using Department of Defense Suicide Event Report records and International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification E95 × diagnostic codes. Mental health diagnoses and related codes, as well as sociodemographic, service-related, physical health care, injury, subjection to crime, crime perpetration, and family violence variables, were constructed from Army personnel, medical, legal, and family services records. RESULTS Among 9650 enlisted soldiers with a documented suicide attempt (74.8% male), 3507 (36.3%) did not have a previous MH-Dx. Among soldiers with no previous diagnosis, the highest adjusted odds of suicide attempt were for the following: female sex (odds ratio [OR], 2.6; 95% CI, 2.4-2.8), less than high school education (OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.8-2.0), first year of service (OR, 6.0; 95% CI, 4.7-7.7), previously deployed (OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 2.1-2.8), promotion delayed 2 months or less (OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.7-2.6), past-year demotion (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.3-1.8), 8 or more outpatient physical health care visits in the past 2 months (OR, 3.3; 95% CI, 2.9-3.8), past-month injury-related outpatient (OR, 3.0; 95% CI, 2.8-3.3) and inpatient (OR, 3.8; 95% CI, 2.3-6.3) health care visits, previous combat injury (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.0-2.4), subjection to minor violent crime (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1-2.4), major violent crime perpetration (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.3-3.0), and family violence (OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.9-4.4). Most of these variables were also associated with suicide attempts among soldiers with a previous MH-Dx, although the strength of associations differed. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Suicide attempt risk among soldiers with unrecognized mental health problems is a significant and important challenge. Administrative records from personnel, medical, legal, and family services systems can assist in identifying soldiers at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J. Ursano
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Ronald C. Kessler
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - James A. Naifeh
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Holly B. Herberman Mash
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Matthew K. Nock
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Pablo A. Aliaga
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Carol S. Fullerton
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Gary H. Wynn
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Tsz Hin H. Ng
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Hieu M. Dinh
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Nancy A. Sampson
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Tzu-Cheg Kao
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | | | - Murray B. Stein
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla,Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla,Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California
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Ursano RJ, Naifeh JA, Kessler RC, Gonzalez OI, Fullerton CS, Mash HH, Riggs-Donovan CA, Ng THH, Wynn GH, Dinh HM, Kao TC, Sampson NA, Heeringa SG, Stein MB. Nonfatal Suicidal Behaviors in the Administrative Records of Activated U.S. Army National Guard and Army Reserve Soldiers, 2004-2009. Psychiatry 2018; 81:173-192. [PMID: 30028239 PMCID: PMC6880748 DOI: 10.1080/00332747.2018.1460716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The U.S. Army suicide rate increased sharply during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. There is limited information about medically documented, nonfatal suicidal behaviors among soldiers in the Army's Reserve Component (RC), which is composed of the Army National Guard and Army Reserve. Here we examine trends and sociodemographic correlates of suicide attempts, suspicious injuries, and suicide ideation among activated RC soldiers. METHODS Data come from the Army Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Servicemembers (Army STARRS) Historical Administrative Data Study (HADS), which integrates administrative records for all soldiers on active duty for the years 2004 through 2009 (n = 1.66 million). RESULTS We identified 2,937 unique RC soldiers on active duty with a nonfatal suicidal event documented at some point during the HADS study period. There were increases in the annual incidence rates of suicide attempts (71 to 204/100,000 person-years) and suicide ideation (326 to 425/100,000 person-years). Incidence rates for suspicious injuries also generally increased but were more variable. Using hierarchical classification rules, we identified the first instance of each soldier's most severe behavior (suicide attempt versus suspicious injury versus suicide ideation). For each of those suicide- or injury-related outcomes, we found increased risk among those who were female, younger, non-Hispanic White, less educated, never married, and lower-ranking enlisted. These sociodemographic associations significantly differed across outcomes, although the patterns were similar. CONCLUSION Results provide a broad overview of nonfatal suicidal trends in the RC during the period 2004 through 2009. They also demonstrate that integration of multiple administrative data systems enriches analysis of the predictors of such events.
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Ursano RJ, Kessler RC, Naifeh JA, Herberman Mash H, Fullerton CS, Aliaga PA, Wynn GH, Ng THH, Dinh HM, Sampson NA, Kao TC, Bliese PD, Stein MB. Associations of Time-Related Deployment Variables With Risk of Suicide Attempt Among Soldiers: Results From the Army Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Servicemembers (Army STARRS). JAMA Psychiatry 2018; 75:596-604. [PMID: 29710270 PMCID: PMC6137524 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2018.0296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Importance There has been limited systematic examination of whether risk of suicide attempt (SA) among US Army soldiers is associated with time-related deployment variables, such as time in service before first deployment, duration of first deployment, and dwell time (DT) (ie, length of time between deployments). Objective To examine the associations of time-related deployment variables with subsequent SA among soldiers who had deployed twice. Design, Setting, and Participants Using administrative data from January 1, 2004, through December 31, 2009, this longitudinal, retrospective cohort study identified person-month records of active-duty Regular Army enlisted soldiers who had served continuously in the US Army for at least 2 years and deployed exactly twice. The dates of analysis were March 1 to December 1, 2017. There were 593 soldiers with a medically documented SA during or after their second deployment. An equal-probability sample of control person-months was selected from other soldiers with exactly 2 deployments (n = 19 034). Logistic regression analyses examined the associations of time in service before first deployment, duration of first deployment, and DT with subsequent SA. Main Outcomes and Measures Suicide attempts during or after second deployment were identified using US Department of Defense Suicide Event Report records and International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification E950 to E958 diagnostic codes. Independent variables were constructed from US Army personnel records. Results Among 593 SA cases, most were male (513 [86.5%]), white non-Hispanic (392 [66.1%]), at least high school educated (477 [80.4%]), currently married (398 [67.1%]), and younger than 21 years when they entered the US Army (384 [64.8%]). In multivariable models adjusting for sociodemographics, service-related characteristics, and previous mental health diagnosis, odds of SA during or after second deployment were higher among soldiers whose first deployment occurred within the first 12 months of service vs after 12 months (odds ratio, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.6-2.4) and among those with a DT of 6 months or less vs longer than 6 months (odds ratio, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.2-2.0). Duration of first deployment was not associated with subsequent SA. Analysis of 2-way interactions indicated that the associations of early deployment and DT with SA risk were not modified by other characteristics. Multivariable population-attributable risk proportions were 14.2% for deployment within the first 12 months of service and 4.0% for DT of 6 months or less. Conclusions and Relevance Time in service before first deployment and DT are modifiable risk factors for SA risk among soldiers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J. Ursano
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Ronald C. Kessler
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - James A. Naifeh
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Holly Herberman Mash
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Carol S. Fullerton
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Pablo A. Aliaga
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Gary H. Wynn
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Tsz Hin H. Ng
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Hieu M. Dinh
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Nancy A. Sampson
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Tzu-Cheg Kao
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Paul D. Bliese
- Darla Moore School of Business, University of South Carolina, Columbia
| | - Murray B. Stein
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, California
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla
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16
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Ursano RJ, Stein MB, Mash HBH, Naifeh JA, Fullerton CS, Zaslavsky AM, Ng THH, Aliaga PA, Wynn GH, Dinh HM, McCarroll JE, Sampson NA, Kao TC, Schoenbaum M, Heeringa SG, Kessler RC. Documented family violence and risk of suicide attempt among U.S. Army soldiers. Psychiatry Res 2018; 262:575-582. [PMID: 28965813 PMCID: PMC6444361 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2017.09.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2017] [Revised: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 09/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Suicide attempt (SA) rates in the U.S. Army increased substantially during the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. This study examined associations of family violence (FV) history with SA risk among soldiers. Using administrative data from the Army Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Servicemembers (Army STARRS), we identified person-month records of active duty, Regular Army, enlisted soldiers with medically documented SAs from 2004 to 2009 (n = 9650) and a sample of control person-months (n = 153,528). Logistic regression analyses examined associations of FV with SA, adjusting for socio-demographics, service-related characteristics, and prior mental health diagnosis. Odds of SA were higher in soldiers with a FV history and increased as the number of FV events increased. Soldiers experiencing past-month FV were almost five times as likely to attempt suicide as those with no FV history. Odds of SA were elevated for both perpetrators and those who were exclusively victims. Male perpetrators had higher odds of SA than male victims, whereas female perpetrators and female victims did not differ in SA risk. A discrete-time hazard function indicated that SA risk was highest in the initial months following the first FV event. FV is an important consideration in understanding risk of SA among soldiers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J. Ursano
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA,Corresponding Author: Robert J. Ursano M.D., , Address: Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, Phone: 301-295-9797
| | - Murray B. Stein
- Department of Psychiatry and Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California and VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Holly B. Herberman Mash
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - James A. Naifeh
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Carol S. Fullerton
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Alan M. Zaslavsky
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tsz Hin Hinz Ng
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Pablo A. Aliaga
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Gary H. Wynn
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Hieu M. Dinh
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - James E. McCarroll
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Nancy A. Sampson
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tzu-Cheg Kao
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Steven G. Heeringa
- University of Michigan, Institute for Social Research, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Ronald C. Kessler
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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