Article Figures & Data
Figures
- Figure 1.
Incarcerated veterans are at the intersection of two populations with elevated suicide rates. The risk incurred by this status remains unknown.
Tables
Thompson et al.5 Suicide rate two to three times that of the general population. Depression, psychotic disorders, and substance abuse associated. Price et al.6 Major depression and drug dependence with largest effect on the timing of suicidality. Zivin et al.7 Male, white race, substance abuse associated. Younger veterans (age 18–44) have higher rates. Service connection is a protective factor. Desai et al.8 Higher rates in younger and older veterans. Bipolar disorder with highest rates. PTSD/anxiety disorders marginally protective. $100 per capita increased spending approximate six percent reduction in suicide. Kaplan et al.9 Suicide rate approximately two times that of the general population. White race, ≥12 years’ education, activity limitations with greater risk. Shaw et al.20 Rate 133 per 100,000; 32% within first seven days; male/female ratio, 12:1; 18% age 21 or younger; 26% with violent crimes, 49% on remand; 72% with one or more psychiatric diagnoses. Drug dependence most frequent primary and secondary diagnosis. Fazel et al.21 Rate approximately five times that of the general population. Excess risk among male prisoners on rise. Blaauw et al.22 Six characteristics useful in identifying potential victims: age 40+, homelessness, history of psychiatric care, drug abuse, prior incarceration, violent offense. Matschnig et al.23 Increased suicide rates and rates on the rise. Pretrial with highest risk. Long-term sentences, single-cell use, mental illness, substance abuse, history of suicidality associated with increased risk. Rosenheck et al.19 15.7% of male VA mental health patients incarcerated at some point between 1994 and 1997; 39.6% of those age 18–39 years. Incarceration rates highest with young age, substance use, and mental health disorders. Saxon et al.31 Of incarcerated veterans, 87% reported at least one lifetime traumatic event, and 39% screened positive for PTSD. Unemployment and homelessness frequently preceded incarceration. Substantial drug and alcohol use noted. McGuire et al.32 Of the incarcerated veterans, 21% had long-term homelessness, 73% were unemployed. Current drug and alcohol abuse affected 37% and 50%. Psychiatric illness was present in 35%, 23% with dual diagnosis, 15% with mood disorders, 7% with schizophrenia, 6% with PTSD.
