Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 31, 2026
04:02
System for Focal, Closed-System Central Nervous System Injury
Published on: November 29, 2024
Suicide prevention in a deployed military unit
Christopher H Warner1, George N Appenzeller, Jessica R Parker
1USA Commander and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, USA.
Psychiatry
|June 22, 2011
Summary
A military suicide prevention plan tailored to deployment cycles reduced suicide rates in a U.S. Army division during their Iraq deployment. This model shows promise for combat environments.
Area of Science:
- Military medicine
- Psychiatry
- Public health
Background:
- Military suicide and parasuicidal behaviors are increasing, particularly in deployed settings.
- Existing prevention strategies may not adequately address the unique stressors of deployment cycles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a deployment cycle-specific suicide prevention plan implemented in a U.S. Army division during a 15-month deployment to Iraq.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of this tailored prevention program in reducing suicide rates.
Main Methods:
- Implementation of education, identification, and intervention programs at each phase of the deployment cycle.
- Programs were designed based on specific unit activities and predicted stressors.
Main Results:
- The annual suicide rate in the trial cohort was 16/100,000, compared to the theater rate of 24/100,000.
- Peaks in suicidal ideation and behaviors were observed at months two, six, and twelve of deployment.
Conclusions:
- A deployment cycle-specific prevention program may effectively decrease suicide rates in combat environments.
- This program can serve as a model for future military suicide prevention initiatives.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric condition that arises following exposure to traumatic events such as natural disasters, forced displacement, or severe accidents. It significantly impairs individuals' ability to cope with daily activities and disrupts their emotional and psychological equilibrium.
Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations
A spectrum of distressing symptoms characterizes PTSD. Recurrent flashbacks, where individuals involuntarily relive traumatic events, are a...
Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations
A spectrum of distressing symptoms characterizes PTSD. Recurrent flashbacks, where individuals involuntarily relive traumatic events, are a...
01:30Specialized Care Centers and Settings-I
Specialized care settings or centers are situated in convenient locations within the community and offer care to a specific group or population. They consist of daycare facilities, mental health facilities, rural health facilities, educational institutions, industries, shelters for the homeless, and rehabilitation facilities.
Daycare centers
They provide several functions. Some facilities care for healthy newborns and children whose parents work, while others are medically focused and care for...
Daycare centers
They provide several functions. Some facilities care for healthy newborns and children whose parents work, while others are medically focused and care for...
01:30Community Based Intervention
Community-based interventions in mental health represent a paradigm shift from institution-centered care to treatments embedded within the fabric of local communities. By prioritizing inclusion and leveraging existing societal structures, this approach fosters a supportive environment conducive to addressing mental health challenges while promoting individual dignity and agency.
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
01:38Cognitive Dissonance
Social psychologists have documented that feeling good about ourselves and maintaining positive self-esteem is a powerful motivator of human behavior (Tavris & Aronson, 2008). In the United States, members of the predominant culture typically think very highly of themselves and view themselves as good people who are above average on many desirable traits (Ehrlinger, Gilovich, & Ross, 2005). Often, our behavior, attitudes, and beliefs are affected when we experience a threat to our...
01:27Coping Strategies: Problem Focused
Coping strategies are methods people use to manage, tolerate, or reduce the effects of stressors. These strategies involve both behavioral and psychological actions to handle stressful situations. One common approach is problem-focused coping, which aims to change or eliminate the source of stress rather than merely addressing its consequences. This method involves taking direct action to resolve the issue causing stress.
For example, consider a student who struggles to understand their...
For example, consider a student who struggles to understand their...
01:14SBAR II: Application of SBAR
SBAR is an effective communication tool used by healthcare professionals to communicate patient information accurately. SBAR stands for Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation. For a better understanding, an example is given below.
SBAR Report from a Nurse to a Health Care Provider
S: "Hello, Dr. Smith. This is Jane, RN, from the Med Surg unit. I am calling to tell you about Ms. White in Room 210, who is experiencing increased pain and redness at her incision site. Her recent...
SBAR Report from a Nurse to a Health Care Provider
S: "Hello, Dr. Smith. This is Jane, RN, from the Med Surg unit. I am calling to tell you about Ms. White in Room 210, who is experiencing increased pain and redness at her incision site. Her recent...