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Sex differences in suicidal behaviors and aggression in US Veterans
Erin McGlade1, Elliott Bueler2, Jennifer DiMuzio2
1Diagnostic Neuroimaging Lab, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Rocky Mountain MIRECC, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
Psychiatry Research
|May 16, 2021
Summary
Suicide risk in Veterans differs by sex. Male Veterans’ suicidal behavior links to aggression, while female Veterans’ risk is tied to hostility and anger, despite similar symptom levels.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
- Military Health Research
Background:
- Female Veterans are the fastest-growing demographic within the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Increasing suicide rates among female Veterans highlight a critical need for research and clinical attention.
- This study investigates sex-based differences in the relationship between aggression, mood symptoms, and suicidal behavior.
Discussion:
- Male Veterans reported higher levels of physical aggression, verbal aggression, anger, hostility, and total aggression compared to female Veterans.
- In male Veterans, suicidal behavior correlated with various aggression subscales and total aggression.
- Female Veterans showed a significant association between suicidal behavior, hostility, and anger.
Key Insights:
- Suicidal behavior in male Veterans is linked to broader aggression, whereas in female Veterans, it is specifically associated with hostility and anger.
- No significant sex-based differences were found in the prevalence of suicidal behaviors, anxiety, or depressive symptoms.
- These findings underscore distinct pathways linking aggression and suicidal behavior between male and female Veterans.
Outlook:
- The study suggests targeted clinical interventions for Veterans based on sex-specific aggression and mood symptom profiles.
- Further research is needed to explore the nuanced mechanisms underlying these sex differences in Veteran suicide risk.
- Understanding these differences can inform the development of more effective suicide prevention strategies for diverse Veteran populations.
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