Military Veteran and Non-Veteran Suicides in Wisconsin, 2001-2007

Background: Suicide rates among military veterans have had recent national attention. Examining how veteran and non-veteran suicides differ may inform prevention strategies for this high-risk group.

Methods: Demographic, circumstantial and toxicology data from the Violent Injury Reporting System (2001-2003) and the Wisconsin Violent Death Reporting System (2004-2007) were analyzed to compare suicides of veterans and non-veterans.

Results: During 2001-2007, 4621 suicides occurred in Wisconsin. Twenty percent (n=941) of these had veteran status, with no significant trends identified. Veterans were significantly older than non-veterans (57.3 vs. 40.7, p<0.0005) and were more often married (46% vs. 31%, p<0.0005). Firearms were used more often by veterans as compared to non-veterans (63% vs. 43%, p<0.0005). Significantly more non-veterans were tested for alcohol (75% vs. 61%, p<0.0005) and antidepressants (58% vs. 46%, p<0.0005); however, the percentage testing positive was not significantly different for either (alcohol: 31% vs. 32%, p=0.464; antidepressants: 25% vs. 20%, p=0.026). While both groups reported similar percentages for current depressed mood (65% vs. 64%, p=0.638); more non-veterans were noted as having a current mental health problem (45% vs. 39%, p=0.001). Similarly, more non-veterans were currently in treatment (38% vs. 30%, p<0.0005) or had ever been in treatment (47% vs. 37%, p>0.0005) for a mental health problem and were more likely to have a history of attempts than veterans (26% vs. 17%, p<0.0005).

Discussion: Significant differences exist between veteran and non-veteran suicides. Prevention strategies may include training families on the signs of suicide, means restriction, and increased mental health screening and treatment.