Differences between Veteran suicides with and without psychiatric symptoms

This study examined all suicides (N=423) in two geographic areas of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) over a 7-year period, and performed detailed chart reviews on the subsample who had a VHA visit in the last year of life (N=384). Within this sample, we compared a group with one or more documented psychiatric symptoms (68.5%) to a group with no such symptoms (31.5%). The groups were compared on suicidal thoughts and behaviors, somatic symptoms, and stressors using Chi-square tests, and on time to death after the last visit using survival analyses. Veterans with documented psychiatric symptoms were more likely to receive a suicide risk assessment, and have suicidal ideation and a suicide plan, sleep problems, pain, and several stressors. These Veterans also died more quickly following their last visit. Findings indicate presence of two large and distinct groups of Veterans at risk for suicide in the VHA, underscoring the value of tailored prevention strategies including approaches suitable for those without identified psychiatric symptoms.