Ganz Debora, Sher Leo
Int J Adolesc Med Health. 2013;25(3):187-91. doi: 10.1515/ijamh-2013-0051.
The aim of this paper was to discuss the results of a review of literature related to suicide in military veteran populations. Suicide in veteran populations has been increasing in recent years, and continues to be a medical and social problem across the globe. For medical health professionals, knowledge of the risk factors for suicide, careful assessment, and appropriate interventions are key to suicide prevention. The main aim of this review is to better understand the risk factors present in veteran suicide and find ways by which to educate medical professionals in suicide prevention. Key suicide risk factors found in veteran populations include posttraumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorder, physical injuries, substance use disorders, traumatic brain injury, combat-related guilt, access to firearms, and insufficient social support. Some psychosocial difficulties are unique to veteran populations, and medical professionals should be culturally sensitive to these factors. Psychosocial changes upon discharge from active duty, as well as stigma against mental health disorders and treatment, should also be considered and assessed. Given that general practitioners may be the first line of defense for these veterans, they should be educated in risk factors for veteran suicide and proper assessment techniques. Any suicide risk in a veteran population should be taken very seriously, and responded to appropriately.
本文的目的是讨论对与退伍军人自杀相关的文献综述结果。近年来，退伍军人中的自杀率一直在上升，并且仍然是全球范围内的一个医学和社会问题。对于医疗卫生专业人员来说，了解自杀风险因素、进行仔细评估以及采取适当干预措施是预防自杀的关键。本综述的主要目的是更好地了解退伍军人自杀中存在的风险因素，并找到教育医学专业人员预防自杀的方法。在退伍军人中发现的主要自杀风险因素包括创伤后应激障碍、重度抑郁症、身体损伤、物质使用障碍、创伤性脑损伤、与战斗相关的内疚感、获得枪支的机会以及社会支持不足。一些心理社会困难是退伍军人所特有的，医学专业人员应该在文化上对这些因素保持敏感。从现役退伍后的心理社会变化，以及对心理健康障碍和治疗的污名化，也应该被考虑和评估。鉴于普通医生可能是这些退伍军人的第一道防线，他们应该接受关于退伍军人自杀风险因素和适当评估技术的教育。退伍军人中的任何自杀风险都应该得到高度重视，并做出适当回应。
