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In a significant step toward reducing veteran suicide rates, a new study has identified key factors that predict whether veterans who have undergone a Comprehensive Suicide Risk Evaluation (CSRE) are at heightened risk of taking their own lives. The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Michigan Medical School’s Department of Psychiatry and the VA Center for Clinical Management Research, provides critical insights that could help clinicians enhance suicide prevention strategies within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).
Identifying High-Risk Factors
The study analyzed veterans who received a CSRE assessment, a standardized suicide risk evaluation implemented nationally in the VHA six years ago. Researchers examined data from the program’s first year, focusing on veterans who died by suicide after undergoing the assessment.
Key findings indicate that veterans actively experiencing suicidal thoughts, those who had made suicide plans, those with access to firearms, and those with a history of inpatient mental health care were most likely to die by suicide. The study tracked suicide deaths within 30 days and one year following a CSRE.
Between November 2019 and December 2020, 269,374 CSREs were conducted for 153,736 VHA patients. A total of 791 suicides occurred post-evaluation, with 144 taking place within the first 30 days. Notably, most of those who died by suicide had been categorized as high-risk based on the CSRE, though some deaths occurred among lower-risk individuals.
Implications for Suicide Prevention
Lead researcher Kevin Saulnier, Ph.D., a psychologist at VA Ann Arbor’s mental health clinic, emphasized the importance of the study’s findings for suicide prevention efforts. “Suicide prediction has long been a challenge, but identifying routine risk factors within the VHA system can help clinicians make more informed decisions,” he noted.
The study also underscores the value of post-CSRE interventions. Researchers found that veterans newly diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who received evidence-based treatments like cognitive processing therapy (CPT) or prolonged exposure (PE) had lower suicide mortality rates.
The Role of CSRE in Suicide Prevention
CSRE sessions, which last about 30 minutes, assess a veteran’s suicide risk based on various factors. These evaluations often lead to the creation of a safety plan that outlines emergency contacts and resources such as the Veterans Crisis Line (988). Clinicians may also recommend specialized mental health care, distribute free firearm safety locks, or involve legal measures such as “red flag” laws to remove firearms from at-risk individuals.
The study suggests that prioritizing firearm-related precautions and intensifying mental health interventions for veterans with active suicide-related thoughts could reduce suicide rates. Predictive models incorporating these new findings may further refine care management strategies within the VA.
The Need for Further Research
While the study provides valuable insights, researchers stress the need for further investigation into protective factors and treatments that successfully prevent suicide among high-risk veterans. Additionally, broader implementation of universal suicide risk screening beyond the VA system could enhance suicide prevention efforts nationwide.
Conclusion
As the U.S. continues to address the public health crisis of veteran suicide, studies like this offer critical data to refine prevention strategies. Clinicians, policymakers, and veterans’ advocates must work together to implement evidence-based approaches that provide timely, effective support to those at risk.
Resources for Veterans in Crisis
Veterans in crisis or those concerned about a loved one can access immediate support through the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988, texting 838255, or visiting www.veteranscrisisline.net. Additional suicide prevention resources can be found at www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention.
Disclaimer: This article is based on research findings and is intended for informational purposes only. It does not substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please seek immediate professional assistance.
