Challenges and considerations for managing suicide risk in combat zones.
As suicide rates in the military rise, increased attention has been placed on the effective management of high-risk service members. Military mental health professionals deployed to combat zones face a number of challenges and barriers for effective risk management that are unique to the deployed setting. To date, there exists no body of literature identifying areas in which suicide risk management differs between garrison and combat settings to guide mental health professionals in improving clinical decision making with respect to managing suicidal service members in combat zones. On the basis of experience gained during deployments to combat zones, the authors outline several key features of the deployed context that can impact suicide risk and its effective management in combat zones and integrate empirical findings relevant to each issue. Considerations for clinical care and risk management are discussed.
Bryan
Craig J
CJ
Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7550 W IH-10, Suite 1325, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
Kanzler
Kathryn E
KE
Durham
Tracy L
TL
West
Christopher L
CL
Greene
Elizabeth
E
D055826:Afghan Campaign 2001-; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D054542:Iraq War, 2003-2011; D008605:Mental Health Services; D008889:Military Personnel; D011595:Psychomotor Agitation; D012307:Risk Factors; D012308:Risk Management; D007319:Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / Q000150:complications; D012944:Social Support; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology; D014481:United States; D000092864:Suicide Prevention