While there has been much buzz in the media about military suicides the problem is the active duty suicide rate remains lower than the United States national average. It is difficult to track these numbers after the service member leaves active duty.

CBS News contacted the vital statistics offices from each of the 50 states and obtained suicide data. These numbers were analyzed by a statistician. Reportedly stated the rates of suicide for age, gender and any potential error in the gathering of the raw data by the states were controlled.

Results for 2004

Overall Rates
Veterans: 17.5 to 21.8 per 100,000
Non-Veterans: 9.4 per 100,000

Male Rates
Veterans: 30.6 to 38.3 per 100,000
Non-Veterans: 18.3 per 100,000

Female Rates
Veterans: 10.0 to 12.5 per 100,000
Non-Veterans: 4.8 per 100,000

Results for 2005

Overall Rates
Veterans: 18.7 to 20.8 per 100,000
Non-Veterans: 8.9 per 100,000

Male Rates
Veterans: 31.5 to 35.3 per 100,000
Non-Veterans: 17.6 per 100,000

Female Rates
Veterans: 11.1 to 12.3 per 100,000
Non-Veterans: 4.5 per 100,000

Comment: The results need to be validated, peer reviewed and published. If the numbers hold up this is an important finding. My experience suggests that we need more uniformed psychiatrists who can address these issues when they are at the small unit level before they turn into suicides and disability. There is a lot of concern about the cost of adding uniformed providers but it is logical that this expense would save billions in the long run if the morbidity and mortality associated with mental health issues could be reduced.

Reference: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/11/13/cbsnews_investigates/main34986...