A Preliminary Investigaton of Suicidality in Psychiatrically Hospitalized Veterans With Traumatic Brain Injury

This study explored suicidal behaviours documented at the time of discharge from acute psychiatric hospitalization. Data from 114 acute psychiatric admissions were reviewed for 22 veterans with a history of traumatic brain injury. Information extracted included presence of suicide ideation, nature of suicide attempts, & traumatic brain injury characteristics. The Lethality of Suicide Attempt Rating Scale was used to classify veterans’ non-lethal self-harm behaviour. Post-traumatic brain injury, 6 patients made a total of 14 suicide attempts. Half of these required medical attention. Clinicians & researchers are strongly encouraged to focus increased attention on suicide prevention in those with a history of traumatic brain injury. (23 refs.) JA