Year: 2013 Source: Psychiatry: Interpersonal & Biological Processes.(2013).76(2):97-125. DOI: 10.1521/psyc.2013.76.2.97 SIEC No: 20130654

Suicide is difficult to predict and prevent and remains a leading cause of death worldwide. Although soldiers historically have had a suicide rate well below that of the general population, the suicide rate among members of the U.S. Army has increased markedly over the past several years and now exceeds that of the general population. This paper reviews psychosocial factors known to be associated with the increased risk of suicidal behavior in general and describes how some of these factors may be especially important in understanding suicide among soldiers.