Link Between Military Sexual Trauma and Increased Suicide Risk

A comprehensive longitudinal study has revealed a significant correlation between military sexual trauma (MST) and an elevated risk of suicide and drug overdose mortality among older veterans. Conducted by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, this study is a pioneering effort to examine the long-term consequences of MST on mental health within a national cohort of veterans aged 50 and above.

The study involved a substantial sample size of 5,059,526 veterans, stratified by gender and exposure to MST, while also investigating the role of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in amplifying these risks. Findings indicate that veterans with a history of MST are notably more susceptible to suicidal thoughts and behaviors, with the data showing that individuals who experienced MST had a threefold increase in the likelihood of suicide attempts compared to those without such trauma.

The cumulative incidence rates of suicide attempts among veterans with MST were significantly higher, with findings indicating that the rates for women and men were six and twelve percentage points greater, respectively, than their peers who did not experience MST. While both genders faced increased risks, MST was reported to be more than ten times more prevalent among female veterans than males. Notably, the study also highlighted that MST contributes to a more than 60% increased risk of death by drug overdose across genders.

Furthermore, the research emphasizes that veterans suffering from PTSD who also have a history of MST face an even greater risk regarding both suicide attempts and nonfatal attempts when compared to those with PTSD alone. These alarming findings serve as a vital call to action for the military and policymakers to implement effective measures aimed at preventing sexual trauma within military settings.

Given the extensive implications of this research, it underscores the necessity for comprehensive policies and practices that address and mitigate the occurrence of MST, ultimately aiming to safeguard the mental health and well-being of service members. The study has been published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, providing a significant contribution to understanding the long-term impacts of military service on mental health.