Pre- versus Postenlistment Timing of First Suicide Attempt as a Predictor of Suicide Risk Factors in an Active Duty Military Population With Suicidal Thoughts

Abstract

ABSTRACTObjective: This study examines the association of pre- versus post-enlistment timing of first suicide attempt with suicidal ideation, depressive symptoms, single vs. multiple attempts, and highest suicide attempt lethality in an active duty military sample with suicidal thoughts. Method: Data were pooled from baseline assessments of 784 help-seeking Service Members. Results: Adjusting for demographic and military covariates, suicidal ideation was higher for those with a history of suicide attempt. A pre-enlistment suicide attempt was associated with over four times the risk of multiple lifetime attempts. Conclusions: Pre-enlistment suicide attempts are important to assess as they increased risk of multiple attempts.