Evaluation of psychopathological factors and origins of suicides committed by soldiers, 1989 to 1998

Abstract

Research and scientific observations indicate that, in the armed forces, some individuals tend to experience strong feelings of solitude and harm and do not always have opportunities to receive help. The inability to solve and successfully cope with problems may lead to adaptive difficulties and provoke reckless reactions, including suicide attempts. The aim of this project was a retrospective analysis of the origins and factors leading to successful suicide attempts undertaken by soldiers from 1989 to 1998, with special emphasis on psychopathological determinants. The study examined all cases of successful suicides in the Polish Armed Forces: 163 professional soldiers (military service was their job) and 274 privates (obligatory military service group). The most common reason for suicides in the analyzed group was the combination of psychiatric disorders and psychosocial factors. Among privates, most of the suicides occurred during the first 12 months of service, whereas professional soldiers committed most suicides between their 11th and 15th years of service. The results suggest the urgent introduction of a suicide prevention program.