Study says 1/3 of veterans show signs of depression, a major risk factor for suicide

About a third of veterans treated at Department of Veterans Affairs health care facilities show signs of depression, a serious risk factor for suicide among them, a study by the University of Michigan Health System found. That is significant for rural areas, since rural inhabitants make up a disproportionately large amount of military recruits and the VA has had difficilty getting mental-health services to rural areas.

The researchers recommended that patients, in the 12 weeks after seeking treatment, should receive intensive treatment for depression to prevent suicidal behavior. Marcia Valenstein, M.D., clinical psychiatrist with the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System and associate professor of psychiatry with the University of Michigan Health System said the study shows "the need for very close follow-up for patients who are discharged from our inpatient services because this is a particularly vulnerable time for them."

The VA has made the isssue a priority by giving $300 million to expand suicide prevention and other mental-health services. (Read more)