Herberman Mash et al identified risk factors for a suicide attempt by a soldier within 30 days of a clinical visit. These can help to identify a patient who may benefit from more aggressive management. The authors are from the Uniformed Services University, Harvard Medical School, University of California San Diego and VA San Diego Healthcare System.
Patient selection: US Army soldier
Outcome: suicide attempt within 30 days of a first medically documented suicide ideation (highest risk period)
Predictors:
(1) female sex (OR 1.3)
(2) combat medic (OR 1.6)
(3) history of anxiety disorder (diagnosis prior to suicidal ideation; OR 1.3)
(4) sleep disorder diagnosed on the same day as suicidal ideation (OR 2.3)
(5) physical injury within the past month (OR 1.4)
Factors associated with reduced risk:
(1) Black race (OR 0.6)
(2) anxiety disorder diagnosed on the same day as suicidal ideation (OR 0.7)
Only one predictor has an OR over 2.
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