Link Between Military Sexual Trauma and Increased Risk of Suicide and Overdose in Later Life

A comprehensive long-term study has revealed that veterans who experienced sexual trauma during their military service face a significantly higher risk of attempting suicide and dying from drug overdoses later in life. The research, focusing on older veterans, underscores the lasting impact of military sexual trauma (MST), especially among those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Conducted by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, the study analyzed data from over 5 million veterans aged 50 and above.

The findings show that both men and women who endured MST are three times more likely to attempt suicide compared to those without such experiences. The cumulative data indicate that the likelihood of a late-life suicide attempt increases by six percentage points for women and 12 percentage points for men with MST. Interestingly, although MST is more prevalent among women—being over ten times more common—both genders face substantial risks.

Moreover, MST is linked to a more than 60% increase in the risk of death by drug overdose, highlighting the severe consequences of trauma. The presence of PTSD further elevates these risks, with veterans exhibiting higher incidences of suicide attempts and overdoses if they have both MST and PTSD.

This study emphasizes the urgent need for military policies and practices aimed at reducing sexual trauma and supporting affected service members. The research appears in the 'Annals of Internal Medicine' and acts as a crucial call to action for enhancing veteran care and prevention strategies.

For more details, visit the original study: Sexual Trauma, Suicide, and Overdose in a National Cohort of Older Veterans, available through the DOI link provided.