TBI injuries are driving suicides among U.S. vets
October 10, 2018
The American Legion says traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a “signature wound” for military personnel and a leading cause of suicides among U.S. veterans. That is especially true for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Traumatic brain injury occurs when an external force, like an explosion, damages the brain. According to the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) 370,688 veterans were diagnosed with TBI from 2000 to 2017. TBI is the most common injury suffered by U.S. troops.
Another common injury among veterans is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In fact, about 20 percent of veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars suffer from the disorder. What’s more, PTSD and TBI have many overlapping symptoms, making diagnosis and treatment challenging. Often, the effects of TBI injuries drive PTSD symptoms, further burdening many veterans.
As medical technology advances, many veterans now survive combat- and other military-related head injuries and wounds that previously would have caused death. In effect, this contributes to the high numbers of TBI cases. The result is higher suicide rates among veterans afflicted with TBI and PTSD.
The DOD syas that, among combat veterans, ages 18 to 24, suicide rates in 2014 reached an all-time high of 124 deaths per 100,000 veterans. The high rate of suicides is in part due to veterans not completing treatment. Often the severe symptoms of TBI and PTSD contribute to veterans quitting support programs. Many others are overly prescribed medications that can drive suicidal behaviors.
While the number of veterans diagnosed with both TBI and PTSD is growing significantly, the treatments remain limited.
Michigan has more than 630,000 residents who are veterans. Many of them are veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, as well as the ongoing war on terror. Because Michigan does not have any active military bases fewer services are available to veterans than in states with active U.S. military bases. Those needing help in and around Michigan can find it via through the VA’s online referral website.