Suicide rate higher than normal among soldiers deployed in Iraq

WASHINGTON – At least 21 US troops deployed for the Iraq war and its aftermath have committed suicide over the past year, a top Defense Department health official said yesterday, expressing concern at the suicide rate.

All but three of the suicides were from the army, the service with by far the most troops in Iraq, said William Winkenwerder, assistant secretary of defense for health affairs. “The real question is … is that rate out of line?” Winkenwerder told reporters.He said the army’s suicide rate, 13,5 deaths per 100 000 soldiers a year, compared with a prior trend of about 11 in 100 000.It “is on the high side of what they have seen in the past”.No unusual trends were seen in the suicide rates for the other military services.Winkenwerder estimated that between 300 and 400 service members have been evacuated from Iraq for treatment for mental problems.He had no statistics on the number service members who have been treated for stress-related problems in Iraq.But he said literature and past data shows that most people who suffer mental stress or mental illness do better with counselling, medication and treatment in the field.- Nampa-AFP”The real question is … is that rate out of line?” Winkenwerder told reporters. He said the army’s suicide rate, 13,5 deaths per 100 000 soldiers a year, compared with a prior trend of about 11 in 100 000. It “is on the high side of what they have seen in the past”. No unusual trends were seen in the suicide rates for the other military services. Winkenwerder estimated that between 300 and 400 service members have been evacuated from Iraq for treatment for mental problems. He had no statistics on the number service members who have been treated for stress-related problems in Iraq. But he said literature and past data shows that most people who suffer mental stress or mental illness do better with counselling, medication and treatment in the field. – Nampa-AFP