Medical Report: More effective ways to predict suicide risk in those leaving armed services

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — It is well documented that the suicide rate of those who have served in the military increases after returning to life as a civilian.

A new study from Harvard finds that it may be possible to identify those at highest risk by looking at as many as 65 separate variables in a soldier’s administrative record. More than 800,000 soldiers were included in the study.

In an accompanying editorial, the addition of artificial intelligence to data interpretation and prediction of suicide risk are seen as future benefits. The goal is to determine who needs the greatest support and to provide that support for 10 years or more, not just the transition period.

Get more medical reports from Dr. Brian McDonough .

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