Citation

Kiraly DD, Sher L. Int. J. Adolesc. Med. Health 2014; 27(2): 235-237.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Freund Publishing)

DOI

10.1515/ijamh-2015-5018

PMID

25528760

Abstract

Suicide and suicidal behaviors amongst combat veterans is an important public health issue. Exposure to military combat predisposes patients to increased levels of major depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse, and chronic pain - all of which are important risk factors for suicide. Here, we present a case study of a young combat veteran who presented with an impulsive suicide attempt that had a high potential for lethality in the context of depression, PTSD, and substance use. On routine admission laboratory work, his serum level of testosterone was seen to be low. Given the important role that testosterone plays in the regulation of mood and behavior, we posit that it is a potentially important marker for suicide risk in an already at-risk population.

Language: en