Major Depressive Disorder in Veterans: Antidepressant Use & Suicide Prevention

In 2013, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) estimated that about 1.5 million veterans required mental health care, including services for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). MDD is a debilitating mental illness related to reduced quality of life and productivity, and increased risk for suicide. VA also plays a role in suicide prevention. This book begins with a brief overview of the public health framework for suicide prevention, which forms the basis for both the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention and the VHA’s approach to suicide prevention. The book discusses suicide surveillance; suicide risk factors and protective factors; suicide prevention interventions; potential issues for Congress; VA’s data on veterans with MDD, including those prescribed an antidepressant; the extent that veterans with MDD who are prescribed antidepressants receive recommended care and the extent to which VA monitors such care; and the quality of data VA requires VAMCs to collect on veteran suicides.