Trauma-suicide link confirmed

Link between trauma of Troubles and suicidal behaviour is confirmed
Belfast Telegraph
BY CLAIRE WILLIAMSON
20 MARCH 2014

A direct link between suicidal behaviour in Northern Ireland and traumatic or conflict-related experiences has been found for the first time.

The findings are based on extensive data from the University of Ulster's major study of the population's mental health as part of the World Health Organisation's World Mental Health Survey Initiative.

The university carried out detailed analysis of suicidal thoughts, plans and attempts in a sample of more than 4,000 people.

The research is based upon the Mental Health Survey Initiative carried out in Northern Ireland.

This is one of a series of identical studies undertaken in more than 30 countries across the world which assess mental health based on psychiatric criteria and symptoms. Comparisons with other published international studies show that Northern Ireland has one of the highest rates of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with high levels of experiencing violence associated with the conflict in Northern Ireland.
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