Although much has been written about the
association of traumatic experiences with the
development of psychiatric morbidity, less is
known specifically about the relationship between
trauma and attempted suicide or suicide. Attempted
suicide and suicide are outcomes with a complex
etiology, and the risk factors for each vary across
the life course, by gender, and by culture. At the
same time, attempted suicide and suicide form a
public health problem of enormous significance,
reaching beyond the tragic death or injury of
the individual to have a lasting impact on family,
friends, and coworkers (Knox, Conwell, & Caine,
2004). For example, in several of our studies, up to
65% of individuals report knowing someone who
has died by suicide. The actual total public health
burden due to suicidal behaviors has never been
quantified, but is likely enormous.