'Shorter Military Service Linked To Self-Harm Risk'

Research has found that people who have served in the Armed Forces for a short time are at increased risk of self-harm.

A team from the University of Glasgow found that overall, veterans had a 30% increase in risk, but the highest risk was in people who left service before completing their initial training - they were found to have an increased risk of 70%.

Researchers said the findings suggest the biggest risk factors come from veterans' "pre-service life".

The new study analysed the long-term risks of non-fatal self-harm, serious enough to warrant hospital admission, for all former personnel living in Scotland.

They focused on those who served between 1960 and 2012.

It found that there was an increased risk in both the youngest ex-personnel and in those who are middle-aged.

The study did not show any significant increase in risk in females.

Lead researcher Dr Beverly Bergman said:

“This is an important study which provides the first insight into an important area of veterans’ mental health. 

"Although overall the veterans were at increased risk of self-harm, the risk reduced steadily with longer service, which suggests that the biggest risk factors come from people’s pre-service life and that longer military service is protective.”