Suicide and traumatic brain injury: a review by clinical researchers from the National Institute for Disability and Independent Living Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) and Veterans Health Administration Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems

- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
- Those seeking mental health services should be screened for a history of TBI.
- Those receiving rehabilitative services for TBI should be screened for suicide risk.

Research among a wide range of cohorts (e.g. civilian, military) has increasingly highlighted traumatic brain injury (TBI) as a risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behaviors, including death by suicide. With this recognition, subsequent changes in clinical practice, such as TBI screenings among individuals seeking mental health services, as well as suicide risk assessment among individuals seeking rehabilitation services are essential. Information provided below is aimed at highlighting key and emerging findings regarding suicide and TBI, with the goal of encouraging providers and researchers to explore changing and expanding evidence-based clinical practices to match the needs of those living with a history of TBI.