THE SIGNIFICANCE OF ATTEMPTED SUICIDE IN ARMED FORCES

The Indian Armed Forces with a closely knit community, life of their own provides a unique opportunity to study the adaptive and maladaptive characteristics of his actions. In this study thirty two percent of attempted suicide in the Armed Forces achieved discharge from service is a testament to the urgency and intensity of the need to get out of the service. Twently-two percent of control psychiathc in-patient who sought environmental change also achieved premature discharge from service, further highlights the intensity of the need of these patients to change their environment. The intensity of these patients need to change their environment is coupled with a marked sense of isolation. They find themselves not only friendless but also incapable of making friends.