3 ms·

From the brief overview provided by DARPA it's not entirely clear what methods or system is envisioned to do the "preconscious" screening. Presumably some kind

From the brief overview provided by DARPA it's not entirely clear what methods or system is envisioned to do the "preconscious" screening. Presumably some kind of measurement of brain waves, but that seems way ahead of where the science is at. In any case I wonder if this approach is really the right target. It's true, the suicide rate in military (active duty and veteran) is tragic, but also elevated in the general population. I'd venture a guess that the issue with suicide reflects a tremendous stigma attached to behavioral disorders such that sufferers are dissuaded from seeking evaluation and treatment until conditions reach disabling proportions or maybe not even then. I have serious doubt that technological methodologies alone will be an adequate solution. Of course it's possible that new tools will move the ball downfield and play a role in extinguishing long-standing prejudices but it remains to be seen if that will happen.

bumby 5y ago
I hate to be a cynic, but my feeling is that it's more applicable to lie detection and the suicide prevention is a good application (but probably far from the main goal). Cut out all the suicide-specific wording, and it sounds like generic lie detection that military or law enforcement would have a lot of interest in. "The screening process envisioned could involve presenting various statement stimuli...or intentions (e.g., I want to [do this bad thing]) to measure preconscious responses. "
zigzaggy 5y ago
My personal opinion (backed up with a certain amount of experience) is that much of these suicides are due to a soldier being traumatized, then coming home to try to cope with trauma responses. Some then turn to drowning the trauma with alcohol and other bad stuff. That's when the spiral really accelerates. Unfortunately the stigma you mentioned feels so much worse when someone also hates themselves. They don't recognize the stigma for what it is and start believing they don't deserve to get better. And yes this seems to be a huge problem across humanity. Overdoses and suicides are at historically high levels. And celebrities with tremendous resources still suffer the same way. Which tells me the technology just isn't there.
- jrapdx3 5y ago
  No question military experience can be extremely traumatic even without exposure to combat. People vary greatly in "resilience", some are very sensitive to trauma but may have no way to know that about themselves before encountering the damaging situations. Thing is mental health conditions in general are a huge problem: "Neuropsychiatric disorders are the leading cause of disability in the United States, accounting for 18.7% of all years of life lost to disability and premature mortality." [0] The numbers vary in different countries/regions but the prevalence of such disorders is still non-trivial. In addition most people don't seek or get adequate treatment, I think stigma is a big factor contributing to making a bad situation worse. The elements you talk about are certainly true. It really would be a major change for the better if technological advances could make a difference. Given the developments of the last few decades I wouldn't say it can't happen. IMO the jury's out on the question, conceivably research will eventually have something to offer. [0] https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/mental-health-and-mental-disorders https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/m...

bumby 5y ago

I hate to be a cynic, but my feeling is that it's more applicable to lie detection and the suicide prevention is a good application (but probably far from the main goal). Cut out all the suicide-specific wording, and it sounds like generic lie detection that military or law enforcement would have a lot of interest in. "The screening process envisioned could involve presenting various statement stimuli...or intentions (e.g., I want to [do this bad thing]) to measure preconscious responses. "

zigzaggy 5y ago

My personal opinion (backed up with a certain amount of experience) is that much of these suicides are due to a soldier being traumatized, then coming home to try to cope with trauma responses. Some then turn to drowning the trauma with alcohol and other bad stuff. That's when the spiral really accelerates. Unfortunately the stigma you mentioned feels so much worse when someone also hates themselves. They don't recognize the stigma for what it is and start believing they don't deserve to get better. And yes this seems to be a huge problem across humanity. Overdoses and suicides are at historically high levels. And celebrities with tremendous resources still suffer the same way. Which tells me the technology just isn't there.

jrapdx3 5y ago
No question military experience can be extremely traumatic even without exposure to combat. People vary greatly in "resilience", some are very sensitive to trauma but may have no way to know that about themselves before encountering the damaging situations. Thing is mental health conditions in general are a huge problem: "Neuropsychiatric disorders are the leading cause of disability in the United States, accounting for 18.7% of all years of life lost to disability and premature mortality." [0] The numbers vary in different countries/regions but the prevalence of such disorders is still non-trivial. In addition most people don't seek or get adequate treatment, I think stigma is a big factor contributing to making a bad situation worse. The elements you talk about are certainly true. It really would be a major change for the better if technological advances could make a difference. Given the developments of the last few decades I wouldn't say it can't happen. IMO the jury's out on the question, conceivably research will eventually have something to offer. [0] https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/mental-health-and-mental-disorders https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/m...