A nationwide study of suicide and suicidal behaviors after lyme disease among US veterans

The Defense Health Agency (DHA) awarded a $524,998 Project Grant under the Military Medical Research and Development program (CFDA 12.420) to the Research Foundation For Mental Hygiene, Inc., operating through its New York State Psychiatric Institute division, for a three-year study spanning September 1, 2025, through August 31, 2028. The project will conduct a nationwide epidemiological study examining the rates of suicide, suicidal behaviors, and other mental health outcomes among U.S. veterans following a new diagnosis of Lyme disease, particularly those with concurrent or recent tick-borne disease (TBD) or associated coinfections, compared to veterans without such disease history. This research addresses a critical gap in understanding the neuropsychiatric consequences of Lyme disease in the veteran population and contributes to the DHA's broader mission of advancing medical knowledge to support Service Member and veteran health.

The Research Foundation For Mental Hygiene, Inc. is leveraging its established research capability in translational psychiatry and suicide risk assessment and prevention to execute this investigation. The organization engaged The Bronx Veterans Medical Research Foundation, Inc., as a sub-awardee (sub-award issued February 13, 2026) to support research delivery and data analysis activities. This collaborative approach aligns with the DHA's funding priorities for investigator-initiated research addressing conditions affecting the military population and represents a typical three-year award timeline within the Military Medical Research and Development program portfolio.