Front-line insanity

War and sanity mix like whiskey and cocaine. What's left is disaster accelerated.

As the death toll in Afghanistan rises, the government is stepping in to help many soldiers fight their worst enemies: themselves.

The U.S. Army has enlisted the National Institute of Mental Health to try and mitigate the rising number suicides among the troops.

The study has been called "unprecedented" by officials at NIMH, according to Federal News Radio.

Study director Dr. Robert Heinssen said those involved are relying on the three "R's" - rigorous study, rapid execution, and relevant targets -- to find answers.

"The Army reached out to NIMH last summer and asked us if we were aware of any research-based approaches that had been developed on the civilian side that would help the Army with the problem of a rising suicide rate."

According to NIMH, suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 25 to 44-year-olds in the United States, Federal News Radio reported.

Historically, the agency said, the suicide rate has been lower in the military than among civilians.

In 2008, that pattern was reversed, with the suicide rate in the Army exceeding the rate in the civilian population. The Army turned to NIMH for answers.