Substance use disorders and risk for completed suicide

Family-focused practices in addictions: a scoping review protocol

INTRODUCTION

Families are significantly impacted by addictions and family involvement in treatment can reduce the harms and can also improve treatment entry, treatment completion and treatment outcomes for the individual coping with an addiction. Although the benefits of family-focused practices in addictions have been documented, services continue to have an individual focus and research on this topic is also limited. The objective of this study is to map the extent, range and nature of evidence available examining family interventions in addictions and identify gaps to guide future research, policy and practice.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This is a scoping review using the five-stage framework developed by Arksey and O'Malley. We will include published and unpublished empirical studies focusing on any type of family interventions in addiction treatment between 2000 and the present in English or French. A reviewer will search for literature that meets the inclusion criteria through the following electronic databases: MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Social Services Abstracts. For a comprehensive search, we will also hand-search reference lists, web sites and key journals. Data will be charted and sorted using a thematic analysis approach.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This review will be the first to examine all forms of family-focused practices for both substance use and problem gambling treatment for adults. It will provide information about existing service provisions and gaps in practice. This review can be used to start moving towards the development of best practices for families in addiction treatment. The results will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed journal and at mental health and addiction conferences.

Suicidal thoughts in persons treated for alcohol dependence: The role of selected demographic and clinical factors

Greater knowledge is needed of potential predictive factors for suicide in cases of alcohol addiction. Therefore, the aim of the study was to identify the socio-demographic variables and clinical factors associated with alcohol dependence which may have an influence on the occurrence of suicidal thoughts in alcohol-dependent patients. A group of 510 patients (396 male and 114 female) diagnosed with alcohol dependence syndrome were interviewed during the third week of therapy according to the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Penn Alcohol Craving Scale (PACS) and the Short Alcohol Dependence Data Questionnaire (SADD). Socio-demographic data was also collected. The results of a binary logistic regression with suicidal thoughts as a dependent variable show that 63 out of the 510 participants (12% of the sample) reported the presence of suicidal thoughts. Alcohol dependence and alcohol craving appear to increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts, and participants presenting psychiatric disorders were twice as likely to demonstrate suicidal ideation as those who did not. Alcohol dependence, alcohol craving and psychiatric comorbidity may be regarded as risk factors for suicidal ideation in the studied sample, with the only protective factor being living in a relationship.

Initial validation of brief measures of suicide risk factors: Common data elements used by the Military Suicide Research Consortium

The Military Suicide Research Consortium (MSRC) developed a 57-item questionnaire assessing suicide risk factors, referred to as the Common Data Elements (CDEs), in order to facilitate data sharing and improve collaboration across independent studies. All studies funded by MSRC are required to include the CDEs in their assessment protocol. The CDEs include shortened measures of the following: current and past suicide risk, lethality and intent of past suicide attempts, hopelessness, thwarted belongingness, anxiety sensitivity, posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, traumatic brain injury, insomnia, and alcohol abuse. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the CDE items drawn from empirically validated measures. Exploratory factor analysis was used to examine the overall structure of the CDE items, and confirmatory factor analyses were used to evaluate the distinct properties of each scale. Internal consistencies of the CDE scales and correlations with full measures were also examined. Merged data from 3,140 participants (81.0% military service members, 75.6% male) across 19 MSRC-funded studies were used in analyses. Results indicated that all measures exhibited adequate internal consistency, and all CDE shortened measures were significantly correlated with the corresponding full measures with moderate to strong effect sizes. Factor analyses indicated that the shortened CDE measures performed well in comparison with the full measures. Overall, our findings suggest that the CDEs are not only brief but also provide psychometrically valid scores when assessing suicide risk and related factors that may be used in future research. (PsycINFO Database Record

Alcohol-use disorders and suicide: Results from a psychological autopsy study in Australia

INTRODUCTION

People who die by suicide have a higher risk of an alcohol-use disorder (AUD) at the time of death. The present study aims to compare 1) suicide cases with and without AUD, and 2) suicide and sudden-death controls with AUD.

METHODS

The psychological autopsy method was utilized to investigate suicide and sudden death in Australia (QLD and NSW). Initial information was gathered from coroners' offices. Potential informants were approached and semi-structured interviews were conducted. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were applied.

RESULTS

People with AUD who died by suicide were significantly more likely to have another substance-use disorder, history of suicide attempt, recent serious arguments with spouse/partner and other family members, been unfaithful to partner/spouse, be victims of a crime, and were less likely to be from a non-English speaking background. They were also younger and had higher levels of aggression compared to non-AUD suicides. AUD suicides were more likely to have mood disorders, previous suicide attempt, expressing hopelessness, higher scores in aggression towards self, romantic relationship breakup, and serious arguments with other family members than AUD sudden deaths. Aggressive behavior, having another substance-use disorder, and history of serious arguments with family members remained significant in the final model comparing suicides with and without AUD.

CONCLUSION

Our findings support that aggressive behavior, comorbidity with other psychiatric disorders as predisposing factors, and recent interpersonal conflicts such as breakup and family conflicts can trigger suicide in people with AUD. There is a need for proper diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment in suicidal people with AUD.

Characteristics of Mexican children and adolescents who died by suicide: A study of psychological autopsies

OBJECTIVE

In recent years, suicide in children and adolescents has increased considerably, becoming the second cause of death in this age group. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify characteristics and factors that could precipitate deaths by suicide in children and adolescents.

METHODS

Using the psychological autopsy method, we studied 28 suicide cases of children and adolescents between 10 and 17 years old. Socio-demographic factors, characteristics of the suicide and family history were documented.

RESULTS

The proportion of deaths by suicide was the same in females and males (50% each). Most of the suicides were performed at the child/adolescent's home (78.6%) and no history of previous suicide attempts were registered (85.7%). Also, the majority of suicidal individuals came from a dysfunctional family (60.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results identified characteristics of children and adolescents that had died by suicide, such as dying at their homes and coming from dysfunctional families. Knowing the characteristics of children and adolescents that had ended their lives by suicide should be considered in future studies to help developing preventive programs and strategies for treating suicidal behaviors in Mexican children and adolescents.

Acute and chronic alcohol use correlated with methods of suicide in a Swiss national sample

OBJECTIVES

Chronic and acute alcohol use are highly associated risk factors for suicides worldwide. Therefore, we examined suicide cases with and without alcohol use disorder (AUD) using data from the SNSF project "Suicide in Switzerland: A detailed national survey". Our investigations focus on correlations between acute and chronic alcohol use with reference to suicide and potential interactions with the methods of suicide.

METHODS

We used data from the SNSF project in which all cases of registered completed suicide in Switzerland reported to any of the seven Swiss institutes of legal and forensic medicine between 2000 and 2010 were collected. We extracted cases that were tested for blood alcohol to use in our analysis. We compared clinical characteristics, blood alcohol concentrations, and methods of suicide in cases with and without AUD.

RESULTS

Out of 6497 cases, 2946 subjects were tested for acute alcohol use and included in our analysis. Of the latter, 366 (12.4%) persons had a medical history of AUD. Subjects with AUD significantly had higher blood alcohol concentrations and were more often in medical treatment before suicide. Drug intoxication as method of suicide was more frequent in cases with AUD compared to NAUD.

CONCLUSION

Overall, we found a high incidence of acute alcohol use at the time of death in chronic alcohol misusers (AUD). The five methods of suicide most commonly used in Switzerland differed considerably between individuals with and without AUD. Blood alcohol concentrations varied across different methods of suicide independently from the medical history in both groups.

Alcohol, cannabis and other drugs and subsequent suicide ideation and attempt among young Mexicans

OBJECTIVE

To report results from a follow-up study of alcohol, cannabis and other drugs on suicidal behavior.

METHOD

We estimated prospective associations of substance use as a risk factor for incident suicide ideation and attempt, from a follow-up conducted in 2013 (n = 1071) of the original Mexican Adolescent Mental Health Survey conducted in 2005.

RESULTS

Cannabis use before age 15 (ideation risk ratio (RR) = 3.97; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.43-11.03; attempt RR = 5.23; 95% CI = 1.17-23.32), early onset of DSM-IV drug use disorder (DUD) among cannabis users (ideation RR = 3.30; 95% CI = 1.11-9.84; attempt RR = 4.14; 95% CI = 1.28-13.36), high frequency of cannabis use (RR for attempts = 4.60; 1.03-20.60) and recent DSM-IV-DUD among cannabis users (RR for attempts = 4.74; 1.09-20.57) increased the RR. For "other drug use", significant results were found among those with high frequency use of other drugs such that they had a higher RR of suicide attempt (5.04; 1.03-24.64). For alcohol, only those who initiated alcohol before age 15 had higher RRs of suicide attempt (1.79; 1.00-3.20).

DISCUSSION

Those who used cannabis at an early age, early onset of DSM-IV-DUD, and those with heavy cannabis use and recent DSM-IV-DUD among cannabis users in the last 12-months had increased risk of suicide ideation and attempt. Drugs other than cannabis showed some of these associations, but to a lesser degree. Prevention of substance use and treatment of those already engaged in drug use, by decreasing suicide ideation and attempt, may help to prevent suicide in Mexico.

Adolescent suicide as a global public health issue

Youth suicide is a major global mental health problem. This review looks at the epidemiology, risk and protective factors associated with youth suicide, and global strategies to address this important issue. To better understand factors contributing to youth suicide, global gender differences in suicide were examined. Global rates of suicide amongst young men are higher than young women. However, there are anomalously higher rates of female youth suicide in India and China, and possible causes of this are examined further. It is likely that underestimation of youth suicide is a major factor affecting the accuracy of suicide epidemiology. Risk factors for youth suicide are varied. Psychiatric factors include various psychiatric illnesses, substance use (particularly amongst refugee and homeless youth). Psychosocial risk factors include family conflict, physical and sexual childhood abuse, isolation, socioeconomic disadvantage, discrimination and acculturation. Vulnerable populations are at increased risk, including refugee/immigrant/indigenous youth, those in foster care and homeless youth. Protective factors can include family cohesion and strong interpersonal relationships, as well as increased access to care. Global strategies to prevent youth suicide include reducing lethal means to suicide and reducing harmful media reporting. Various psychosocial interventions may be helpful, including individual support, and family, school and community based interventions. Strategies can also increase evaluation of psychiatric disorders and access to care, as well as promote psycho-education and reduce stigma against mental illness.

Addiction Severity and Suicidal Behaviors Among Persons Entering Treatment

The aim of this study was three-fold: to compare the rates for suicidal behaviors based on the problem substance, to look at the association between addiction severity and suicidal behaviors, and to identify the components of addiction severity associated with suicidal behaviors. Addiction Severity Index databases from three public rehabilitation centers were merged for analyses, yielding 6,551 evaluations. The rates for suicidal behaviors among those who have a problem with both alcohol and a drug are higher than for those who have a problem with any single substance. The effect of addiction severity on suicidal behaviors persists even when other problem areas are taken into account. Thus, clinicians must pay closer attention to persons with both alcohol and drug problem.

Suicide Behaviors in Adult Inpatients with Mental Disorders in Beijing, China

Background: This study examined the tendency and suicidal behavior rates of Chinese adult inpatients with different types of mental disorders from 2010 to 2015. The aim was to provide some interesting clues for further studies. Methods: Adult patients with mental disorders who were hospitalized in Beijing Anding hospital from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2015 were included. Chi-square tests were used to compare the difference among inpatients with mental disorders by gender and year. Frequency, trend and suicidal behavior rates of inpatients with mental disorders were graphed. Results: A total of 17,244 psychiatric adult inpatients were included in our study. About 53.2% of the inpatients had mood disorders, followed by schizophrenia, which accounted for 34.6%. The proportion of female inpatients with mental disorders was larger than that of males (52.6% to 47.4%). Of the total, 3296 psychiatric inpatients were recognized as having suicidal behaviors. The rate of suicidal behavior among all inpatients was 19.1%, and it varied over the years. The suicidal behavior rate of female inpatients with mood disorders was much higher than that of the corresponding male inpatients. Conclusions: The presence of suicidal behavior varied among people with different types of mental disorders. For each type of mental illness, identifying the risk of specific suicide behavior would help tailor-make preventive efforts accordingly.

Robin Williams' suicide: a case study

Introduction:

The world renowned comedian and four-time Oscar nominated actor Robin Williams died on August 11, 2014. From the outset, the news indicated that his death was believed to be a suicide and this was later confirmed to be true by the autopsy reports. Williams had been suffering from severe depression, which is believed to be the leading contributor to his suicide. In this case study, I will highlight the event of the actor's suicide and the main risk factors along with depression leading to his tragic death. As of the end of 2015, no other case study seemed to have addressed or explored the links between the cause (or causes) and events leading to Robin Williams' suicide.

Case description:

Robin Williams was suffering from relationship problems, financial problems, drug addiction, and major depression. All of these factors led to his suicide.

Comments:

The chances of committing suicide drastically increase in the presence of any of the key risk factors. Unfortunately, the actor Robin Williams was dealing with four of the major risk factors all together, which put him at a high risk of committing suicide and eventually led to his tragic death.

Alcohol Consumption as a Risk Factor for Suicidal Behavior: A Systematic Review of Associations at the Individual and at the Population Level

The objective of this study was to provide an updated review of the magnitude of the relationship between alcohol use and suicidal behaviour at the individual and the population level. Systematic literature searches retrieved 14 reviews of individual level studies and 16 primary population level studies. Alcohol abuse and alcohol intoxication are often present in suicidal behaviour; risk of suicide is elevated in alcohol abusers and increasing population drinking tends to be associated with increase in suicide rates. Estimated magnitude of the relationship differs for men and women and it varies at the population level across cultures with different drinking pattern. These variations probably reflect gender differences and cultural variation in drinking behavior generally. Empirical evidence for a causal relationship is still urgently needed.

Suicide in males and females with cardiovascular disease and comorbid depression

BACKGROUND

Myocardial infarction (MI) has been associated with an increased risk of suicide, further increased among individuals with a comorbid psychiatric illness. A paucity of studies have examined details of suicide among individuals with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and comorbid depression. We aimed to compare demographic, clinical and suicide-specific characteristics between suicide victims with CVD with depression (CVD+D) and without comorbid depression (CVD-D).

METHODS

Coroner data on suicide decedents with CVD (n=413) occurring in Toronto, Canada from 1998 to 2012 were collected. Characteristics were compared between the CVD+D and CVD-D groups. Regression analysis examined for gender differences in these groups.

RESULTS

CVD+D subjects compared to CVD-D were more likely to have had a past suicide attempt (p=0.008), and to have experienced a bereavement (p=0.008) or financial stressor (p=0.005) in the past year. Each of these variables remained significantly associated with the presence of depression after the regression analysis. Within the CVD+D group, females were more likely to die from suicide by self-poisoning (p<0.0001) and males by shooting (p=0.001).

LIMITATIONS

Psychological autopsies were not available. The definition of CVD was broad and the accuracy of its diagnosis could not be confirmed.

CONCLUSION

Individuals with CVD+D who died from suicide had significant differences in clinical characteristics and specific stressors compared to those without depression. These data may help to better characterize suicide risk and prevention in this vulnerable population.

Systematic review of research on railway and urban transit system suicides

INTRODUCTION

We critically review research on railway suicides to inform suicide prevention initiatives and future studies, including who is at risk and why, and behaviours at track locations.

METHOD

Literature was identified from Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar and our documentation centre, and contacting 71 railway companies, resulting in 716 articles and eight unpublished reports, with 94 having empirical data on 55 unique studies. Research quality was critically assessed.

RESULTS

The quality of studies varies greatly with frequent shortcomings: no justification of sample size, lacking information on the reliability and validity of measures, no explanation nor theoretical understanding of findings. Railway suicides resemble closely people who use other methods, although they tend to be younger. As with other suicide methods, mental health problems are likely to be present. Railway suicide attempters usually die, but most urban transportation systems attempters survive. Railway suicides are rarely impulsive; people usually go to the railway for the purpose of killing themselves. Hotspots have been the focus of some prevention measures. We know little about why people choose railway suicide, but studies of survivors suggest they often thought they would have an immediate, certain and painless death. Media reports on railway suicides can increase their incidence.

CONCLUSIONS

Most research focuses on the incidence and characteristics of events and attempters. Research has not shown that railway suicides are different from suicides by other means. Better quality research is needed, particularly studies that investigate why people use railways to kill themselves and how railway suicides can be effectively prevented, as well as more evaluations of prevention programmes. Because of significant variations by country and region in characteristics of railway suicides, prevention programmes should conduct a local assessment of the characteristics of attempters and incidents.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

We need more research on indicators of suicide risk in attempters on railway property, and studies of how suicidal people on railway property are prevented from suicide. Changing beliefs and attitudes about railway suicides, reducing media reports, offering help onsite, controlling access at hotspots and better staff training in mental health facilities near tracks are promising prevention strategies. However, local specificities must be considered in planning prevention strategies.

Substance misuse in life and death in a 2-year cohort of suicides

BACKGROUND

Although substance misuse is a key risk factor in suicide, relatively little is known about the relationship between lifetime misuse and misuse at the time of suicide.

AIMS

To examine the relationship between substance misuse and subsequent suicide.

METHOD

Linkage of coroners' reports to primary care records for 403 suicides occurring over 2 years.

RESULTS

With alcohol misuse, 67% of the cohort had previously sought help for alcohol problems and 39% were intoxicated at the time of suicide. Regarding misuse of other substances, 54% of the cohort was tested. Almost one in four (38%) tested positive, defined as an excess of drugs over the prescribed therapeutic dosage and/or detection of illicit substances. Those tested were more likely to be young and have a history of drug misuse.

CONCLUSIONS

A deeper understanding of the relationship between substance misuse and suicide could contribute to prevention initiatives. Furthermore, standardised toxicology screening processes would avoid diminishing the importance of psychosocial factors involved in suicide as a 'cause of death'.

Bereavement Following Substance Misuse

Bereavement following a drug- or alcohol-related death has been largely neglected in research and service provision, despite its global prevalence and potentially devastating consequences for those concerned. Whilst researchers have drawn attention to the suffering experienced by families worldwide in coping with a member’s substance misuse, this article highlights the predicament of families bereaved following a substance misuse death. To this end, it reviews literature drawn from addiction and bereavement research that sheds light on this type of loss. The article also considers how general bereavement theory may illuminate bereavement following a substance misuse death. We argue that available frames of reference reflect not only a lack of focus on this type of loss but also a tendency to reproduce rather than interrogate normative assumptions of bereavement following “bad deaths.” The article concludes by considering how findings from existing literature can guide future research.

[Suicidal Behavior and Attention Decifit Hyperactivity Disorder in Adolescents of Medellin (Colombia), 2011-2012]

BACKGROUND

Suicide is a public health problem. In Colombia, teenagers are considered a group at high risk for suicidal behavior.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the possible association between suicidal behavior and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adolescents of Medellin.

METHODOLOGY

Observational, cross-sectional, analytical study. The Composite International Diagnostic Interview was applied to a total of 447 adolescents and the sociodemographic, clinical, familiar, and life event variables of interest were analyzed. The descriptive analysis of qualitative variables are presented as absolute values and frequencies, and the age was described with median [interquartile range]. A logistic regression model was constructed with explanatory variables that showed statistical association. Data were analyzed with SPSS® software version 21.0.

RESULTS

Of the total, 59.1% were female, and the median age was 16 [14-18] years. Suicidal behavior was presented in 31% of females and 23% of males. Attention deficit was present in 6.3% of adolescents. The logistic regression analysis showed that the variables that best explained the suicidal behavior of adolescents were: female sex, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, and cocaine use.

CONCLUSIONS

The diagnosis and early intervention of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children may be a useful strategy in the prevention of suicidal behavior in adolescents.

A longitudinal examination of rural status and suicide risk

There is limited research on suicide risk in Canadian home care. Older adults have the highest rates of death by suicide worldwide. This article examines characteristics of rural and urban home care recipients with a hospital or emergency department visit for suicide attempts in Ontario, Canada. Factors that increase or decrease risk for emergent care are identified. This research builds on a growing need for health leadership to ensure that home care providers have appropriate training and resources to assess and respond to potential risk of suicide among frail elders.

Adapted Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adolescents with Self-injurious Thoughts and Behaviors

The purpose of this study was to explore clinical changes observed in suicidal adolescents treated with an adapted form of Dialectical Behavior Therapy for adolescents (A-DBT-A) in a tertiary care setting. We conducted an open-label naturalistic study including 61 adolescents with self-injurious thoughts and behaviors and associated features of borderline personality disorder, who underwent a 15-week course of A-DBT-A. Pre- and post-treatment measures were administered, the primary outcome being the total score on the Suicidal Ideas Questionnaire. Self-harm, symptoms of borderline personality disorder, resiliency measures, predictors of response, and predictors of attrition were also explored. Among participants who completed post-treatment measures, we found a significant reduction in suicidal ideation (n = 31, p < 0.001). Secondary outcomes also suggested improvement. Baseline substance use predicted attrition (HR 2.51; 95% CI 1.03-6.14; p < 0.05), as did baseline impulsivity score on the Life Problems Inventory (HR 1.03; 95% CI 1.004-1.06; p < 0.05). Overall, we observed clinical improvements in adolescents receiving A-DBT-A.

Executive function and suicidality: A systematic qualitative review

Deficits in executive function (EF) have been proposed as a possible explanation for the "cognitive rigidity" often observed in suicidal individuals. This article provides a systematic review of the existing literature testing the relations between EF and suicidality, across various diagnostic and demographic populations, using the influential multidimensional model of EF proposed by Miyake and colleagues (2000) as an organizing framework. Forty-three journal articles on this topic published before January of 2014 were reviewed. Collectively, results from these studies provide tentative support for an association between EF deficits and suicidality. However, there is some evidence that this association is moderated by other factors (e.g., suicide attempt lethality). Importantly, this relationship may vary across diagnostic groups. Specifically, more studies that used depressive disorder samples reported some positive findings (75%), followed by mixed diagnostic samples (54%). In contrast, fewer positive findings have emerged from studies with bipolar or psychotic disorder samples (29% and 33% respectively), and some even found that suicidality is associated with better EF in individuals with psychotic disorders. Firm conclusions about relationships between specific dimensions of EF and/or aspects of suicidality are difficult to draw this time. Limitations of the existing literature and corresponding directions for future research are discussed.

Drug Addiction as Risk for Suicide Attempts

Introduction:

Suicide is closely linked to the substances use. Therefore it is very important to confirm the factors that affect the possibility of suicidal behavior.

Methodology:

The survey included 200 respondents; 100 heroin addicts on the substitution program that attempted suicide and 100 opiate addicts who have not attempted suicide. The evaluation included a questionnaire with socio-demographic, hereditary and addiction data, legal problems and then the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–MMPI-2.

Results:

The results showed a statistically significant difference compared to the personality structure, especially pronounced in hypersensitive structures, in relation to the duration of addictive experience and duration of heroin by intravenous route, as well as in relation to the presence of psychotic disorders, drug abuse and suicidal behavior in the family.

Conclusion:

As risk factors among opiate addicts are indentified interfered biological and psychological factors and the effects of the substances themselves.

Is suicide under the influence of alcohol a deliberate self-harm syndrome? An autopsy study of lethality

BACKGROUND

Alcohol is a risk factor for suicide and is often involved in violent actions. The aim of the study was to assess the involvement of alcohol in suicides and its relationship with the lethality of suicide methods.

METHODS

In a retrospective study on autopsy reports, we compared suicide and non-suicide victims, suicides with positive and negative blood alcohol concentration (BAC), and studied the lethality of suicide methods using a multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

Suicide victims (n=88) were not different to non-suicide victims (n=270) for positive BAC and narcotics, but were more often positive for prescription medications (59.1 vs. 35.6%, p=0.003) and medications in blood (72.7 vs. 54.8%, p=0.004). Whereas non-suicidal victims died mainly of traumas (60%, p<0.001), two populations of suicides emerged with regard to BAC, self-poisoning predominating with positive BAC (38.9%, p=0.039) and asphyxiation with negative BAC (41.4%, p=0.025). Positive BAC appeared as the unique and strong independent predictive factor, increasing the risk of self-poisoning suicide by 4.36 [1.29-14.76], and decreasing the risk of suicidal asphyxiation by 84% (OR=0.16 [0.03-0.83]). Positive blood narcotics tended to behave in the similar way to alcohol.

LIMITATIONS

Recruitment bias (victims declared by the Forensic authorities) and incomplete autopsy reports are the two main limitations.

CONCLUSIONS

Characteristics of suicide victims with positive BAC are suggestive of Deliberate Self-Harm Syndrome (low lethality methods, substance misuse). These being at high risk of repeated suicide attempts, previous self-harm involving alcohol may represent a warning sign and access to medication should be limited to prevent recidivism.

[Specific features of suicides committed in a state of alcoholic intoxication]

The objective of the present work was to study the specific features of suicides committed in a state of alcoholic intoxication in 1985, 1995, and 2010 based on the materials collected by the Central Bureau of Forensic Medical Expertise, Ministry of Health of Republic Uzbekistan. It was shown that the blood alcohol content in the subjects committing suicide tended to decrease during the aforementioned periods which does not confirm the opinion that limitations on alcohol consumption reduces the frequency of suicide attempts. Most cases of completed suicide among the residents of Tashkent were recorded in a group of men of the medium and advanced age in the state of alcoholic intoxication. The immediate cause of death in the majority of such cases was mechanical asphyxia due to hanging.

Genetic alcohol sensitivity regulated by ALDH2 and ADH1B polymorphisms is strongly associated with depression and anxiety in Japanese employees

BACKGROUND

Although alcohol-related disorders (ARD) have been shown to be accompanied by comorbid depressive and anxiety disorders, and alcohol metabolic enzyme genes, ADH1B and ALDH2 polymorphisms, have been associated with an increased risk of ARD, no studies have been conducted to evaluate the associations between these genetic polymorphisms and anxiety or depression.

METHOD

A total of 1944 Japanese workers were interviewed regarding their depressive and anxiety disorders, including suicidality, by a brief psychiatric structured interview (MINI). We investigated the relationship of ADH1B rs1229984 and ALDH2 rs671 polymorphism combinations with mental disorder risks. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the associations between those polymorphisms and anxiety/depressive disorders, adjusting for sex, age, and job rank. The degree of alcohol sensitivity was classified into five groups according to the combination of two enzyme genotypes (Group I-V, in order from the lowest alcohol sensitivity).

RESULTS

Those with ALDH2(*)1/(*)1 and ADH1B(*)1/(*)1 were likely to be at an increased risk of depressive and anxiety disorders as well as ARD. This tendency was more apparent among non-drinkers (OR 9.20, 95% CI 1.66-50.89). No adverse effects of ALDH2 or ADH1B alone were observed with mental disorder risks. Likewise, analyses conducted combining job rank and genetic alcohol sensitivity showed no material associations with such risks.

CONCLUSIONS

Genetic alcohol sensitivity, especially that with the genotype combination of ALDH2(*)1/(*)1 and ADH1B(*)1/(*)1, was significantly associated with an increased risk of depressive and anxiety disorders as well as ARD.

Factors associated with hospitalization after suicide spectrum behaviors: results from a multicenter study in Spain

The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with hospital admission after suicide spectrum behaviors. Patients' characteristics, the nature of the suicidal behavior, admission rates between centers, and factors associated with admission have been examined in suicide spectrum presentations to emergency departments in 3 Spanish cities. The intent of the suicidal behavior had the greatest impact on hospitalization. Older age, living alone, self-harm method not involving drug overdose, previous history of suicide spectrum behaviors, and psychiatric diagnosis of schizophrenia, mood, or personality disorder were independently associated with being admitted. There was a 3-fold between-center difference in the rate of hospitalization. Widespread differences in the rate of hospitalization were primarily accounted for by characteristics of the individual patients and their suicidal behavior.

Genetic alcohol sensitivity regulated by ALDH2 and ADH1B polymorphisms as indicator of mental disorders in Japanese employees

AIMS

Alcohol-related disorders (ARD) have been shown to be accompanied by a variety of other comorbid mental disorders. This study evaluated the associations between a variety of mental disorders and genetic alcohol sensitivity.

METHODS

A total of 1944 Japanese workers were interviewed regarding their mental disorders by the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.). We investigated the relationship of ADH1B rs1229984 and ALDH2 rs671 polymorphisms' combination with mental disorder risks. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the associations between those polymorphisms and mental disorders, adjusting for sex, age, and job rank.

RESULTS

The degree of alcohol sensitivity was classified into five groups according to the combination of ADH1B and ALDH2 genotypes (Group I-V in order starting from the lowest alcohol sensitivity). Those with ALDH2 *1/*1 and ADH1B *1/*1 or with ALDH2 *1/*1 and ADH1B *1/*2,*2/*2 (low sensitivity) were significantly or nearly significantly associated with an increased risk of ARD compared with those with ALDH2 *1/*2 and ADH1B *1/*2,*2/*2 as a reference. Those with ALDH2 *1/*1 and ADH1B *1/*1 were also likely to be at an increased risk of any mental disorder except ARD, as well as disorders without comorbid ARD. This tendency was more apparent among women (OR 11.94, 95% CI 0.73-195.63) and non-drinkers (OR 5.43, 95% CI 1.05-28.23).

CONCLUSION

The genotype combination of ALDH2 *1/*1 and ADH1B *1/*1 is significantly associated with an increased risk of any mental disorder, especially ARD. Non-drinkers or women with ALDH2 *1/*1 and ADH1B *1/*1 are likely to suffer from any mental disorder except ARD.

Psychiatric comorbidity and its impact on mortality in patients who attempted suicide by paraquat poisoning during 2000-2010

BACKGROUND

Paraquat poisoning is a lethal method of suicide used around the world. Although restricting its accessibility had been widely discussed, the underlying psychopathological mechanism of paraquat self-poisoning and its association with mortality have not yet been explicitly evaluated.

METHODS

We included all patients admitted to a tertiary general hospital in Taiwan between 2000 and 2010 following a suicide attempt by paraquat self-administration. Diagnoses were made upon psychiatric consultation based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) criteria. The risk of mortality was calculated by logistic regression with various psychiatric or medical covariates.

RESULTS

The consultation-liaison psychiatry team assessed 157 patients who attempted suicide by paraquat poisoning. Mood disorders (54.0%), including dysthymic (26.7%) and major depressive disorders (24.7%), were the most common psychiatric diagnoses among the self-poisoning patients. Among those who attempted suicide, 87 patients (58.0%) died and dysthymic disorder (OR = 5.58, 95% CI: 1.13-27.69; p < 0.05) significantly increased the mortality risk after adjustment for relevant medical variables, including age, gender, severity index of paraquat poisoning (SIPP), and risk for respiratory failure.

CONCLUSIONS

Awareness of comorbid psychiatric illnesses, especially dysthymic disorder, is vital in the prevention and treatment of suicide by paraquat poisoning.

Age-related differences in the influence of major mental disorders on suicidality: a Korean nationwide community sample

BACKGROUND

We compared the influence of major mental disorders on suicidality according to age, adjusting for suicide-related correlates.

METHODS

This study was based on the Korean national epidemiological survey of mental disorders including community-dwelling adults between 18 and 74 years of age (n=6022). Subjects were classified into three age groups; young (18-39), middle-aged (40-59), and late adulthood (60-74). Face-to-face interviews were conducted using the Korean version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. According to age groups, the influence of major depressive disorder (MDD), anxiety disorder, and alcohol use disorder on risk for suicidality were investigated by multiple logistic regression models adjusting for sex, years of education, marital status, income, employment, presence of chronic medical illness, and lifetime history of suicide attempt.

RESULTS

After including MDD as a covariate, anxiety disorder remained a risk factor only in the middle-aged group (adjusted OR: 2.83, 95% CI: 1.54-5.22), and alcohol use disorder was a risk factor for suicidality only in the young group (adjusted OR: 2.81, 95% CI: 1.06-7.43). Conversely, MDD was the only mental disorder that significantly increased suicidality in all age groups.

LIMITATIONS

This was a cross-sectional study and did not include subjects over 75 years of age.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that the contribution of psychiatric disorders to risk for suicidality varied according to age group. Therefore, strategies for suicide prevention should be specifically designed for different age groups.

Is drug use related to the choice of potentially more harmful methods in suicide attempts?

OBJECTIVE

To identify whether drug abuse is a risk factor for potentially more harmful methods of suicide attempts that could predict suicide completion in the future. Methods: The study involved the assessment of 86 patients who attempted suicide and who were admitted to the emergency ward of a Southwestern Brazilian general hospital. Results: Most patients were women (84.9%), young adults (30.53 ± 10.4 years), and single (61.6%). Recent drug use was reported by 53.5%, and 25.6% reported the use of drugs during the 24-hour period immediately before the suicide attempt. Most patients (75.6%) ingested pills when attempting suicide—a method considered potentially less harmful. Hanging, jumping, gas inhaling, and wrist cutting accounted for 22.2% of the attempts. Considering dual diagnoses, 54.7% presented with a depressive disorder, 8.1% with a disorder on the impulse control spectrum, and 26.7% reported an associated clinical condition. Recent drug use was predictive of the severity of the suicide attempt, as it was reported by 81% of those who engaged in more harmful attempts and by 46.2% of those who used less harmful methods (P < 0.01; odds ratio = 4.96; confidence interval: 1.5–16.4). Conclusion: The identified variables associated with the use of potentially more harmful methods in suicide attempts were gender (male), presence of an impulsive control disorder, and recent use of psychoactive drugs.

Suicide or undetermined intent? A register-based study of signs of misclassification

Background

Several studies have concluded that some deaths classified as undetermined intent are in fact suicides, and it is common in suicide research in Europe to include these deaths. Our aim was to investigate if information on background variables would be helpful in assessing if deaths classified as undetermined intent should be included in the analyses of suicides.

Methods

We performed a register study of 31,883 deaths classified as suicides and 9,196 deaths classified as undetermined intent in Sweden from 1987 to 2011. We compared suicide deaths with deaths classified as undetermined intent with regard to different background variables such as sex, age, country of birth, marital status, prior inpatient care for self-inflicted harm, alcohol and drug abuse, psychiatric inpatient care, and use of psychotropics. We also performed a multivariate analysis with logistic regression.

Results

Our results showed differences in most studied background factors. Higher education was more common in suicides; hospitalization for self-inflicted harm was more common among female suicides as was prior psychiatric inpatient care. Deaths in foreign-born men were classified as undetermined intent in a higher degree and hospitalization for substance abuse was more common in undetermined intents of both sexes. Roughly 50% of both suicide and deaths classified as undetermined intent had a filled prescription of psychotropics during their last six months. Our multivariate analysis showed male deaths to more likely be classified as suicide than female: OR: 1.13 (1.07-1.18). The probability of a death being classified as suicide was also increased for individuals aged 15–24, being born in Sweden, individuals who were married, and for deaths after 1987–1992.

Conclusion

By analyzing Sweden’s unique high-validity population-based register data, we found several differences in background variables between deaths classified as suicide and deaths classified as undetermined intent. However, we were not able to clearly distinguish these two death manners. For future research we suggest, separate analyses of the two different manners of death.

ED use by older adults attempting suicide

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to describe patterns of older adult patient visits to emergency departments (EDs) for self-harm and suicide-related injuries.

METHODS

A retrospective, secondary data analysis of the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample was conducted. Nationally representative estimates of patient visits by older adults attempting suicide were calculated using available sampling weights. Population estimates were calculated using estimates from the US Census Bureau.

RESULTS

Findings suggest that 22,444 ED patient visits were made by adults aged 65 years and older for suicide-related injuries, representing an estimated population rate of 63 ED patient visits per 100000 adults aged 65 years and older, with nearly half of all visits involving substance use. Total ED and hospital charges exceeded $353.9 million.

CONCLUSIONS

Effort is needed to better integrate and deliver suicide screening and support services in the ED, while also connecting at-risk older adults with mental health services before and after the ED encounter.

Factors that affect substance users' suicidal behavior: a view from the Addiction Severity Index in Korea

BACKGROUND

In South Korea, it has not been easy to negotiate studies that target drug users who are being punished by law, and accordingly, no study on suicidal ideation among substance users has been accomplished yet. In this study, the factors that affect substance users' suicidal ideation were confirmed.

METHODS

It was based on the data collected from 'The 2009 Study on Substance-Dependent Individuals in Korea' , which was conducted by The Catholic University of Korea in 2010 as a project sponsored by the Ministry of Health and Welfare of Korea. This study targeted 523 former hospital inpatients, prison inmates, and persons under protective supervision who had used substances such as psychotropic drugs, marijuana, and narcotic agents, and were in the recovery stage at various treatment/rehabilitation centers. Student's t and chi-square tests were used, and multivariate analysis was performed to examine the strength of the relationships between suicide ideation and various factors.

RESULTS

According to this study, 41% of these substance users planned suicide with suicidal ideation. Suicidal ideation was confirmed as associated with an unsatisfactory domestic environment, insufficient and unsatisfactory spare time experiences with others, emotional abuse, severe depression, and trouble with controlling violent behavior. Of the substance users who had planned to commit suicide, 56% attempted suicide. Their suicide attempts were shown to have been associated with insufficient protective supervision and the experiences of physical abuse, trouble with controlling violent behavior, and doctors' prescriptions due to psychological or emotional problems.

CONCLUSION

Based on this analysis of the factors that affect suicidal behavior, preventive measures and strategies for substance user were suggested in this study.

Incidental treatment effects of CBT on suicidal ideation and hopelessness

BACKGROUND

Depression and alcohol misuse are among the most prevalent diagnoses in suicide fatalities. The risk posed by these disorders is exacerbated when they co-occur. Limited research has evaluated the effectiveness of common depression and alcohol treatments for the reduction of suicide vulnerability in individuals experiencing comorbidity.

METHODS

Participants with depressive symptoms and hazardous alcohol use were selected from two randomised controlled trials. They had received either a brief (1 session) intervention, or depression-focused cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), alcohol-focused CBT, therapist-delivered integrated CBT, computer-delivered integrated CBT or person-centred therapy (PCT) over a 10-week period. Suicidal ideation, hopelessness, depression severity and alcohol consumption were assessed at baseline and 12-month follow-up.

RESULTS

Three hundred three participants were assessed at baseline and 12 months. Both suicidal ideation and hopelessness were associated with higher severity of depressive symptoms, but not with alcohol consumption. Suicidal ideation did not improve significantly at follow-up, with no differences between treatment conditions. Improvements in hopelessness differed between treatment conditions; hopelessness improved more in the CBT conditions compared to PCT and in single-focused CBT compared to integrated CBT.

LIMITATIONS

Low retention rates may have impacted on the reliability of our findings. Combining data from two studies may have resulted in heterogeneity of samples between conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

CBT appears to be associated with reductions in hopelessness in people with co-occurring depression and alcohol misuse, even when it is not the focus of treatment. Less consistent results were observed for suicidal ideation. Establishing specific procedures or therapeutic content for clinicians to monitor these outcomes may result in better management of individuals with higher vulnerability for suicide.

Suicide rates and trends in São Paulo, Brazil, according to gender, age and demographic aspects: a joinpoint regression analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate suicide rates and trends in São Paulo by sex, age-strata, and methods.

METHODS

Data was collected from State registry from 1996 to 2009. Population was estimated using the National Census. We utilized joinpoint regression analysis to explore temporal trends. We also evaluated marital status, ethnicity, birthplace and methods for suicide.

RESULTS

In the period analyzed, 6,002 suicides were accrued with a rate of 4.6 per 100,000 (7.5 in men and 2.0 in women); the male-to-female ratio was around 3.7. Trends for men presented a significant decline of 5.3% per year from 1996 to 2002, and a significant increase of 2.5% from 2002 onwards. Women did not present significant changes. For men, the elderly (> 65 years) had a significant reduction of 2.3% per year, while younger men (25-44 years) presented a significant increase of 8.6% from 2004 onwards. Women did not present significant trend changes according to age. Leading suicide methods were hanging and poisoning for men and women, respectively. Other analyses showed an increased suicide risk ratio for singles and foreigners.

CONCLUSIONS

Specific epidemiological trends for suicide in the city of São Paulo that warrant further investigation were identified. High-risk groups - such as immigrants - could benefit from targeted strategies of suicide prevention.

Can heroin-dependent individuals benefit from a methadone maintenance treatment program before they drop out against medical advice? A 12-month follow-up study

AIM

Little is known about whether heroin-dependent individuals receiving methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) who were discharged involuntarily and against medical advice (DAMA) get benefits before they left. The aims of this 12-month follow-up study were to examine whether the effects of MMT on depressive symptoms, heroin dependence and quality of life (QOL) are different among the non-DAMA group, the DAMA group, and the involuntarily discharged group, as well as the time effect of receiving MMT on changes in these three outcome indicators.

METHOD

A total of 266 individuals receiving MMT were divided into the non-DAMA group, the DAMA group, and the involuntarily discharged group. Participants were interviewed at baseline and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of treatment for levels of depressive symptoms, heroin dependence and QOL.

RESULTS

The levels of depressive symptoms, heroin dependence and QOL in all three groups improved after receiving MMT for 3 months and the improvement was maintained during the MMT period. There were no significant differences in the three outcome indicators among the three groups.

CONCLUSION

The results support the concept that heroin-dependent individuals benefit from MMT, even if they do not want to stay in the program or drop out involuntarily.

Internet-based screening for suicidal ideation in common mental disorders

BACKGROUND

Common mental disorders have been found to be related to suicidal ideation and behavior. Research in the field of web-based interventions for common mental disorders, however, usually excludes participants with a suicidal risk, although a large proportion of participants might suffer from suicidal ideation.

AIMS

To investigate the prevalence of suicidal ideation in common mental disorders in an online sample.

METHOD

In total, 502 participants completed nine web-based questionnaires on common mental disorders, of which 120 were also interviewed by telephone to obtain a diagnosis. Logistic regression analyses were applied to investigate associations between disorders and suicidal ideation.

RESULTS

Based on web-based self-report, 53% of participants had some form of suicidal ideation. Fewer participants reported suicidal ideation during the interview by telephone. Depression (multivariate odds ratio 7.1), generalized anxiety disorder (2.1), social phobia (2.1), and posttraumatic stress disorder (1.7) were significantly associated with suicidal ideation, while a higher number of comorbid common mental disorders increased the risk.

CONCLUSION

Researchers and clinicians should be aware that one out of every two helpseekers on the internet with common mental disorders may have suicidal ideation. Comorbidity of two or more disorders greatly increase the risk of suicidal ideation.

Levels of aggressiveness are higher among alcohol-related suicides: results from a psychological autopsy study

Suicide is one of the major causes of deaths worldwide. Several studies have showed that alcohol use disorders (AUD) are associated with suicide ideation, suicide attempts, and suicide completion. The majority of the theoretical conceptualization and the bulk of evidence on suicidal behavior and AUD are based on investigations of nonfatal cases because data on nonfatal suicidal behaviors are more readily available. This study aims to explore demographic, clinical, and behavioral dimensions in a large sample of alcohol-related suicides compared to an age-gender matched sample of non-AUD suicides to identify specific factors associated with AUD suicides. We conducted a psychological autopsy study with 158 pairs of AUD and non-AUD suicides. Findings showed that AUD suicides have lower educational level, more biological children and were more likely to be heavy smokers (OR=3.32). Cases were more likely to have family history of alcohol (OR=1.73) and drug abuse (OR=3.61). Subjects had similar prevalences of depressive disorders, anxiety disorders or psychotic disorders. AUD suicides were more likely to meet criteria for current cocaine abuse/dependence (OR=6.64). With respect to personality disorders, AUD suicides presented higher prevalence of Antisocial Personality Disorder (OR=4.68), and were less likely to meet criteria for Avoidant (OR=0.26) and Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorders (OR=0.35). Impulsivity scores were higher in AUD suicides (p=0.18), as well as aggression scores (p<0.001). Results form the conditional logistic regression models showed that cocaine abuse/dependence (OR=4.20) and Antisocial Personality Disorder (OR=6.24) were associated with AUD suicide. After controlling for impulsive-aggressive behaviors, levels of aggression were the only psychopathological feature statistically different between AUD and non-AUD suicides (OR=1.28). In conclusion, higher levels of aggressive behaviors are a specific characteristic of AUD suicides. Apart from substance-related diagnoses, AUD and non-AUD suicides have comparable Axis I psychiatric diagnoses and familial transmission of suicidal behavior.

Contributors to suicidality in rural communities: beyond the effects of depression

BACKGROUND

Rural populations experience a higher suicide rate than urban areas despite their comparable prevalence of depression. This suggests the identification of additional contributors is necessary to improve our understanding of suicide risk in rural regions. Investigating the independent contribution of depression, and the impact of co-existing psychiatric disorders, to suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in a rural community sample may provide clarification of the role of depression in rural suicidality.

METHODS

618 participants in the Australian Rural Mental Health Study completed the Composite International Diagnostic Interview, providing assessment of lifetime suicidal ideation and attempts, affective disorders, anxiety disorders and substance-use disorders. Logistic regression analyses explored the independent contribution of depression and additional diagnoses to suicidality. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to illustrate the benefit of assessing secondary psychiatric diagnoses when determining suicide risk.

RESULTS

Diagnostic criteria for lifetime depressive disorder were met by 28% (174) of the sample; 25% (154) had a history of suicidal ideation. Overall, 41% (63) of participants with lifetime suicidal ideation and 34% (16) of participants with a lifetime suicide attempt had no history of depression. When lifetime depression was controlled for, suicidal ideation was predicted by younger age, being currently unmarried, and lifetime anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder. In addition to depression, suicide attempts were predicted by lifetime anxiety and drug use disorders, as well as younger age; being currently married and employed were significant protective factors. The presence of comorbid depression and PTSD significantly increased the odds of reporting a suicide attempt above either of these conditions independently.

CONCLUSIONS

While depression contributes significantly to suicidal ideation, and is a key risk factor for suicide attempts, other clinical and demographic factors played an important role in this rural sample. Consideration of the contribution of factors such as substance use and anxiety disorders to suicidal ideation and behaviours may improve our ability to identify individuals at risk of suicide. Acknowledging the contribution of these factors to rural suicide may also result in more effective approaches for the identification and treatment of at-risk individuals.

Working With the Suicidal Client Who Also Abuses Substances

Substance use disorders and suicidal thoughts and behaviors commonly co-occur in adolescent and adult psychiatric populations and are often functionally interrelated. Although the evidence base for treatment of this population is sparse, integrated cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) protocols, or those that rely heavily on CBT techniques, hold promise. In this paper, we provide an overview of the evidence-based literature for interventions that target suicidal behavior and substance use disorders with adults and adolescents. We then discuss the manner in which these behaviors may be functionally interrelated and offer a conceptual framework (S-O-R-C) to guide case conceptualization and treatment planning for clients with co-occurring suicidality and substance use disorders. Next, we provide a case example of a client with suicidal behavior and an alcohol use disorder and demonstrate how to apply an integrated CBT treatment protocol to this case. This case example is followed by a more general discussion about the potential advantages of integrated CBT protocols for suicidality and substance use disorders, guidelines for prioritizing treatment targets and skill selection for each individual client, and other important treatment considerations. We conclude with recommendations for future research in this area.

Variation in OPRM1 and risk of suicidal behavior in drug-dependent individuals

Completed suicide and nonfatal suicide-related outcomes (SROs), such as suicidal ideation and attempts, are heritable. A recent genetic association study in a sample of suicide victims reported a protective effect of the G allele of Asn40Asp (rs1799971) on risk for completed suicide. We examined the association of three OPRM1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs1799971, rs609148, and rs648893) with SRO in 426 European Americans, using GEE logistic regression analysis to examine the association of a lifetime history of SRO. There was no allelic association with the SRO phenotypes. A larger sample may be needed to identify risk variants that convey SRO risk. OPRM1 may not be important in the risk of SRO. 

Mortality in alcohol use disorder in the Lundby Community Cohort--a 50 year follow-up

AIMS

To describe the mortality and causes of death among subjects with alcohol use disorder in comparison with those without alcohol disorder and to study whether mental disorders increase mortality in alcoholics.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Data were analysed from the database of the Lundby Study, comprising 3563 subjects followed from 1947 to 1997.

METHOD

A community-based sample was investigated in 1947 with follow-ups in 1957, 1972 and 1997. Best-estimate consensus diagnoses of mental disorders, including alcohol use disorder, were assessed. In the total cohort, 427 cases of alcohol use disorders were identified. Differences in mortality between subjects with alcohol use disorders and non-alcoholics were studied using Cox regression models and causes of death were compared between alcoholic subjects and other participants. Risk factors for mortality among the 348 individuals with alcohol use disorders and known age-of-onset were analysed by means of Cox regression analyses.

RESULTS

The hazard ratio for mortality was higher for alcoholics compared to other subjects in the cohort. A substantial proportion of the causes of death among the alcoholics was suicide N=27 (6.3%) (26 males, 1 female). In the multivariate models of risk factors in alcohol use disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, alcohol induced psychotic disorders and dementia were risk factors for premature death.

CONCLUSION

The mortality risk for subjects with alcohol use disorder was increased, females were especially vulnerable. The risk for suicide was high among males with alcohol problems. Anxiety disorders and severity of alcohol use disorder turned out as risk factors for premature death.

The impact of psychiatric illness on suicide: differences by diagnosis of disorders and by sex and age of subjects

People with a psychiatric illness are at high risk for suicide; however, variation of the risk by patients' sex and age and by specific diagnosis needs to be explored in a more detail. This large population study systematically assesses suicide incidence rate ratio (IRR) and population attributable risk (PAR) associated with various psychiatric disorders by comparing 21,169 suicides in Denmark over a 17-year period with sex-age-time-matched population controls. The study shows that suicide risk is significantly increased for persons with a hospitalized psychiatric disorder and the associated risk varies significantly by diagnosis and by sex and age of subjects. Further adjustment for personal socioeconomic differences eliminates the IRRs associated with various disorders only to a limited extend. Recurrent depression and borderline personality disorder increase suicide risk the strongest while dementia increases the risk the least for both males and females. The influence of various disorders generally weakens with increasing age; however, there are important exceptions. Schizophrenia affects people aged ≤35 years the strongest in terms of both IRR and PAR. Recurrent depression increases suicide risk particularly strong in all age groups and the associated PAR increases steadily with age. Borderline personality disorder has a strong effect in young people, especially those ≤35 years. Alcohol use disorder accounts the highest PAR of suicides in males of 36-60 years old. For the elderly above 60 years old, reaction to stress and adjustment disorder increases the risk for suicide the most in both sexes. These findings suggest that approaches to psychiatric suicide prevention should be varied according to diagnosis and sex and age of subjects.

Risk factors for suicide within a year of discharge from psychiatric hospital: a systematic meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The increased risk of suicide in the period after discharge from a psychiatric hospital is a well-recognized and serious problem.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to establish the risk factors for suicide in the year after discharge from psychiatric hospitals and their usefulness in categorizing patients as high or low risk for suicide in the year following discharge.

METHOD

A systematic meta-analysis of controlled studies of suicide within a year of discharge from psychiatric hospitals.

RESULTS

There was a moderately strong association between both a history of self-harm (OR = 3.15) and depressive symptoms (OR = 2.70) and post-discharge suicide. Factors weakly associated with post-discharge suicide were reports of suicidal ideas (OR = 2.47), an unplanned discharge (OR = 2.44), recent social difficulty (OR = 2.23), a diagnosis of major depression (OR = 1.91) and male sex (OR = 1.58). Patients who had less contact with services after discharge were significantly less likely to commit suicide (OR = 0.69). High risk patients were more likely to commit suicide than other discharged patients, but the strength of this association was not much greater than the association with some individual risk factors (OR = 3.94, sensitivity = 0.40, specificity = 0.87).

CONCLUSIONS

No factor, or combination of factors, was strongly associated with suicide in the year after discharge. About 3% of patients categorized as being at high risk can be expected to commit suicide in the year after discharge. However, about 60% of the patients who commit suicide are likely to be categorized as low risk. Risk categorization is of no value in attempts to decrease the numbers of patients who will commit suicide after discharge.

Deaths of opiate/opioid misusers involving dihydrocodeine, UK, 1997-2007

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

Dihydrocodeine (DHC) is an opioid analgesic sometimes prescribed as an alternative to other medications (e.g. methadone and buprenorphine) for opioid misuse. Its effectiveness is, however, still controversial. DHC prescription rates seem to be related to levels of DHC fatalities, possibly in relation to levels of disregard of the availability of supervised or interval dispensing of opioids, but no large-scale analysis of DHC fatalities has been carried out. We analysed here involvement of DHC in fatalities that occurred between 1997 and 2007 among individuals with a history of opiate/opioid misuse reported to the National Programme on Substance Abuse Deaths (np-SAD).

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

DHC, either alone or in combination, was identified in 584 fatalities. Typical cases identified were males in their early thirties. In accidental overdoses, DHC, which had been prescribed to 45% of the victims, was typically identified in combination with other drugs, such as heroin/morphine, methadone and hypnotics/sedatives. Both paracetamol and antidepressants were more typically identified in combination with DHC in suicides. Opiate/opioid misusers should be educated about risks associated with polydrug intake and prescribers should carefully consider a pharmacological intervention alternative to DHC (e.g. methadone, buprenorphine) when managing and treating opiate addiction.

AIMS

Although its effectiveness is somewhat controversial, it appears that dihydrocodeine (DHC) is still prescribed in the UK as an alternative to both methadone and buprenorphine for the treatment of opiate addiction.

METHODS

Data covering the period 1997-2007 voluntarily supplied by coroners were analysed. All cases pertaining to victims with a clear history of opiate/opioid misuse and in which DHC, either on its own or in combination, was identified at post-mortem toxicology and/or implicated in death, were extracted from the database.

RESULTS

Dihydrocodeine, either alone or in combination, was identified in 584 fatalities meeting the selection criteria. In 44% of cases it was directly implicated in the cause of death. These cases represented about 6.8% of all opiate/opioid-related deaths during this period. Typical DHC cases identified were White males in their early thirties. Accidental deaths (96%) were likely to involve DHC in combination with other psychoactives, mainly heroin/morphine, hypnotics/sedatives and methadone. Both paracetamol and antidepressants were found in proportionately more suicide cases than in accidental overdoses. DHC had been prescribed to the decedent in at least 45% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Opiate/opioid misusers should be educated about risks associated with polydrug intake. More in particular, co-administration of DHC with heroin, methadone and benzodiazepines may increase the risk of accidental fatal overdose. Prescribers should carefully consider pharmacological intervention alternative to DHC (e.g. methadone, buprenorphine) when managing and treating opiate addiction. More resources are required to do prospective research in this area.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of the clinical factors associated with the suicide of psychiatric in-patients

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the strength of the associations between the suicide of psychiatric in-patients and demographic, historical, symptomatic, diagnostic and treatment factors.

METHOD

A systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled studies of the suicide of psychiatric in-patients including suicides while on approved or unapproved leave.

RESULTS

Factors that were significantly associated with in-patient suicide included a history of deliberate self-harm, hopelessness, feelings of guilt or inadequacy, depressed mood, suicidal ideas and a family history of suicide. Patients suffering from both schizophrenia and depressed mood appeared to be at particular risk. The association between suicidal ideas and in-patient suicide was weak and did not reach statistical significance after a quantitative correction for publication bias. A high-risk categorization as defined by a combination of retrospectively determined individual risk factors was strongly statistically associated with in-patient suicide (OR=10.9), with a sensitivity of 64% and a specificity of 85%.

CONCLUSION

Despite the apparently strong association between high-risk categorization and subsequent suicide, the low base rate of in-patient suicide means that predictive value of a high-risk categorization is below 2%. The development of safer hospital environments and improved systems of care are more likely to reduce the suicide of psychiatric in-patients than risk assessment.

Substance use and suicide

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To address gaps identified in earlier reviews, namely, the comparative influence of substance use on attempted suicide and completed suicide; the proximal role of substance use as a trigger of suicidal behaviour; the association between substances and suicidal behaviour; suicide and substance use disorders in youth; and the influence of combinations of risk factors, including psychiatric morbidity, on suicide.

RECENT FINDINGS

The presence of an alcohol use disorder is confirmed as a distal risk factor for completed suicide, as well as attempted suicide. Alcohol use at the time of the suicide attempt is associated with low-risk methods. The use of other substances as a trigger of suicidal behaviour is highlighted in recent studies, but the circumstances leading to the suicidal act and the direct influence of substances in suicidal behaviour need to be explored further. Inhalant use and cocaine use are particularly associated with suicidal behaviour. Young people with multiple risk behaviours, such as substance use and risky sexual behaviours, are at high risk for suicidal behaviour. Psychiatric comorbidity with substance use escalates the risk for suicidal behaviour. Environmental interventions, such as reduction in the number of bars, may be helpful in reducing alcohol-related morbidity, including suicides.

SUMMARY

Prevention strategies for reducing suicidal behaviour among substance users need to be prioritized at the individual and the national level through effective design, policy and implementation.