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Riera-Serra P, Navarra-Ventura G, Castro A, Gili M, Salazar-Cedillo A, Ricci-Cabello I, Roldán-Espínola L, Coronado-Simsic V, García-Toro M, Gómez-Juanes R, Roca M. Clinical predictors of suicidal ideation, suicide attempts and suicide death in depressive disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2024; 274:1543-1563. [PMID: 38015265 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-023-01716-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Patients with depressive disorders are especially prone to suicide risk. Among the clinical predictors of suicidality, those specifically related to depressive disorders have not been accurately detailed. Our aim was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies reporting longitudinal predictors of suicidal ideation, suicide attempts and suicide death within depression, including diagnostic subtypes, symptoms, clinical course, and assessment scales. A systematic search of the literature between 2001 and 2022 identified 4422 references, among which 19 studies providing 45 different predictors of suicidality met the inclusion criteria. Random effects meta-analyses were performed for 22 predictors, three for suicidal ideation, eleven for suicide attempts and eight for suicide death. Heterogeneity and publication bias were inspected through I2 tests and Egger's tests respectively. Meta-analysis results showed that severity of hopelessness predicted suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. History of suicide attempts, suicidal ideation, severe depression, and psychotic symptoms predicted subsequent suicide attempts and suicide death. Time to full remission and sleep disturbances were also found as relevant predictors of future suicide behaviours. This review specifies which predictors of suicidality within the clinical features of depression will help clinicians and policy makers to better prevent suicide risk in patients with depressive disorders. Further longitudinal studies are needed to reliably assess the predictive ability of our results and to analyse other possible clinical predictors to prevent suicidality, especially with regard to suicidal ideation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pau Riera-Serra
- Research Institute of Health Sciences (IUNICS), University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Son Espases University Hospital, Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain
| | - Guillem Navarra-Ventura
- Research Institute of Health Sciences (IUNICS), University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Son Espases University Hospital, Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain
| | - Adoración Castro
- Research Institute of Health Sciences (IUNICS), University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain.
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Son Espases University Hospital, Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain.
| | - Margalida Gili
- Research Institute of Health Sciences (IUNICS), University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Son Espases University Hospital, Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain
| | - Angie Salazar-Cedillo
- Research Institute of Health Sciences (IUNICS), University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Son Espases University Hospital, Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain
| | - Ignacio Ricci-Cabello
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Son Espases University Hospital, Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain
- Balearic Islands Health Services (IB-SALUT), Primary Care Research Unit of Mallorca, Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Lorenzo Roldán-Espínola
- Research Institute of Health Sciences (IUNICS), University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Son Espases University Hospital, Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain
| | - Victoria Coronado-Simsic
- Research Institute of Health Sciences (IUNICS), University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Son Espases University Hospital, Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain
| | - Mauro García-Toro
- Research Institute of Health Sciences (IUNICS), University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Son Espases University Hospital, Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain
- Department of Medicine, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain
| | - Rocío Gómez-Juanes
- Research Institute of Health Sciences (IUNICS), University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Son Espases University Hospital, Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain
- Department of Medicine, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain
| | - Miquel Roca
- Research Institute of Health Sciences (IUNICS), University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Son Espases University Hospital, Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain
- Department of Medicine, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain
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Chiu CC, Liu HC, Li WH, Tsai SY, Chen CC, Kuo CJ. Incidence, risk and protective factors for suicide mortality among patients with major depressive disorder. Asian J Psychiatr 2023; 80:103399. [PMID: 36542894 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2022.103399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
AIM Patients with major depression have greater suicide mortality, but there is no data on the standardised mortality ratio (SMR) and factors for suicide of major depression for Asian countries. This research estimates the SMR and the risk and protective factors for suicide mortality in patients with major depression in a large-scale Asian cohort. METHODS Patients with major depression (N = 1978) admitted to a psychiatric hospital in Taiwan between 1985 and 2008 were enrolled as the study cohort. When the cohort was linked to the national mortality database, 415 deceased patients were identified. Of these 415 deaths, 107 were from suicide. Nested case-control with risk sampling was used, where each case was matched with two controls. Clinical information was collected through a standardised chart review process. The SMR for suicide mortality was estimated, and a conditional logistic regression analysis was performed to determine risk and protective factors for suicide. RESULTS Patients with major depression had high all-cause and suicide mortality, with SMRs of 3.9 and 35.4, respectively. Agitation (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] = 2.85, P = 0.058), restlessness (aRR = 15.05, P = 0.045) and previous suicide attempts (aRR = 4.48, P = 0.004) were identified as risk factors for suicide mortality. By contrast, those with employment (aRR = 0.15, P = 0.003) or loss of interest (aRR = 0.32, P = 0.04) had lower risk. CONCLUSIONS Patients with depression exhibited higher suicide mortality. Clinical staff should pay close attention to risk and protective factors to reduce suicide risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Chiang Chiu
- Taipei City Psychiatric Center, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Psychiatric Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsing-Cheng Liu
- Taipei City Psychiatric Center, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Psychiatric Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Hsin Li
- Taipei City Psychiatric Center, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shang-Ying Tsai
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Psychiatric Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chiao-Chicy Chen
- Taipei City Psychiatric Center, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, Mackay Medical College, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chian-Jue Kuo
- Taipei City Psychiatric Center, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Psychiatric Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
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L’autopsie psychologique : un exercice scientifique ou un art divinatoire ? ANNALES MÉDICO-PSYCHOLOGIQUES, REVUE PSYCHIATRIQUE 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.amp.2022.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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Wongpakaran N, Wongpakaran T, Kövi Z. Development and validation of 21-item outcome inventory (OI-21). Heliyon 2022; 8:e09682. [PMID: 35711988 PMCID: PMC9193908 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Outcome measurement is important for monitoring patients' progress. The study aimed to develop an outcome inventory (OI) for clinical use in routine practice in psychiatric services and to examine the psychometric properties of the newly developed OI. Methods 48 items measuring anxiety, depression, interpersonal difficulties, and somatization were collected. Factor analysis was used to reduce the number of items. The final OI consisting of 21 items was then examined for psychometric properties among 1302 participants, 880 were nonclinical and 422 clinical patients. Tests included confirmatory factor analysis, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, convergent and discriminant validity, and diagnostic ability for major depression. Responsiveness was compared between baseline and 3-month follow-up. Results Confirmatory factor analysis revealed the OI-21 demonstrated the designated four components. Cronbach's alpha was good to excellent for all subjects with good test-retest reliability, concurrent validity, convergent and discriminant validity. It demonstrated area under the ROC curve of 0.89 indicating good diagnostic performance. Sensitivity to change after 3 months was observed in both types of treatment. However, interpersonal difficulties were sensitive to change in those receiving additional psychotherapy. Conclusion OI-21 demonstrated its validity, reliability, and sensitivity to change. It constitutes a promising tool for outcome assessment in nonclinical populations and among psychiatric patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahathai Wongpakaran
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, 50200, Thailand
| | - Tinakon Wongpakaran
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, 50200, Thailand
| | - Zsuzsanna Kövi
- Institute of Psychology, Centre of Specialist Postgraduate Programmes in Psychology, Károli Gáspár University of the Reformed Church in Hungary, Budapest, Hungary
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Risk of completed suicide in 89,049 young males assessed by a mental health professional. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2016; 26:341-349. [PMID: 26712325 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2015.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2015] [Revised: 11/11/2015] [Accepted: 12/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
In an individual who seeks help or is referred to a mental health professional it is common sense and clinical practice to assume that suicidal thoughts and previous attempts constitute risk factors for imminent suicide. However, this assumption has not been supported by large, population-based longitudinal studies. The current study investigated whether reports of current suicidal ideation and a history of suicide attempts indeed increase risk for later completed suicide in a historical prospective study design. Sequential records on 89,049 young males assessed by mental health professionals were screened for suicidal ideation and a history of suicide attempts. The data were linked with death records from the Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics. Over a follow-up period ranging from 2 months to 9.8 years, 54 individuals died by suicide, constituting an average suicide rate of 6.48 per 100,000 person-years. Overall, neither reporting current suicidal ideation (without a history of suicide attempts; HR=1.29, 95% CI=0.57-2.90) nor reporting a history of suicide attempts (with or without current suicidal ideation; HR=1.67, 95% CI=0.71-3.97) were significantly associated with increased risk for later completed suicide. However, young males with a previously diagnosed psychiatric disorder who reported current suicidal ideation (HR=4.52, 95% CI=1.08-18.91) or a history of suicide attempts (HR=6.43, 95% CI=1.54-26.90) were at increased risk of death by suicide. These findings indicate that in this particular population reports of current suicidal ideation or of a history of suicide attempts are helpful in predicting future suicide only among those with a previous diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder.
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Schaffer A, Isometsä ET, Tondo L, Moreno DH, Sinyor M, Kessing LV, Turecki G, Weizman A, Azorin JM, Ha K, Reis C, Cassidy F, Goldstein T, Rihmer Z, Beautrais A, Chou YH, Diazgranados N, Levitt AJ, Zarate CA, Yatham L. Epidemiology, neurobiology and pharmacological interventions related to suicide deaths and suicide attempts in bipolar disorder: Part I of a report of the International Society for Bipolar Disorders Task Force on Suicide in Bipolar Disorder. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2015; 49:785-802. [PMID: 26185269 PMCID: PMC5116383 DOI: 10.1177/0004867415594427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Bipolar disorder is associated with elevated risk of suicide attempts and deaths. Key aims of the International Society for Bipolar Disorders Task Force on Suicide included examining the extant literature on epidemiology, neurobiology and pharmacotherapy related to suicide attempts and deaths in bipolar disorder. METHODS Systematic review of studies from 1 January 1980 to 30 May 2014 examining suicide attempts or deaths in bipolar disorder, with a specific focus on the incidence and characterization of suicide attempts and deaths, genetic and non-genetic biological studies and pharmacotherapy studies specific to bipolar disorder. We conducted pooled, weighted analyses of suicide rates. RESULTS The pooled suicide rate in bipolar disorder is 164 per 100,000 person-years (95% confidence interval = [5, 324]). Sex-specific data on suicide rates identified a 1.7:1 ratio in men compared to women. People with bipolar disorder account for 3.4-14% of all suicide deaths, with self-poisoning and hanging being the most common methods. Epidemiological studies report that 23-26% of people with bipolar disorder attempt suicide, with higher rates in clinical samples. There are numerous genetic associations with suicide attempts and deaths in bipolar disorder, but few replication studies. Data on treatment with lithium or anticonvulsants are strongly suggestive for prevention of suicide attempts and deaths, but additional data are required before relative anti-suicide effects can be confirmed. There were limited data on potential anti-suicide effects of treatment with antipsychotics or antidepressants. CONCLUSION This analysis identified a lower estimated suicide rate in bipolar disorder than what was previously published. Understanding the overall risk of suicide deaths and attempts, and the most common methods, are important building blocks to greater awareness and improved interventions for suicide prevention in bipolar disorder. Replication of genetic findings and stronger prospective data on treatment options are required before more decisive conclusions can be made regarding the neurobiology and specific treatment of suicide risk in bipolar disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayal Schaffer
- Task Force on Suicide, The International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD), Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program, Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Erkki T Isometsä
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Leonardo Tondo
- Lucio Bini Center, Cagliari, Italy; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Doris H Moreno
- Section of Psychiatric Epidemiology and Mood Disorders Unit, Department and Institute of Psychiatry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mark Sinyor
- Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lars Vedel Kessing
- Psychiatric Center Copenhagen, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gustavo Turecki
- Research and Academic Affairs, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada; McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Montréal, QC, Canada; Depressive Disorders Program, Douglas Institute, Montréal, QC, Canada; Departments of Psychiatry, Human Genetics, and Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Abraham Weizman
- Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry, The Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Petah Tikva, Israel; Research Unit, Geha Mental Health Center, Petah Tikva, Israel; Department of Psychiatry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Jean-Michel Azorin
- Department of Adult Psychiatry, Sainte Marguerite Hospital, Marseille, France; University of Aix-Marseille II, Marseille, France
| | - Kyooseob Ha
- Mood Disorders Clinic and Affective Neuroscience Laboratory, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea; Korea Association for Suicide Prevention, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Catherine Reis
- Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program, Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Frederick Cassidy
- Division of Brain Stimulation and Neurophysiology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Tina Goldstein
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Zoltán Rihmer
- Department of Clinical and Theoretical Mental Health, and Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Semmelweis Medical University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Annette Beautrais
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yuan-Hwa Chou
- Section of Psychosomatic Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Nancy Diazgranados
- Laboratory of Clinical and Translational Studies, National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Anthony J Levitt
- Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Carlos A Zarate
- Experimental Therapeutics & Pathophysiology Branch, Division of Intramural Research Programs, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lakshmi Yatham
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Shakeri J, Farnia V, Abdoli N, Akrami MR, Arman F, Shakeri H. The Risk of Repetition of Attempted Suicide Among Iranian Women with Psychiatric Disorders as Quantified by the Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire. Oman Med J 2015; 30:173-80. [PMID: 26171123 DOI: 10.5001/omj.2015.38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2015] [Accepted: 04/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The factors associated with repetition of attempted suicide are poorly categorized in the Iranian population. In this study, the prevalence of different psychiatric disorders among women who attempted suicide and the risk of repetition were assessed. METHODS Participants were women admitted to the Poisoning Emergency Hospital, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences following failed suicide attempts. Psychiatric disorders were diagnosed based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) symptom checklist. Risk of repetition was evaluated using the Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R). RESULTS About 72% of individuals had a SBQ-R score >8 and were considered to be at high risk for repeated attempted suicide. Adjustment disorders were the most common psychiatric disorders (40.8%). However, the type of psychiatric disorder was not associated with the risk of repetition (p=0.320). Marital status, educational level, employment, substance use, history of suicide among family members, and motivation were not determinant factors for repetition of suicide attempt (p=0.220, 0.880, 0.220, 0.290, 0.350 and 0.270, respectively). Younger women were associated with violent methods of attempted suicide, such as self-cutting, whereas older individuals preferred consumption of poison (p<0.001). Drug overdose was more common among single and married women whereas widows or divorcees preferred self-burning (p=0.004). CONCLUSION About 72% of patients with failed suicide attempts were at high risk for repeated attempts. Age, marital status, and type of psychiatric disorder were the only determinants of suicide method. Adjustment disorders were the most common psychiatric disorders among Iranian women. However, this did not predict the risk of further attempts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jalal Shakeri
- Psychiatry Department, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Vahid Farnia
- Psychiatry Department, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Nasrin Abdoli
- Psychiatry Department, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Mohammad R Akrami
- Psychiatry Department, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Farid Arman
- Psychiatry Department, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Hania Shakeri
- Psychiatry Department, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
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Chapman CL, Mullin K, Ryan CJ, Kuffel A, Nielssen O, Large MM. Meta-analysis of the association between suicidal ideation and later suicide among patients with either a schizophrenia spectrum psychosis or a mood disorder. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2015; 131:162-73. [PMID: 25358861 DOI: 10.1111/acps.12359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Recent studies of patients with a mix of psychiatric diagnoses have suggested a modest or weak association between suicidal ideation and later suicide. The aim of this study was to examine the extent to which the association between expressed suicidal ideation and later suicide varies according to psychiatric diagnosis. METHOD A systematic meta-analysis of studies that report the association between suicidal ideation and later suicide in patients with 'mood disorders', defined to include major depression, dysthymia and bipolar disorder, or 'schizophrenia spectrum psychosis', defined to include schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder and delusional disorder. RESULTS Suicidal ideation was strongly associated with suicide among patients with schizophrenia spectrum psychosis [14 studies reporting on 567 suicides, OR = 6.49, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.82-11.02]. The association between suicidal ideation and suicide among patients with mood disorders (11 studies reporting on 860 suicides, OR = 1.49, 95% CI 0.92-2.42) was not significant. Diagnostic group made a significant contribution to between-study heterogeneity (Q-value = 16.2, df = 1, P < 0.001) indicating a significant difference in the strength of the associations between suicidal ideation and suicide between the two diagnostic groups. Meta-regression and multiple meta-regression suggested that methodological issues in the primary research did not explain the findings. Suicidal ideation was weakly but significantly associated with suicide among studies of patients with mood disorders over periods of follow-up of <10 years. CONCLUSION Although our findings suggest that the association between suicidal ideation and later suicide is stronger in schizophrenia spectrum psychosis than in mood disorders this result should be interpreted cautiously due to the high degree of between-study heterogeneity and because studies that used stronger methods of reporting had a weaker association between suicidal ideation and suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Chapman
- Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia
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Seo HJ, Jung YE, Jeong S, Kim JB, Lee MS, Kim JM, Yim HW, Jun TY. Persistence and resolution of suicidal ideation during treatment of depression in patients with significant suicidality at the beginning of treatment: the CRESCEND study. J Affect Disord 2014; 155:208-15. [PMID: 24262641 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2013.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2013] [Revised: 11/02/2013] [Accepted: 11/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The appropriate length of time for patients who visit clinics with significant suicidal ideation to be closely monitored is a critical issue for clinicians. We evaluated the course of suicidal ideation and associated factors for persistent suicidality in patients who entered treatment for depression with significant suicidal ideation. METHODS A total of 565 patients who had both moderate to severe depression (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) score ≥14) and significant suicidal ideation (Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (SSI-B) score ≥6) were recruited from 18 hospitals in South Korea. Participants were assessed using the SSI-B, HAMD, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, and Clinical Global Impression Scale-severity during a 12-week naturalistic treatment with antidepressant intervention. Participants were classified into resolved suicidality or persistent suicidality groups according to whether their suicidal ideation improved to SSI-B scores <6 and were sustained for 12 weeks. RESULTS During the 12-week treatment, 206 (36.4%) patients were classified in the resolved suicidality group. Persistent suicidality was associated with intervention with SSRIs, higher SSI-B baseline score, and no HAMD or HAMA remission. The proportions of participants who had persistent suicidal ideation even with HAMD remission or response were 0.25 and 0.34, respectively. LIMITATIONS This study was observational, and the treatment modality was naturalistic. CONCLUSIONS A considerable number of patients had persistent suicidal ideation despite 12 weeks of antidepressant treatment. Close monitoring for suicidal ideation may be needed beyond the initial weeks of treatment and even after a response to antidepressants is observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho-Jun Seo
- Department of Psychiatry, St. Vincent Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Suwon, Republic of Korea; Clinical Research Center for Depression, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Eun Jung
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea; Clinical Research Center for Depression, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seunghee Jeong
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Clinical Research Center for Depression, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Bum Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Keimyung University, School of Medicine, Daegu, Republic of Korea; Clinical Research Center for Depression, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Soo Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Clinical Research Center for Depression, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Min Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Kwangju, Republic of Korea; Clinical Research Center for Depression, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeon Woo Yim
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Clinical Research Center for Depression, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Youn Jun
- Department of Psychiatry, St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul Republic of Korea; Clinical Research Center for Depression, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Barzilay S, Apter A. Predictors of suicide in adolescents and adults with mood and common comorbid disorders. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.2217/npy.13.86] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Giner L, Blasco-Fontecilla H, Mercedes Perez-Rodriguez M, Garcia-Nieto R, Giner J, Guija JA, Rico A, Barrero E, Luna MA, de Leon J, Oquendo MA, Baca-Garcia E. Personality disorders and health problems distinguish suicide attempters from completers in a direct comparison. J Affect Disord 2013; 151:474-483. [PMID: 23859005 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2013.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2013] [Revised: 06/19/2013] [Accepted: 06/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whether suicide attempters and completers represent the same population evaluated at different points along a progression towards suicide death, overlapping populations, or completely different populations is a problem still unresolved. METHODS 446 Adult suicide attempters and knowledgeable collateral informants for 190 adult suicide probands were interviewed. Sociodemographic and clinical data was collected for both groups using semi-structured interviews and structured assessments. Univariate analyses and logistic regression models were conducted to explore the similarities and differences between suicide attempters and completers. RESULTS Univariate analyses yielded significant differences in sociodemographics, recent life events, impulsivity, suicide intent, and distribution of Axis I and II disorders. A logistic regression model aimed at distinguishing suicide completers from attempters properly classified 90% of subjects. The most significant variables that distinguished suicide from attempted suicide were the presence of narcissistic personality disorder (OR=21.4; 95% CI=6.8-67.7), health problems (OR=20.6; 95% CI=5.6-75.9), male sex (OR=9.6; 95% CI=4.42-20.9), and alcohol abuse (OR=5.5; 95% CI=2.3-14.2). LIMITATIONS Our study shares the limitations of studies comparing suicide attempters and completers, namely that information from attempters can be obtained from the subject himself, whereas the assessment of completers depends on information from close family or friends. Furthermore, different semi-structured instruments assessed Axis I and Axis II disorders in suicide attempters and completers. Finally, we have no data on inter-rater reliability data. CONCLUSIONS Suicide completers are more likely to be male and suffer from alcohol abuse, health problems (e.g. somatic illness), and narcissistic personality disorder. The findings emphasize the importance of implementing suicide prevention programs tailored to suicide attempters and completers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Giner
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | | | - M Mercedes Perez-Rodriguez
- Department of Psychiatry, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, and the Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center New York, NY, USA
| | - Rebeca Garcia-Nieto
- Department of Psychiatry, Jimenez Diaz Foundation, Autonoma University, IIS, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose Giner
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Julio A Guija
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Seville, Seville, Spain; Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Legal Medicine, Seville, Spain
| | - Antonio Rico
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Legal Medicine, Seville, Spain
| | - Enrique Barrero
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Legal Medicine, Seville, Spain
| | - Maria Angeles Luna
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Legal Medicine, Ciudad Real and Toledo, Toledo, Spain
| | - Jose de Leon
- Mental Health Research Center at Eastern State Hospital, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Maria A Oquendo
- Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Enrique Baca-Garcia
- Department of Psychiatry, Jimenez Diaz Foundation, Autonoma University, IIS, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain; Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
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Hawton K, Casañas I Comabella C, Haw C, Saunders K. Risk factors for suicide in individuals with depression: a systematic review. J Affect Disord 2013; 147:17-28. [PMID: 23411024 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2013.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 817] [Impact Index Per Article: 74.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2012] [Revised: 01/10/2013] [Accepted: 01/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression is the most common psychiatric disorder in people who die by suicide. Awareness of risk factors for suicide in depression is important for clinicians. METHODS In a systematic review of the international literature we identified cohort and case-control studies of people with depression in which suicide was an outcome, and conducted meta-analyses of potential risk factors. RESULTS Nineteen studies (28 publications) were included. Factors significantly associated with suicide were: male gender (OR=1.76, 95% CI=1.08-2.86), family history of psychiatric disorder (OR=1.41, 95% CI=1.00-1.97), previous attempted suicide (OR=4.84, 95% CI=3.26-7.20), more severe depression (OR=2.20, 95% CI=1.05-4.60), hopelessness (OR=2.20, 95% CI=1.49-3.23) and comorbid disorders, including anxiety (OR=1.59, 95% CI=1.03-2.45) and misuse of alcohol and drugs (OR=2.17, 95% CI=1.77-2.66). LIMITATIONS There were fewer studies than suspected. Interdependence between risk factors could not be examined. CONCLUSIONS The factors identified should be included in clinical assessment of risk in depressed patients. Further large-scale studies are required to identify other relevant factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith Hawton
- Centre for Suicide Research, University of Oxford, UK.
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Abstract
Phenomenology studies conscious experience as experienced from the subjective or first-person point of view. This paper was developed with the aim of shedding light on the phenomenology of suicide; that is, to focus on suicide as a phenomenon affecting a unique individual with unique motives for the suicidal act. To explore this topic, the author looks back at the past centuries to understand why suicide was thought to be confined to psychiatric illness and to document the bias in studies supporting this notion. One major step forward in the conceptualization of suicide as a psychological disorder was provided by Edwin Shneidman, who focused on the pain of negative emotions. Such a radical approach is laudable in an era where diagnostic criteria and the need to cure are more important than understanding what is not working at the emotional level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Pompili
- Department of Psychiatry, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.
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Abreu LND, Lafer B, Baca-Garcia E, Oquendo MA. Suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in bipolar disorder type I: an update for the clinician. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PSIQUIATRIA 2009; 31:271-80. [DOI: 10.1590/s1516-44462009005000003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2009] [Accepted: 04/01/2009] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This article reviews the evidence for the major risk factors associated with suicidal behavior in bipolar disorder. METHOD: Review of the literature studies on bipolar disorder, suicidal behavior and suicidal ideation. RESULTS: Bipolar disorder is strongly associated with suicide ideation and suicide attempts. In clinical samples between 14-59% of the patients have suicide ideation and 25-56% present at least one suicide attempt during lifetime. Approximately 15% to 19% of patients with bipolar disorder die from suicide. The causes of suicidal behavior are multiple and complex. Some strong predictors of suicidal behavior have emerged in the literature such as current mood state, severity of depression, anxiety, aggressiveness, hostility, hopelessness, comorbidity with others Axis I and Axis II disorders, lifetime history of mixed states, and history of physical or sexual abuse. CONCLUSION: Bipolar disorder is the psychiatric condition associated with highest lifetime risk for suicide attempts and suicide completion. Thus it is important to clinicians to understand the major risk factors for suicidal behavior in order to choose better strategies to deal with this complex behavior.
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Pompili M, Rihmer Z, Innamorati M, Lester D, Girardi P, Tatarelli R. Assessment and treatment of suicide risk in bipolar disorders. Expert Rev Neurother 2009; 9:109-36. [PMID: 19102673 DOI: 10.1586/14737175.9.1.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Completed suicide and suicide attempts are major issues in the management of bipolar disorders. There is evidence that suicide rates among these patients are more than 20-fold higher than the general population and, furthermore, suicidal behavior is much more lethal in bipolar disorder than in the general population. Patients with mood disorders may sometimes exhibit highly perturbed mixed states, which usually increase the risk of suicide. Such states are particularly frequent in bipolar II patients, especially if patients are treated with antidepressant monotherapy (unprotected by mood stabilizers), when depression switches into mania (or vice versa), or when depression lifts and functioning approaches normality. Researchers worldwide agree that treatment involving lithium is the best way to protect patients from suicide risk. Psychosocial activities, including psychoeducation, can protect bipolar patients either directly or, more probably, indirectly by increasing adherence to treatment and helping in daily difficulties that otherwise may lead to demoralization or hopelessness. An extensive understanding of the psychosocial circumstances and the psychopathology of bipolar patients (including temperament) may help clinicians describe the clinical picture accurately and prevent suicidal behavior in these patients.
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Abstract
The aims of this study were to identify specific risk factors associated with completed suicide in a sample of suicide victims diagnosed with mental illness and to discriminate completed suicides from attempted suicide in individuals who did not kill themselves for at least the next 2 years after the index attempt. Ninety-four adults (34 women; 60 men; mean age = 50.81 [SD = 18.08]) admitted to the Division of Psychiatry of the Department of Neurosciences of the University of Parma who died by suicide between 1994-2004 were matched for sex and age (+/- 2 years) with 94 outpatients (mean age = 50.70 [SD = 18.08]) who made at least one suicide attempt during the years of the study. Data were gathered by proxy-based interviews with referring psychiatrists and general practitioners and from examination of medical records. Suicide victims were more likely to be not married, have poor social support (OR = 5.28), and have more voluntary and compulsory admissions to hospitals (1 admission: OR = 5.44; > 1 admissions: OR= 8.84) than suicide attempters. Suicide victims were also less likely to have had stressful life events during their childhood and adolescence (OR = 0.09) and to be divorced or widowed than were the attempters.
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Zivin K, Kim HM, McCarthy JF, Austin KL, Hoggatt KJ, Walters H, Valenstein M. Suicide mortality among individuals receiving treatment for depression in the Veterans Affairs health system: associations with patient and treatment setting characteristics. Am J Public Health 2007; 97:2193-8. [PMID: 17971541 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2007.115477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We sought to report clinical and demographic factors associated with suicide among depressed veterans in an attempt to determine what characteristics identified depressed veterans at high risk for suicide. METHODS We used longitudinal, nationally representative data (1999-2004) to determine suicide rates among depressed veterans, estimating time until suicide using Cox proportional hazards regression models. RESULTS Of 807694 veterans meeting study criteria, 1683 (0.21%) committed suicide during follow-up. Increased suicide risks were observed among male, younger, and non-Hispanic White patients. Veterans without service-connected disabilities, with inpatient psychiatric hospitalizations in the year prior to their qualifying depression diagnosis, with comorbid substance use, and living in the southern or western United States were also at higher risk. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with comorbid depression was associated with lower suicide rates, and younger depressed veterans with PTSD had a higher suicide rate than did older depressed veterans with PTSD. CONCLUSIONS Unlike the general population, older and younger veterans are more prone to suicide than are middle-aged veterans. Future research should examine the relationship between depression, PTSD, health service use, and suicide risks among veterans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara Zivin
- Serious Mental Illness Treatment Research and Evaluation Center (SMITREC), Health Services Research and Development (HSR&D) Center of Excellence, Department of Veterans Affairs, Ann Arbor, Mich, USA.
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Abstract
It is currently impossible to distinguish between patients with depression who will make a suicide attempt and those who will not. Prevention, therefore, must be based on the assumption that any patient with more than mild symptoms of depression is at risk of suicide, and can only be effective if it is applicable to all patients with moderate to severe depression. A treatment strategy that differentiated between regressive and progressive therapeutic measures was developed for patients admitted to a psychiatric hospital. Regressive, as opposed to progressive, treatment meant that the patient was temporarily relieved of virtually all responsibilities for self and others. Progressive measures were strictly avoided for all patients with symptoms of depression, regardless of the primary diagnosis. This strategy was tested on 5,149 inpatients and day patients over a period of 6.25 years and compared with 6,891 patients over the 15.75 years prior to this period. The suicide rate was 97 (per 100,000 admissions) compared with 319 in the previous period. The treatment method appears to be able to reduce the suicide rate. Although this result was achieved with hospital patients, it suggests that a regressive treatment method could be promising if developed for outpatient treatment as well.
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Oquendo MA, Bongiovi-Garcia ME, Galfalvy H, Goldberg PH, Grunebaum MF, Burke AK, Mann JJ. Sex differences in clinical predictors of suicidal acts after major depression: a prospective study. Am J Psychiatry 2007; 164:134-41. [PMID: 17202555 PMCID: PMC3785095 DOI: 10.1176/ajp.2007.164.1.134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Whether sex differences exist in clinical risk factors associated with suicidal behavior is unknown. The authors postulated that among men with a major depressive episode, aggression, hostility, and history of substance misuse increase risk for future suicidal behavior, while depressive symptoms, childhood history of abuse, fewer reasons for living, and borderline personality disorder do so in depressed women. METHOD Patients with DSM-III-R major depression or bipolar disorder seeking treatment for a major depressive episode (N=314) were followed for 2 years. Putative predictors were tested with Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. RESULTS During follow-up, 16.6% of the patients attempted or committed suicide. Family history of suicidal acts, past drug use, cigarette smoking, borderline personality disorder, and early parental separation each more than tripled the risk of future suicidal acts in men. For women, the risk for future suicidal acts was sixfold greater for prior suicide attempters; each past attempt increased future risk threefold. Suicidal ideation, lethality of past attempts, hostility, subjective depressive symptoms, fewer reasons for living, comorbid borderline personality disorder, and cigarette smoking also increased the risk of future suicidal acts for women. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that the importance of risk factors for suicidal acts differs in depressed men and women. This knowledge may improve suicide risk evaluation and guide future research on suicide assessment and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Oquendo
- Department of Neuroscience, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Dr., New York, NY 10032, USA.
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Abstract
This paper reviews research based on the psychological autopsy (PA) method applied to the study of suicide. It evidences the presence of a number of methodological problems. Shortcomings concern sampling biases in the selection of control subjects, confounding influences of extraneous variables, and reliability of the assessment instruments. The absence of homogeneity among studies in the procedure employed, as well as the lack of defined guidelines for performing this type of inquiry are emphasized. Questions needing empirical investigation in the future are pointed out. It is concluded that the validity and reliability of findings emerging from the use of this method of investigation would benefit from a standardization of its application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Pouliot
- University of Quebec at Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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Oquendo MA, Currier D, Mann JJ. Prospective studies of suicidal behavior in major depressive and bipolar disorders: what is the evidence for predictive risk factors? Acta Psychiatr Scand 2006; 114:151-8. [PMID: 16889585 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0447.2006.00829.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 190] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Prospective studies over the past 30 years have identified an array of predictive indicators for suicidal acts in mood disorders. However, prediction of suicidal behavior remains an elusive goal. This paper reviewed evidence from prospective studies for clinical factors that elevate risk of suicidal acts in that group. METHOD English language prospective studies of suicidal behavior in major depressive and bipolar disorders were examined. RESULTS The predictors with the best support were a past history of suicidal behavior and the presence of refractory or recurrent depressions. For other risk factors, there was either not enough data to consider them robust or findings were contradictory. CONCLUSION Future studies must not only be comprehensive in their inclusion of potentially contributing factors, but must also address their relative importance towards the goal of developing predictive models and enhance suicide prevention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Oquendo
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Neuroscience, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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23
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Abstract
This article reviews and integrates empirically grounded advances in the assessment of suicidality. The practices discussed are consistent with existing standards of care, practice guidelines, and applicable research. The authors differentiate between risk assessment and prediction and then emphasize the important role of time in risk assessment. We present and illustrate a continuum of suicidality for risk assessment and offer practical recommendations for clinical decision making and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig J Bryan
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Baylor University, TX 97334, USA
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24
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Abstract
Efforts to identify clinical risk factors for complete suicide through the follow-up of depressed patients have yielded relatively few robust predictors. Those identified by at least three studies are (in order of decreasing frequency) suicidal plans/attempts, male sex, being single or living alone, inpatient status, and hopelessness. Because the best established of these predictors has only modest sensitivity and specificity, the need for other robust tools is clear. A rich body of research has identified two biological risk factors for suicide in depressive disorder: hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis hyperactivity and deficits in serotonin function. Moreover, there is now considerable evidence that the dexamethasone suppression test and measures of serum cholesterol concentrations, respectively, may provide a clinically useful reflection of these two mechanisms. Observations that these measures appear to be additive, both with each other and with other clinical risk factors, indicate that a substantial improvement in the clinician's ability to assess suicide risk is possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- William H Coryell
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
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Abstract
What have you heard or read over the past 10 years that has improved you ability to assess and manage suicide risk in your patients?There has been a paucity of data. What little data there is reviewed in this month's articles.They highlight findings that you should know about. Clinicians seem to cling to the familiar, unless some intense marketing is done.For instance, are you aware that the current evidence shows that a denial of suicide thoughts, plans, or intent—even a contract for safety—means absolutely nothing in the absence of a full suicide risk assessment?Yet clinicians seem to rely on these ’reassurances“ from their patients and are shocked when the patient later commits suicide. Why should a patient who is deciding that life is too painful to live tell you the truth? Robert I. Simon, MD, and Daniel W. Shuman, JD, review these facts.Are you aware that severe psychic anxiety, panic attacks, agitation, and severe insomnia often precede suicide within hours, days, or weeks and can be rapidly modified with treatment?On the other hand, standard risk factors for suicide such as suicidal ideation, hopelessness, and past suicidal attempts are not good predictors of suicide in the short term. A suicide plan, recent high intent attempt, or refusal to contract for safety may well indicate immediate risk, but a denial of suicidal ideation or intent and a contract for no harm mean absolutely nothing without a full suicide assessment that takes current clinical status, past suicidal tendencies, social support, and willingness to accept help into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Fawcett
- Department of Psychiatry, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
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Holmstrand C, Niméus A, Träskman-Bendz L. Risk factors of future suicide in suicide attempters--a comparison between suicides and matched survivors. Nord J Psychiatry 2006; 60:162-7. [PMID: 16635937 DOI: 10.1080/08039480600583597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to find risk factors for suicide by looking for clinical and care/treatment consumption differences between 15 hospitalized suicide attempters, who later committed suicide ("completers"), and 15 suicide attempters who did not ("non-completers"), matched according to sex, age and principal diagnosis. Completers had significantly more often attempted suicide after the index admission. After index, completers had received more psychiatric care and treatment than non-completers. Comorbidity was common in both groups of patients. Personality disorders according to the DSM III-R, axis II, Cluster B, however, tended to be more common in the completer group. Increased comorbidity over time could also be seen to a larger extent in completers. In spite of the matching of principal diagnosis, completers tended to have higher Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale ratings than non-completers. They also had significantly higher Suicide Assessment Scale (SUAS) scores. From this study, it is apparent that suicide attempters at risk of future suicide have major and multiple psychiatric problems, which cause difficulties in the care and treatment.
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Abstract
Bipolar (manic-depressive) disorder is a common and severe illness. It is also potentially fatal as a result of accidents and increased mortality associated with comorbid substance use and medical illnesses, but its highest lethality results from suicide. Suicide rates, averaging 0.4% per year in men and women diagnosed with bipolar disorder, are >20-fold higher than in the general population. Suicidal acts often occur early in the illness course and in association with severe depressive and dysphoric-agitated mixed phases of illness, especially following repeated, severe depressions. Systematic consideration of risk and protective factors enhances assessment of potentially suicidal patients. Short-term interventions employed empirically to manage acute suicidality include close clinical supervision, rapid hospitalisation and use of electroconvulsive treatment. Several plausible therapeutic interventions have limited evidence of long-term effectiveness against mortality risks associated with any psychiatric disorder, including antidepressant, antimanic, antipsychotic and electroconvulsive, as well as psychosocial, treatments. However, in bipolar disorder and other major affective disorders, lithium maintenance treatment is a notable exception, with strong and consistent evidence that it reduces suicidal risk. The growing range of drugs being introduced to treat acute and long-term phases of bipolar disorder, including antiepileptic drugs, atypical antipsychotics and relatively safe, modern antidepressants, require research assessment for their ability to limit premature mortality from suicide and other causes. For now, however, more can be done to improve treatment in major affective illnesses by application of current knowledge in a systematic fashion, with close and sustained clinical follow-up of patients at risk, hopefully with a resulting reduction of mortality rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Tondo
- Department of Psychology, University of Cagliari, Centro Lucio Bini-Stanley Medical Research Institute Research Center, Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy.
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Dlugacz YD, Restifo A, Scanlon KA, Nelson K, Fried AM, Hirsch B, Delman M, Zenn RD, Selzer J, Greenwood A. Safety Strategies to Prevent Suicide in Multiple Health Care Environments. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2003; 29:267-78. [PMID: 14564745 DOI: 10.1016/s1549-3741(03)29031-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patient suicide is one of the primary sentinel events reported throughout the United States. North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System undertook a series of performance improvement efforts to identify suicide risk factors and develop a series of strategies and tools to maximize the safety of all vulnerable patients. METHODOLOGY A multidisciplinary task force conducted root cause analyses of 17 attempted and completed suicides and targeted inadequate patient assessment, poor communication, and knowledge deficits. A protocol was designed to ensure appropriate assessment, monitoring, and treatment of patients at risk for alcohol withdrawal and suicide. Poor communication as patients moved throughout the continuum of care was addressed through targeted education, a centralized intake model, and an inter-institutional transfer summary form. A continuous suicide risk assessment tool was incorporated into the inpatient behavioral health rounds. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS The new tools have raised awareness, improved accountability, and encouraged best practices throughout the health system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosef D Dlugacz
- North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System, Great Neck, New York, USA
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Abstract
The pharmacologic treatment of bipolar depression has not been well studied in randomized, controlled trials. Thus important clinical questions regarding the efficacy in bipolar depression of mood stabilizers, antidepressants, and new antiepileptic and atypical antipsychotic agents have been relatively unaddressed. Until recently there were few data regarding the degree to which mood stabilizers reduce the risk of switching associated with antidepressant treatment. Likewise, although treatment guidelines have often recommended limiting antidepressant exposure in the maintenance treatment of bipolar depression, the potential risks of depressive relapse after antidepressant discontinuation were largely unknown. We review here data from new randomized, controlled trials published or presented during the past 5 years regarding the efficacy of antidepressants, mood stabilizers, lamotrigine, and olanzapine in the acute and maintenance treatment of bipolar depression. We also review new studies clarifying the protective effect of coadministration of mood stabilizers from antidepressant-associated switching and the risk of depressive relapse when antidepressants are discontinued during maintenance treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul E Keck
- Division of Psychopharmacology Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267-0559, USA
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Abstract
The phenomenon of suicide represents a complex problem, the specific aspects of which should be examined by a multifactorial analysis, particularly in the elderly subjects. Although the research on risk factors continues to grow, only a limited knowledge is available on the biological changes increasing the risk for suicide. Similarly, limited information is at our disposal about the contributing psychosocial processes extending beyond the demographic factors. Although the best explored population is the elderly using primary care services, no proven interventions are known for the time being, although some efforts to test certain approaches reaching these older adults are under way. Apparently even more, continued efforts are needed to change the attitudes toward the mental illnesses and their treatments in general, in order to reach the older adults who are still outside of the health care services.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Di Mauro
- Department of Longevity Sciences, Urology and Neurology, University of Catania, Cannizzaro Hospital, Via Messina, 829, I-95124 Catania, Italy.
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Fawcett J. Comorbid Anxiety and Suicide in Mood Disorders. Psychiatr Ann 1997. [DOI: 10.3928/0048-5713-19971002-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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