Risk factors for suicidal ideation in psychiatric patients

Author(s): Viinamaki, H., KoivumaaHonkanen, H. T., Saarinen, P., Tanskanen, A., Lehtonen, J.

Journal/Book: Soc Psychiat Psychiat Epidem. 1998; 33: 175 Fifth Ave, New York, NY 10010. Springer Verlag. 235-240.

Abstract: Sociodemographic and clinical risk factors for suicidal ideation have been less studied than risk factors for parasuicide and suicide. No reports on associations between therapy satisfaction and suicidal ideation among psychiatric patients have been published. In this study we compared a group of patients with suicidal ideation (n = 84) with a randomly selected group of nonsuicidal patients (n = 166) in community-based psychiatric services. Patients with suicidal ideation felt a need for psychiatric treatment more often than nonsuicidal patients. They were also more likely to receive antidepressive medication, and weekly therapy sessions were more common among them. A wish to change therapist (OR 15.6, 95% CI 3.6-67.8), hopeless future orientation (OR 14.8, 95% CI 4.5-48.9). Severe depression as evaluated by the Beck Depression Inventory (OR 14.0, 95% CI 4.3-45.2) and dysthymia (OR 12.8. 95% CI 1.7-97.3) were the factors most strongly associated with suicidal ideation in multivariate analysis. A wish to change therapist is an expression of therapy dissatisfaction, which may therefore be among the factors most strongly associated with suicidal ideation ill psychiatric patients. To help prevent suicidality among psychiatric patients special attention to therapy factors is needed.

Note: Article Hintikka J, Pikonniemenkatu 10, FIN-70800 Kuopio, FINLAND

Keyword(s): SOCIAL SUPPORT; MENTAL-DISORDERS; MAJOR DEPRESSION; BIPOLAR DISORDER; BEHAVIOR; HOPELESSNESS; OUTPATIENTS; COMORBIDITY; SCHIZOPHRENIA; SATISFACTION

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