Showing papers on "Suicide attempt published in 2000"

Relationships between obesity and DSM-IV major depressive disorder, suicide ideation, and suicide attempts: results from a general population study.

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: This study sought to test the relationships between relative body weight and clinical depression, suicide ideation, and suicide attempts in an adult US general population sample. METHODS: Respondents were 40,086 African American and White participants interviewed in a national survey. Outcome measures were past-year major depression, suicide ideation, and suicide attempts diagnosed according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition. The primary predictor was relative body weight, treated both continuously (i.e., body mass index [BMI]) and categorically in logistic regression analyses. Covariates included age, income and education, disease status, and drug and alcohol use. RESULTS: Relative body weight was associated with major depression, suicide attempts, and suicide ideation, although relationships were different for men and women. Among women, increased BMI was associated with both major depression and suicide ideation. Among men, lower BMI was associated with major depression, suicide attempts, and suicide ideation. There were no racial differences. CONCLUSIONS: Differences in BMI, or weight status, were associated with the probability of past-year major depression, suicide attempts, and suicide ideation. Longitudinal studies are needed to differentiate the causal pathways and mechanisms linking physical and psychiatric conditions.

Risk Factors for Suicide and Attempted Suicide among Young People

Abstract: Objective: Suicide rates in young people have increased during the past three decades, particularly among young males, and there is increasing public and policy concern about the issue of youth sui...

Symptom Reduction and Suicide Risk in Patients Treated With Placebo in Antidepressant Clinical Trials: An Analysis of the Food and Drug Administration Database

Abstract: The assumption that depressed patients who are assigned to placebo in antidepressant clinical trials are exposed to substantial morbidity and mortality is not based on research data. We assessed suicides, suicide attempts, and depressive symptom reduction in studies of 7 new antidepressants using the Food and Drug Administration database. Among 19,639 participating patients, 34 committed suicide (0.8% per year), and 130 attempted suicide (2.9% per year). Rates of suicide and attempted suicide did not differ significantly among the placebo- and drug-treated groups. Annual rates of suicide and attempted suicide were 0.4% and 2.7% with placebo, 0.7% and 3.4% with active comparators, and 0.8% and 2.8% with investigational antidepressants, respectively. Symptom reduction was 40.7% with investigational drugs (n = 4,510), 41.7% with active comparators (n = 1,416), and 30.9% with placebo (n = 2,805). These data may help inform discussions about the use of placebo in antidepressant clinical trials.

Psychosocial and psychiatric risk factors for suicide. Case-control psychological autopsy study.

Abstract: Background Few studies of suicide have simultaneously examined the individual and combined effects of psychosocial and psychiatric risk factors. Aims To do so in a representative sample of suicides. Method A case—control psychological autopsy was conducted among 113 consecutive suicides and 226 living controls matched for age, gender, ethnicity and area of residence in Taiwan. Results Five major risk factors (loss event, suicidal behaviour in first-degree relatives, ICD-10 major depressive episode, emotionally unstable personality disorder and substance dependence) were found to have independent effects on suicide from multivariate conditional logistic regression analysis. Conclusions Effective intervention and management for loss event and major depressive episode among emotionally unstable subjects with a family tendency of suicidal behaviour, frequently also comorbid with alcohol or other substance dependence, may prove to be most effective for suicide prevention in different populations.

Suicide Acts in 8 States: Incidence and Case Fatality Rates by Demographics and Method

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: This study examined incidence rates of medically identified suicide acts (self-inflicted injuries, either fatal or nonfatal) and case fatality rates by age, sex, race, and method used. METHODS: The authors analyzed data on 10,892 suicides and 57,439 attempted suicides among hospital-admitted individuals in 8 states, along with 6219 attempted suicides among individuals released from emergency departments in 2 states. RESULTS: The 8 states experienced a mean of 11 suicides and 119 attempted suicides per 100,000 residents each year. Groups with high suicide rates were men, the elderly, and Whites; groups with high attempted suicide rates were teenagers, young adults, women, and Blacks and Whites aged 25 to 44 years. Blacks aged 15 to 44 years evidenced high attempted suicide rates undocumented in previous studies. Poisoning and firearm were the most common methods used among those attempting suicide and those completing suicide acts, respectively. The most lethal method was firearm. CONCLUSIONS: The characteristics of suicides and attempted suicides differ dramatically. Method used is important in the lethality of the act.

Characteristics of Suicide Attempts of Patients With Major Depressive Episode and Borderline Personality Disorder: A Comparative Study

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Suicidal behavior is highly prevalent in borderline personality disorder and major depressive episode, although the characteristics of suicide attempts in the two disorders are believed to differ. Comorbidity of borderline personality disorder and major depressive episode may obscure characteristics of suicide attempts that are uniquely related to the psychopathology of each disorder. We compared suicidal behavior in patients with borderline personality disorder, major depressive episode, and borderline personality disorder plus major depressive episode to determine whether characteristics of suicide attempts differed between groups and if aspects of core psychopathology predicted specific attempt characteristics. METHOD: Eighty-one inpatients with borderline personality disorder, including 49 patients with borderline personality disorder plus major depressive episode, were compared to 77 inpatients with major depressive episode alone on measures of depressed mood, hopelessness, impulsive aggre...

Associations of Substance Use, Abuse, and Dependence with Subsequent Suicidal Behavior

Abstract: General population survey data are used to disaggregate the associations of substance use disorders with suicide attempts in order to evaluate a number of hypotheses about the processes leading to these associations. Data are from the US National Comorbidity Survey (1990-1992). Discrete-time survival analysis is used to study the effects of retrospectively reported temporally prior substance use, abuse, and dependence in predicting first onset of suicidal behavior. Alcohol and drug use predict subsequent suicide attempts after controlling for sociodemographics and comorbid mental disorders. Previous use is not a significant predictor among current nonusers. Abuse and dependence are significant predictors among users for three of the 10 substances considered (alcohol, inhalants, and heroin). The number of substances used is more important than the types of substances used in predicting suicidal behavior. Disaggregation shows that the effects of use are largely on suicidal ideation and nonplanned attempts among ideators. In comparison, the effects of use on suicide plans and planned attempts among ideators are not significant. Clinicians need to be aware that current substance use, even in the absence of abuse or dependence, is a significant risk factor for unplanned suicide attempts among ideators.

Protective Factors Against Suicidal Acts in Major Depression: Reasons for Living

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Over 30,000 people a year commit suicide in the United States. Prior attempted suicide and hopelessness are the most powerful clinical predictors of future completed suicide. The authors hypothesized that “reasons for living” might protect or restrain patients with major depression from making a suicide attempt.METHOD: Inpatients with DSM-III-R major depression were assessed for depression, general psychopathology, suicide history, reasons for living, and hopelessness. Of the 84 patients, 45 had attempted suicide and 39 had not.RESULTS: The depressed patients who had not attempted suicide expressed more feelings of responsibility toward family, more fear of social disapproval, more moral objections to suicide, greater survival and coping skills, and a greater fear of suicide than the depressed patients who had attempted suicide. Scores for hopelessness, subjective depression, and suicidal ideation were significantly higher for the suicide attempters. Reasons for living correlated inversely with...

Suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in general medical illnesses.

Abstract: Background This study examines the association between the presence of a general medical illness and suicidality in a representative sample of US young adults. Methods Between 1988 and 1994, 7589 individuals aged 17 to 39 years were administered the Diagnostic Interview Schedule as part of a national probability survey. The survey collected information about lifetime suicidal ideation and suicide attempts, a checklist of common general medical conditions, and data on major depression, alcohol use, and demographic characteristics. Results Whereas 16.3% of respondents described suicidal ideation at some point in their lives, 25.2% of individuals with a general medical condition, and 35.0% of those with 2 or more medical illnesses reported lifetime suicidal ideation. Similarly, whereas 5.5% of respondents had made a suicide attempt, 8.9% of those with a general medical illness and 16.2% of those with 2 or more medical conditions had attempted suicide. In models controlling for major depression, depressive symptoms, alcohol use, and demographic characteristics, presence of a general medical condition predicted a 1.3 times increase in likelihood of suicidal ideation; more specifically, pulmonary diseases (asthma, bronchitis) were associated with a two-thirds increase in the odds of lifetime suicidal ideation. Cancer and asthma were each associated with a more than 4-fold increase in the likelihood of a suicide attempt. Conclusions A significant association was found between medical conditions and suicidality that persisted after adjusting for depressive illness and alcohol use. The findings support the need to screen for suicidality in general medical settings, over and above use of general depression instruments.

Predictors of Adolescent Suicide Attempts: A Nationally Representative Longitudinal Study of Norwegian Adolescents

Abstract: Objective To investigate the risk and protective factors for previous and future suicide attempts among adolescents. Method A representative sample of high school students ( N = 9,679) in grades 7 through 12 (aged 12-20 years) were followed from 1992 to 1994. Response rate was 97% at initial testing and 80% at follow-up. Measures of psychiatric symptoms (depressed mood, eating problems, conduct problems), substance use, self-worth, pubertal timing, social network, and social integration were included. Results A total of 8.2% had ever attempted suicide and 2.7% reported an attempt during the 2-year study period. Logistic regression analysis showed that future attempts were predicted by previous attempt, female gender, young age, perceived early pubertal development (stronger among girls), suicidal ideation, alcohol intoxication, not living with both parents, and poor self-worth. Conclusions The importance that the clinician ask about previous suicidal behaviors is underscored. Early pubertal timing (particularly among girls), loss of self-worth, and alcohol intoxication may serve as risk factors for future suicide attempts.

Suicide in psychiatric hospital in-patients. Risk factors and their predictive power

Abstract: Background Psychiatric hospital inpatients are known to be at high risk of suicide, yetthere is little reliable knowledge of risk factors or their predictive power Aims To identify risk factors for suicide in psychiatric hospital in-patients and to evaluate their predictive power in detecting people at risk of suicide Method Using a case-control design, 112 people who committed suicide while in-patients in psychiatric hospitals were compared with 112 randomly selected controls Univariate analysis and multivariate analyses were used to estimate odds ratios and adjusted likelihood ratios Results The rate of suicide in psychiatric in-patients was 137 (95% CI 117-161) per 10 000 admissions There were five predictive factors with likelihood ratios >2, following adjustment: planned suicide attempt, 41; actual suicide attempt, 49; recent bereavement, 40; presence of delusions, 23; chronic mental illness, 22; and family history of suicide, 46 On this basis, only two of the patients who committed suicide had a predicted risk of suicide above 5% Conclusions Although several factors were identified that were strongly associated with suicide, their clinical utility is limited by low sensitivity and specificity, combined with the rarity of suicide, even in this high-risk group

Isotretinoin Use and Risk of Depression, Psychotic Symptoms, Suicide, and Attempted Suicide

Abstract: Outcome Measure: Prevalence rates of neurotic and psychotic disorders, suicide, and attempted suicide were compared between isotretinoin and antibiotic users and within isotretinoin users as their own comparison (pretreatment vs posttreatment). The results were expressed as relative risks, calculated using multiple logistic regression analyses. Results: Relative risk estimates, comparing isotretinoin use and oral antibiotic use with nonexposure to either drug for newly diagnosed depression or psychosis, were approximately 1.0 regardless of the data source. Similarly, relative risk estimates were all around 1.0 when comparing before with after isotretinoin use. The relative risk estimate for suicide and attempted suicide was 0.9 (95% confidence interval, 0.3-2.4) when comparing current isotretinoin exposure with nonexposure. Conclusion: This study provides no evidence that use of isotretinoin is associated with an increased risk for depression, suicide, or other psychiatric disorders. Arch Dermatol. 2000;136:1231-1236

Young suicide attempters: a comparison between a clinical and an epidemiological sample.

Abstract: Objective To compare risk factors for self-harm in 2 groups: hospitalized adolescents who had attempted suicide and adolescents reporting suicide attempts in a community survey. Method All suicide attempters aged 13 to 19 years admitted to medical wards ( n = 91) in a region of Norway were assessed and interviewed. Risk factors were identified by comparisons with a general population sample participating in a questionnaire study in the same community ( n = 1,736). In this population sample, a separate analysis of risk factors for reporting deliberate self-harm ( n = 141) was performed, applying bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models. Results Adjusted risk factors for suicide attempts in hospitalized adolescents were depression (odds ratio [OR] = 4.7), disruptive disorders (OR = 9.4), low self-worth (OR = 1.3), infrequent support from parents (OR = 3.3) or peers (OR = 3.3), parents' excessive drinking (OR = 4.3), and low socioeconomic status (OR = 2.4). For adolescents who self-reported self-harm, depression (OR = 3.1) and loneliness (OR = 1.13) were significant adjusted risk factors ( p Conclusions The risk factors were more powerful for hospitalized than for nonhospitalized adolescents. Prevention efforts should target the same factors for both groups, at a population level for nonhospitalized adolescents and at an individual level for hospitalized adolescents, with a focus on depression, low self-esteem, and family communication.

Intensity and duration of suicidal crises vary as a function of previous suicide attempts and negative life events.

Abstract: Borrowing from past conceptual work on the unique characteristics of multiple suicide attempters, as well on the effect of previous suicidal and depressive experience on later functioning, the authors hypothesized that negative events would be related to intensity of suicidal crises among never- and first-attempters but not among multiple attempters and that negative events would be related to duration of suicidal crises among multiple attempters but not among never- and first-attempters. Data on past suicide history, negative life events, and clinician- and self-rated suicidal symptoms were collected on 326 suicidal patients, 249 of whom were available at 1-month follow-up. Findings conformed to prediction. Previous suicidal experience alters the parameters of current suicidal crises. Implications of these findings for suicide risk and clinical assessment and management are discussed.

The 18-month impact of an emergency room intervention for adolescent female suicide attempters.

Abstract: Following a suicide attempt by female adolescents, the impact of a specialized emergency room (ER) care intervention was evaluated over the subsequent 18 months. Using a quasi-experimental design, this study assigned 140 female adolescent suicide attempters (SA), ages 12-18 years, and their mothers (88% Hispanic) to receive during their ER visit either: (a) specialized ER care aimed at enhancing adherence to outpatient therapy by providing a soap opera video regarding suicidality, a family therapy session, and staff training; or (b) standard ER care. The adjustment of the SA and their mothers was evaluated over 18 months (follow-up, 92%) using linear mixed model regression analyses. SA's adjustment improved over time on most mental health indices. Rates of suicide reattempts (12.4%) and suicidal reideation (29.8%) were lower than anticipated and similar across ER conditions. The specialized ER care condition was associated with significantly lower depression scores by the SA and lower maternal ratings on family cohesion. Significant interactions of intervention condition with the SA's initial level of psychiatric symptomatology indicated that the intervention's impact was greatest on maternal emotional distress and family cohesion among SA who were highly symptomatic. SA's attendance at therapy sessions following the ER visit was significantly associated with only one outcome--family adaptability. Specialized ER interventions may have substantial and sustained impact over time, particularly for the parents of youth with high psychiatric symptomatology.

The epidemiology of suicide and attempted suicide among young Australians

Abstract: Objective: This paper summarises a report to the NHMRC the objectives of which were to review research into the epidemiology of youth suicide in Australia and identify gaps in research.Method: Literature searches were conducted. A limited amount of new data analysis was included to shed light on reliability issues of official Australian suicide data.Results: The review examined suicide data systems, including issues to do with coroners, the Australian Bureau of Statistics and alternative systems. The epidemiological areas reviewed included: all ages, youth, age and gender, geographical, socioeconomic, marital, indigenous, migrants, suicides in custody and gay and lesbian suicides.Conclusion: While much is known about the epidemiology of youth suicide, much remains to be clarified. Study of indigenous issues is perhaps the most neglected area; study of family issues may be potentially be the most productive.

Factors associated with repeat suicide attempts among adolescents

Abstract: Objective: To determine potential risk factors associated with repeat suicide attempts among adolescents.Method: Retrospective medical record review of all patients aged 13–20 years who presented to the emergency department at an inner city tertiary hospital after attempted suicide between 1994 and 1996. Subjects were identified using the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9) codes E950.0 to E959.9 for attempted suicide. Study variables included demographic parameters, chronic medical conditions/illnesses, psychiatric and substance abuse disorders, history of sexual abuse and previous and subsequent suicide attempts. Variables univariately associated with repetition at p < 0.25 were entered into a multiple regression analysis.Results: Eighty seven per cent of patients presented with a drug overdose. Seventy-six per cent of all subjects attempted suicide in the context of a dispute or relationship break-up. At least one psychiatric disorder was present in 76% of subjects at the index attempt. Th...

Risk factors for suicide attempts among African American women.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to examine psychological and interpersonal risk factors for suicidal behavior in low income, African American women; 285 African American women who reported being in a relationship with a partner in the past year were studied, 148 presented to the hospital following a suicide attempt, and 137 presented for general medical care. Cases were compared to controls with respect to psychological symptoms, alcohol and drug abuse, family violence (intimate partner abuse, childhood trauma), relationship discord, and social support. Psychological risk factors for suicide attempts at the univariate level included psychological distress [Crude Odds Ratio (COR) = 6.5], post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms (COR = 3.8), hopelessness (COR = 7.7), and drug abuse (COR = 4.2). Interpersonal risk factors at the univariate level included relationship discord (COR = 4.0), physical partner abuse (COR = 2.5), nonphysical partner abuse (COR = 2.8), childhood maltreatment (COR = 3.2), and low levels of social support (COR = 2.6). A multivariate logistic regression model identified four variables that were strongly and independently associated with an increased risk for suicide attempts: psychological distress, hopelessness, drug abuse, and relationship discord. The model predicted suicide attempt status correctly 77% of the time. The results reveal that African American women who report high levels of psychological distress, hopelessness, drug use, and relationship discord should be assessed carefully for suicidal ideation and referred for appropriate mental health care.

Anxiety in major depression: relationship to suicide attempts.

Abstract: Objective: This study was an examination of the relationship of lifetime panic disorder and anxiety symptoms at index hospitalization to a history of a suicide attempt in patients with a major depressive episode. Method: A total of 272 inpatients with at least one major depressive episode, with or without a history of a suicide attempt, were entered into the study. They were given structured diagnostic interviews for axis I and axis II disorders. Suicide attempt history, current psychopathology, and traits of aggression and impulsivity were also assessed. Results: The rates of panic disorder did not differ in the suicide attempters and nonattempters. Agitation, psychic anxiety, and hypochondriasis were more severe in the nonattempter group. A multivariate analysis confirmed that this effect was independent of aggression and impulsivity. Conclusions: Comorbid panic disorder in patients with major depression does not seem to increase the risk for lifetime suicide attempt. The presence of greater anxiety in the nonattempters warrants further investigation.

Adolescent patients--healthy or hurting? Missed opportunities to screen for suicide risk in the primary care setting.

Abstract: Context Adolescent suicide rates have increased dramatically in recent decades. Suicide is the third leading cause of mortality among persons aged 10 to 19 years. Several official guidelines recommend screening for suicidal behavior in the primary care setting. Objectives To determine the prevalence of adolescent suicidal behavior known to primary care providers and to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and practice of primary care physicians in Maryland regarding screening for risk factors for adolescent suicide. Design Cross-sectional study using mailed survey. Setting Maryland from May to July 1995. Participants All pediatrician (n = 816) and family physician (n = 592) members of the state chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians, respectively, who were actively providing ambulatory care. Main Outcome Measures Adolescent suicidal behavior known to primary care providers and predictors of routine screening for risk factors for adolescent suicide. Results The response rate was 66%. Three hundred twenty-eight physicians (47%) reported that 1 or more adolescent patients attempted suicide in the previous year, but only 158 (23%) either frequently or always screened adolescent patients for suicide risk factors. Significant factors correlating with routine screening for suicide risk factors included frequently or always counseling about the safer storage of firearms in the home (odds ratio [OR], 5.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.8-10.2); agreeing or strongly agreeing that they were sufficiently trained and knew how to screen for risk factors (OR, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.7-6.3); agreeing or strongly agreeing that they had enough time during the well visit to screen for mental health problems (OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.6-5.3); frequently or always counseling about child passenger safety (OR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.6-4.7); spending more than 5 minutes in anticipatory guidance during the well visit (OR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.5-4.6); practicing in an urban setting (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.2-4.7); agreeing or strongly agreeing that physicians can be effective in preventing adolescent suicide and that what they do during an office visit may help prevent adolescent suicide (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.2-3.4); and female sex (OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.1-3.2). Conclusions Despite the substantial proportion of primary care providers who encountered suicidal adolescent patients, most providers still do not routinely screen their patients for suicidality or associated risk factors. More training is needed and desired by the survey respondents. Patient confidentiality issues must be addressed. Development and widespread use of a short, easily administered, reliable, and valid screening tool are recommended to help busy clinicians obtain more complete information during all visits.

Cultural Identification and Attempted Suicide in Native Hawaiian Adolescents

Abstract: Objectives To determine rates of lifetime suicide attempts in a community sample of Native Hawaiian adolescents and determine the contribution of Hawaiian cultural affiliation, socioeconomic status, and psychiatric symptoms as risk factors for suicide. Method High school students were surveyed in the state of Hawaii for lifetime suicide attempts, Hawaiian cultural affiliation, socioeconomic status, and symptoms of depression, substance abuse, aggression, and anxiety. Multiple logistic regressions were used on 3,094 subjects to develop prediction models for lifetime suicide attempts. Results Native Hawaiian adolescents had significantly higher rates of suicide attempts (12.9%) than other adolescents in Hawaii (9.6%). Hawaiian cultural affiliation rather than ethnicity was uniquely predictive of suicide attempts. Logistic regression indicated that depression, substance abuse, grade level, Hawaiian cultural affiliation, and main wage earner's education best predicted suicide attempts in Native Hawaiian adolescents, while depression, substance abuse, and aggression predicted suicide attempts in non-Hawaiians. Conclusions Native Hawaiian adolescents have higher rates of attempted suicide than non-Hawaiian adolescents. Strong Hawaiian cultural affiliation rather than ethnicity is a risk factor for attempted suicide.

Suicidal acts and ideation in homosexual and bisexual young people: A study of prevalence and risk factors.

Abstract: Background: Suicide attempts are the most robust clinical predictor of suicide, which is now the second cause of death among young people in many countries. Previous research has shown an increased risk of attempted suicide associated with a homosexual orientation. However, the mechanisms underlying this increased risk are not yet clear. This study therefore aimed to determine the risk of attempted suicide and the effect of potential risk factors on the occurrence of suicidal ideation and behaviour among homosexual youngsters. Methods: The association between suicidal ideation and behaviour and potential risk factors was assessed by means of a questionnaire in a general population sample of homosexual or bisexual young people and a control sample consisting of school pupils. Results: A twofold increased risk of suicidal ideation was found associated with a homosexual or bisexual orientation. A significantly increased risk of attempted suicide associated with homosexuality or bisexuality was found in females. Independent of sexual orientation, depression was identified as a significant risk factor for suicidal ideation, while suicidal behaviour was associated with low self-esteem, higher levels of hopelessness and suicidal behaviour in someone close. Among homosexual or bisexual young people, less satisfying homosexual friendships were an additional risk factor for suicidal behaviour. Conclusions: The identified increased risk of suicidal ideation among homosexual or bisexual young people is associated with depression and may lead to suicidal behaviour, independent of sexual orientation, especially in the presence of a role model of suicidal behaviour, and among those with unsatisfying friendships.

Suicide risk assessment in a college student population.

Abstract: A group of 211 students at a midwestem university completed the Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire (M. M. Linehan & S. L. Nielsen, 1981), Adult Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire (W. M. Reynolds, 1991a), Multi-Attitude Suicide Tendency Scale (I. Orbach et al., 1991), Beck Helplessness Scale (A. T. Beck, A. Weissman, D. Lester, & L. Trexler, 1974), and the Reasons for Living Inventory (M. M. Linehan, L. J. Goodstein, S. L. Nielsen, & J. A. Chiles, 1983) to determine if this group of commonly used self-report measures can distinguish between individuals with high and low levels of suicidal ideation and history of self-harmful behaviors. Exploratory principal-axis factor analysis resulted in an interpretable 2-factor solution accounting for 36.2% of the variance in suicidality. Support for convergent validity of the chosen measures was also found. It appears that rapid, accurate assessment of university student suicide risk is possible. Implications for reduction of suicide risk in this segment of the population are discussed.

A Neuropsychological Comparison of Depressed Suicide Attempters and Nonattempters

Abstract: The neuropsychological performance of 18 older inpatients with major depression who were admitted following a suicide attempt was compared with that of 29 older depressed inpatients who had never attempted suicide. There was an interactive effect of age and group on the Trail Making Test, part B, such that attempters showed greater performance declines with age. No other differences were detected between groups on a range of neuropsychological tasks. These findings are discussed in the context of the methodological limitations of previous studies and the need for future research to better elucidate the nature of the relationships between age, cognitive functioning, and suicidal behavior.

Attempted suicide and alcoholism in bipolar disorder: clinical and familial relationships

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: This study examined the clinical and familial relationships between comorbid alcoholism and attempted suicide in affectively ill relatives of probands with bipolar I disorder. METHOD: In 71 families ascertained for a genetic linkage study, 337 subjects with major affective disorder were assessed by using the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia—Lifetime Version. RESULTS: Subjects with bipolar disorder and alcoholism had a 38.4% lifetime rate of attempted suicide, whereas those without alcoholism had a 21.7% rate. Attempted suicide among subjects with bipolar disorder and alcoholism clustered in a subset of seven families. Families with alcoholic and suicidal probands had a 40.7% rate of attempted suicide in first-degree relatives with bipolar disorder, whereas other families had a 19.0% rate. CONCLUSIONS: Comorbid alcoholism was associated with a higher rate of attempted suicide among family members with bipolar disorder. Attempted suicide and alcoholism clustered in a subset of f...

Search for association between suicide attempt and serotonergic polymorphisms.

Abstract: Serotonergic neurotransmission has been implicated in suicidal behavior. Polymorphisms in the genes coding for tryptophan hydroxylase, serotonin receptor 2A and serotonin transporter were investigated in a sample of suicide attempters (n = 165) and healthy control subjects (n = 99). No significant differences were found for any of the investigated polymorphisms. Neither did any significant differences emerge in comparison with control subjects when the suicide attempters were grouped into different diagnostic categories: unipolar disorder (n = 45), adjustment disorder (n = 37), substance use disorder (n = 37) and personality disorder, cluster B (n = 36). The results suggest that alleles defined by the investigated polymorphisms do not represent a major determinant in suicide attempt. However, a highly significant (P = 0.001; odds ratio, 1.47; 99% confidence interval, 1.42-1.53) allelic association between tryptophan hydroxylase and suicide attempt is indicated after pooling our data with literature data. In light of previous data, a possible association between the tryptophan hydroxylase polymorphism and a phenotype that may become differently stratified within differently selected samples of suicide attempters is discussed.