A population-based longitudinal study of risk factors for suicide attempts in major depressive disorder

Abstract

No longitudinal study has examined risk factors for future suicide attempts in major depressive disorder in a nationally representative sample. The objective of this study was to investigate baseline sociodemographic characteristics, comorbid mental disorders, specific depressive symptoms, and previous suicidal behavior as potential risk factors for suicide attempts at 3 years follow-up. Data came from the national epidemiologic survey on alcohol and related conditions (NESARC), a large nationally representative longitudinal survey of mental illness in adults [Wave 1 (2001–2002); Wave 2 (2004–2005) n = 34,653]. Logistic regression examined associations between risk factors present at Wave 1 and suicide attempts at Wave 2 ( n = 169) among individuals with major depressive disorder at baseline assessment ( n = 6004). Risk factors for incident suicide attempts at Wave 2 ( n = 63) were identified among those with major depressive disorder at Wave 1 and no lifetime history of suicide attempts ( n = 5170). Results revealed specific comorbid anxiety, personality, and substance use disorders to be associated with incident suicide attempts at Wave 2. Comorbid borderline personality disorder was strongly associated with suicide attempts in all models. Several comorbid disorders were strongly associated with suicide attempts at Wave 2 even after adjusting for previous suicidal behavior, notably posttraumatic stress disorder (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.20; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.27–3.83) and dependent personality disorder (AOR = 4.43; 95% CI 1.93–10.18). These findings suggest that mental illness comorbidity confers an increased risk of future suicide attempts in major depressive disorder that is not solely accounted for by past suicidal behavior.