Risk factors to suicidal attempt in major depressive disorder patients

Abstract

Objective To explore the risk factors of socio-demographic and clinical characteristics related to suicidal attempt in major depressive disorder patients. Methods A total of 1172 major depressive disorder patients were consecutively examined in 13 mental health centers in China from September 1,2010 to February 28,2011.The patients′socio-demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded using a standardized protocol and data collection procedure.DSM-Ⅳdiagnoses were established using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI),and suicidal attempters (n=989) and nonattempters (n=183) were classified by the suicidality module of MINI.Multiple logistic regression were used to assess associated variables and suicidal attempt in major depressive disorder patients. Results Compared to the nonattempters,the attempters had earlier age at onset (32.70±12.20 vs.35.02±12.54,P=0.021),more frequent depressive episodes (13.1% vs.6.6%,P=0.002),more frequent admissions (0.66±1.33 vs.0.39±0.97,P=0.011),more untypical characteristics (e.g.,increased appetite,weight gain and greater time spent sleeping) (23.0% vs.13.9%,P=0.002),more suicidal ideation (79.2% vs.52.3%,P=0.000).Logistic regression analysis showed that age at onset (OR=0.99),number of admissions (OR=1.17),frequent depressive episodes (OR=2.07),depressive episodes with suicidal ideation (OR=3.45) were significant associated with suicidal attempt in major depressive disorder patients (P<0.05). Conclusions It indicates that earlier age at onset,more frequent depressive episodes,more frequent admissions,severer suicidal ideation may be potential independent risk factors to suicidal attempt in major depressive disorder patients. Key words: Depressive disorder; Suicide,attempted; Risk factors