Suicidal ideation and its risk factors in borderline personality disorder

Abstract

Objective To investigate suicidal ideation and its risk factors in patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD), and raise awareness of suicidal risk in BPD. Methods Patients with BPD were selected from in-patient and out-patient departments as case group(n=84), while 84 subjects were selected as control group, 1∶1 matched by gender and age. Barratt impulsiveness scale, Buss-Perry aggression questionnaire, childhood trauma questionnaire, Beck depression inventory, Beck hopelessness scale and Beck scale for suicide ideation were used to measure the two groups. Results (1)In case group, the number of incidence of suicidal occurred was 84 .The scores of suicidal ideation in the recent week(4.94±4.57 vs 0.50±0.51), suicidal ideation in the worst situation(20.43±6.58 vs 1.26±2.60) and the total score(25.37±9.78 vs 1.76±3.65) were statistically higher than those in control group (t=8.499, 24.972, 20.847, all P<0.01). (2) Multiple regression analysis showed that motor impulsivity, physical neglect in childhood, impulsivity, co-morbidity of axis I disorders, physical abuse in childhood, unemployment and unmarried status were risk factors of suicidal ideation in patients with BPD (β=0.876, 0.640, 0.428, 0.350, 0.236, 0.165, -0.205, all P<0.05). Conclusion The suicide ideation of patients with BPD are prevalent and intense. Awareness of risk factors for patients with BPD, thereby reducing the risk of suicide. Key words: Borderline personality disorder; Suicidal ideation; Risk factor