Suicidality in relation to depressive symptoms and psychological distress in adults aged 30 to 101 years in a population-based study in Finland

Abstract

BackgroundScreening for suicidality has importance in terms of public health. We investigated which specific items of psychological distress best predicted suicidality in a population-based sample. MethodsA random sample of adults aged 30–101 years, being representative of the general population living in Finland, attended a health examination survey (Health 2011). We analyzed (n = 4373) the total scores on the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-13), as well as alcohol use, depressive and anxiety disorders as assessed with the Munich-Composite International Diagnostic Interview (M-CIDI) among the participants. We assigned the participants having suicidality on the basis of the self-harm item on the BDI-13, and analyzed which of the items of the GHQ-12 were significant predictors of suicidality. ResultsAfter adjusting for background variables, five items of the GHQ-12 remained as significant predictors for suicidality: items 11, 9, 4, 6, and 5 in this descending order. LimitationsThe definition of suicidality was based on only a single item of the BDI-13. ConclusionsCertain items of the GHQ-12 demonstrated strong associations with suicidality, and the GHQ-12 or a brief version of it might be used as a screening instrument for suicidality.