Beck Scale For Suicidal Ideation Scores Research Articles

Alexithymia and Suicidal Ideation in Iranian Patients With Psoriasis

Background: Evidence highlighted the high prevalence of some mental problems among individuals with psoriasis, including alexithymia and suicidal ideation. Objectives: The present study aims to investigate the prevalence and comorbidity of alexithymia and suicidal ideation in individuals with psoriasis in Iran. Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 patients with psoriasis referred to Razi Dermatology Clinic and Beesat Clinic of hospitals affiliated to Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran, in 2020. Psoriasis was diagnosed by a dermatologist, and the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients were recorded. The Toronto alexithymia scale (TAS-20) and the Beck scale for suicidal ideation (BSSI) were used to assess alexithymia and suicidal thoughts. Results: The mean age of patients was 37.56±10.58 years, and 51% were female. Among patients, 52% had alexithymia, 23% were at high risk of suicide, and 6% were at very high risk of suicide. The moderate severity of psoriasis had a significant association with suicidal thoughts (P<0.05). The TAS-20 score had a significant association with the male gender and younger age, and the BSSI score had a significant association with the psoriasis area (P=0.003). The highest score of BSSI was seen in those with psoriasis in the face and limb/trunk (10±4.36 and 8.56±8.52, respectively). Conclusion: Patients with psoriasis exhibit a significant prevalence of alexithymia and suicidal thoughts. Additionally, younger age and male gender were identified as factors associated with alexithymia in this population.

Reduced suicidality after electroconvulsive therapy is linked to increased frontal brain activity in depressed patients: a resting-state fMRI study.

Suicidality is commonly observed in patients with depressive episodes, and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been found to be effective in treating these patients. However, the role of ECT in suicidality remains unclear. This study used resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) to explore the changes in brain function before and after ECT in depressed patients with suicidality. In total, 26 depressed patients with suicidality underwent rs-fMRI at baseline and after 8-12 sessions of ECT. In addition, 32 healthy controls (HCs) matched for age, gender, and educational level underwent rs-fMRI once. The amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF), the fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF), and regional homogeneity (ReHo) were measured to evaluate whole brain function. Differences between the groups and time points (before and after ECT) were compared. Clinical symptoms were assessed using the 17-item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-17) and Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSSI). At baseline, patients exhibited decreased ALFF in the right postcentral and precentral gyrus and decreased fALFF in the right supramarginal and postcentral gyrus, left superior frontal gyrus (SFG), as well as the superior and middle temporal gyrus compared to HCs. Patients also had lower ReHo in the left amygdala, anterior cingulate, and postcentral gyrus, and in the right thalamus, insula, and postcentral gyrus. They also exhibited higher ALFF in the bilateral temporal gyrus and insula as well as higher fALFF in the cerebellum. Following ECT, fALFF in the left SFG and orbital frontal cortex (OFC) significantly increased and was inversely correlated with the reduction of BSSI scores (r = -0.416, p = 0.048), whereas no correlation was found with changes in HAMD-17scores. Our findings suggest that the left SFG and OFC may play a key role in the mechanism of ECT for suicidality. The decrease of fALFF in the left SFG and OFC may represent a potential mechanism through which ECT effectively treats suicidality in depressed patients.

The Mediating Role of Time Perspective in the Relationship between Chronotype and Suicide in Bipolar Disorder.

(1) Background: Suicide in patients with bipolar disorder (BD) is related to the chronotype of the person from a biological perspective. However, it is not known whether there is a relationship between suicide and psychological time in BD. The aim of our study was to evaluate the relationship between time perspective (TP) and suicide and the effect of TP on the relationship between suicide and chronotype in euthymic patients with BD. (2) Methods: We included 150 BD patients and 84 healthy controls in this cross-sectional study. We administered the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (BSSI), Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (ZTPI), and Morning-Evening Questionnaire (MEQ). (3) Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the median scores of past negative TP, present fatalistic TP, future TP, and MEQ total score (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.010, and p = 0.020, respectively). There was a significant correlation between past negative TP, future TP, MEQ scores, and BSSI scores in the patient group (p < 0.001, p = 0.018, and p = 0.028, respectively). An inverse and significant relationship between the MEQ total score and BSSI score and TP types had a mediator role in this relationship. (4) Conclusions: Our study shows that TP, which evaluates time from a psychological perspective, has a direct relationship with suicidal ideation and a mediating role in the relationship between chronotype and suicide. According to our results, we can conclude that ZTPI can also be used to evaluate the risk of suicidality in patients with BD. Appropriate therapy methods for TP may help to prevent some suicide attempts.

Changes in gray matter volume following electroconvulsive therapy in adolescent depression with suicidal ideation: A longitudinal structural magnetic resonance imaging study.

ObjectiveWe aimed to investigate changes in whole-brain gray matter volumes (GMVs) before and after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in adolescents with major depressive disorder (MDD) and suicidal ideation (SI).MethodsThirty adolescents with MDD and SI were observed, and structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI) was performed at baseline and after ECT for each patient. But Twenty-five healthy controls (HCs) were scanned only at baseline. The voxel-based morphometry (VBM) techniques were used to examine GMVs.ResultsCompared with HCs, MDDs at baseline showed decreased GMVs in the left middle temporal gyrus, right superior temporal gyrus, right middle temporal gyrus, left precuneus, right precuneus, and left superior frontal gyrus. After ECT, MDDs showed increased GMVs in the right superior frontal gyrus and right superior temporal gyrus. Pearson’s correlation found that Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSSI) scores at baseline were negatively correlated with GMVs in the left superior frontal gyrus and HAMD and BSSI scores after ECT were negatively correlated with GMVs in the right superior temporal gyrus.ConclusionFrontal–temporal–precuneus structure changes may be a potential cause of depressive and suicidal symptoms in adolescents. ECT may improve depressive and suicidal symptoms in adolescents by regulating brain structures to compensate original defects.

Emotion dysregulation acts in the relationship between vulnerable narcissism and suicidal ideation.

Suicide behaviors are peculiar aspects of several cluster B disorders, including Narcissistic Personality Disorder. To date, it is still unclear which facet of narcissism is more related to the desire to die and which other factors are involved in this relationship. This study aims to offer preliminary empirical evidences concerning the relationship between narcissism, emotion dysregulation and suicide ideation. We administered the Pathological Narcissism Inventory (PNI), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), PID‐5‐BF (Personality Inventory for DSM‐5‐Short Form) and Beck Scale for Suicide ideation (BSI) to a sample of individuals with suicide ideation (n = 70) and a sample of community participants (n = 154). Controlling for age, gender and Negative Affectivity, we found that BSI scores correlated significantly with the vulnerable dimension of narcissism, but not with the grandiose one, and with all DERS dimension, apart from Awareness. Nevertheless, emotion dysregulation moderates the relationship between vulnerable narcissism and suicide ideation. Suicide ideation seems to be deeply connected with the vulnerable dimension of pathological narcissism and the relationship between the constructs is totally mediated by emotion dysregulation. Future directions and clinical implications are discussed.

Suicide in narcissism: Can shame-proneness make a difference?

IntroductionCluster B personality disorders are characterized by a higher prevalence of suicidal ideation and behavior than others, and Narcissistic Personality Disorder is no different. Very intense feelings of shame, intolerable for the individual, are often found in patients with Narcissistic Personality Disorder and may have a role in suicidal behavior.ObjectivesTo offer preliminary empirical evidences concerning the relationship between narcissism, shame and suicide ideation.MethodsWe administered Pathological Narcissism Inventory (PNI), Test of Self Conscious Affects (TOSCA) and Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (BSI) to a sample of individuals with Suicide ideation (n= 65) and a sample of community participants (n=65).ResultsControlling for age and gender, in the merged sample we found that BSI scores correlated significantly with the vulnerable dimension of narcissism and with TOSCA Interpersonal Shame subscale. In the clinical sample, Interpersonal shame partially mediates the relationship between vulnerable narcissism and suicidal ideation.ConclusionsShame seems to play a key role in the relationship between the vulnerable facet of narcissism and suicidal ideation, although the profound mechanism by which it works remains to be understood. Future directions and clinical implications are discussed.

The role of emotion dysregulation in the relationship between narcissism and suicide

IntroductionSuicide attempts and suicidal ideation are peculiar aspects of several cluster b disorders, including Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Similarly, difficulty in regulating negative affects can play a role in the relationship between narcissist features and suicidal ideation. To date, it is still unclear which facet of narcissism is more related to the desire to die and which other factors are involved in this relationship.ObjectivesTo offer preliminary empirical evidences concerning the relationship between narcissism, emotion regulation and suicide ideation.MethodsWe administered Pathological Narcissism Inventory (PNI), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) and Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (BSI) to a sample of individuals with Suicide ideation (n= 68) and a sample of community participants (n=140).ResultsControlling for age and gender, we found that BSI scores correlated significantly with the vulnerable dimension of narcissism, but not with the grandiose one, and with all DERS dimensions. Nevertheless, emotion dysregulation moderates the relationship between vulnerable narcissism and suicidal ideation.ConclusionsSuicide ideation seems to be deeply connected with the vulnerable dimension of pathological narcissism and the relationship between the constructs is partially mediated by emotion dysregulation. Future directions and clinical implications are discussed.

Biochemical predictors in presentations to the emergency department after a suicide attemp.

This study was conducted with an aim to determine whether biochemical parameters could be used to identify the individuals at risk of suicide. The experimental group consisted of a total of 46 patients that presented to the emergency department after a suicide attempt. 45 healthy individuals constituted the control group. All subjects were evaluated by using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and the Beck ScaleforSuicidal Ideation(BSSI). All subjects were evaluated for leukocyte count, mean platelet volume (MPV), C-reactive protein (CRP), cholesterol, triglyceride levels and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR). The Vitamin D levels of the subjects in the experimental group were also measured. The BAI (p < 0.01), BDI (p < 0.01), and BSSI (p < 0.01) scores of the two groups were significantly different. The two groups were also significantly different in terms of CRP (p < 0.01), cholesterol (p < 0.05), NLR (p < 0.01), MPV (p < 0.01), triglyceride (p < 0.01) and leukocyte (p < 0.01) results. The vitamin D levels of the experimental group were found to be below normal vitamin D levels. High CRP levels were found to be a predictor of anxiety symptoms, and MPV and triglyceride levels were found to be predictors of depressive symptoms. We believe that biochemical parameters can be used to identify people with increased suicide risk, and suicide rates can be reduced by ensuring that these patients receive mental health care in the early period (Tab. 5, Ref. 42).

Neuronavigation-Guided rTMS for the Treatment of Depressive Patients With Suicidal Ideation: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Sham-Controlled Trial.

During the last decade, the problem of suicide has become more serious in individuals with depression. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an effective treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD). This study aims to investigate the efficacy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based neuronavigation-guided daily high-dose rTMS for rapidly improving suicidal ideation in treatment-naive patients with MDD. In the present 1-week double-blind study, 42 treatment-naive patients with MDD with suicidal ideation were randomly assigned to the treatment of escitalopram oxalate tablets (10mg/d) in combination with either active (n=21) or sham (n=21) rTMS. The TMS coil was positioned over a specified target location (-44, 40, and 29) in left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex based on MRI data. The severity of suicidal ideation was measured by the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSI). The 24-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-24) and Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) were utilized to assess the severity of depression. The Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Continuous Performance Test, and Stroop Color-Word Test were adopted to assess executive function. In contrast to the sham group, the active rTMS group showed a significantly greater BSI score reduction at the third day and the seventh day (P<0.001). Moreover, the active rTMS group showed a significantly greater HAMD (P<0.001) and MADRS (P<0.001) score reduction at the seventh day in comparison to the sham group. The present findings suggested that the neuronavigation-guided high-dose rTMS may be a novel method to rapidly reduce suicidal ideation and mitigate depressive symptoms.

The Relationship Between Anxiety, Depression, Suicidal Ideation and Quality of Life in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease and many patients with RA experience lifelong anxiety and depression. The aim of this study is to provide an assessment of anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, disease activity and quality of life in patients with RA. Fifty patients were included in the study. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSSI) and Disease Activity Score (DAS-28) were applied. A statistically negative correlation was found between HADS-A and HADS-D scores and all subscales of SF-36. There was a statistically negative correlation between the DAS-28 score and the subscales of the SF-36 except mental health and bodily pain. Suicidal ideation was associated with anxiety and depression and BSSI scores of patients suffering from anxiety and depression are higher than the patients not suffering from anxiety and depression. There was a statistically negative correlation between BSSI and the subscales of SF-36 excepting physical role. This study indicated that anxiety, depression, quality of life, disease activity and suicidal ideation are related to each other in patients with RA. The presence of concomitant anxiety and depression may lead to suicide and poor quality of life and may worsen the prognosis of the RA.

Association of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type1 (HSD11b1) gene polymorphisms with outcome of antidepressant therapy and suicide attempts

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis has been implicated in the pathophysiology of depressive disorders. HSD11B1 encodes 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type1 enzyme, responsible for converting cortisone to cortisol. Genetic polymorphisms in HSD11B1 may impact in depression outcome and risk of suicide. This study aimed to assess whether HSD11B1 genotypes and haplotypes are associated with depression risk, severity of symptoms and suicidal attempts, considering early-life stress as an environmental factor.Here, 142 depressive patients and 103 healthy controls were included. Patients were enrolled from the Affective Disorders ambulatory and day hospital units, both within the University General Hospital of Ribeirao Preto. All subjects were clinically assessed applying the Mini-PLUS International Neuropsychiatric Interview, followed by the 21-item GRID-Hamilton Depression Scale, Childhood Trauma Questionnaire and Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (BSI). All subjects underwent antecubital vein puncture to obtain blood for DNA extraction. Genotyping of rs11119328 and rs11811440 were performed using allele-specific oligonucleotide polymerase chain reaction.We found a significant association of rs11119328 variant genotypes with increased risk for at least one suicide attempt (OR: 7.10, p = 0.049) and an association of variant genotypes of rs11811440 with euthymic mood under optimized pharmacological treatment (OR: 0.05, P = 0.014). These tests included correction for confounding factors. The association of genetic markers with depression risk, GRID-HAM-D21 and BSI scores and the number of suicidal attempts were nonsignificant. Haplotypes combining both markers were not associated with the studied phenotypes.We conclude that HSD11B1 polymorphisms may be relevant biomarkers for detecting subjects genetically vulnerable to poorer antidepressant response and higher risk of suicide attempts.

Associations Between the NIH Toolbox Adult Social Relationship Scales and Suicidal Ideation.

Various measures of social support have been associated with suicidal ideation (SI). However, a brief, consistent, multidimensional approach to social support assessment has not been established. We assessed the NIH Toolbox Adult Social Relationship (ASR) scales and their associations with the Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (BSI). Five ASR scales (emotional support, instrumental support, friendship, loneliness, perceived rejection) were used to predict BSI scores among psychiatric inpatients at baseline (N = 79) and at 3-months follow-up (N = 63). Mean BSI scores were 22.2 (SD 8.6) at baseline and 5.7 (SD 6.7) at follow-up. The ASR scales had high internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.93-0.96). Emotional support was associated with SI at baseline and 3-month follow-up. Instrumental support, loneliness and perceived rejection were associated with SI at baseline. Friendship was not associated with SI at either time-point. The ASR scales appear promising in differentiating aspects of social support most relevant to SI.

The Effect of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) on the severity of suicidal thoughts in patients with major depressive disorder: a randomized controlled trial.

ObjectiveDepression is a major risk factor for suicide and more than 90% of people who attempt suicide suffer from depression. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy on the severity of suicidal thoughts in patients with major depressive disorder.Study designRandomized Clinical Trial.MethodsThis clinical trial was performed on 70 people with major depressive disorder who exhibited suicidal thoughts. The patients were selected via convenience sampling and were randomly divided into control (n=35) and experimental (n=35) groups. EMDR was performed individually in the experimental group for 45–90 min, 3 days per week, on alternate days, for 3 weeks (9 sessions in total), whereas the controls group received routine treatment without intervention. Both groups completed the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSSI) at pre- and post-test. The obtained data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS 22 (α=0.05).ResultsMean BSSI score for the experimental group was reduced significantly at post-test (11.11±4.15) compared to pre-test (26.48±5.74) (p<0.001). Although the control group’s mean BSSI score was also reduced at post-test (24.93±4.42) compared to pre-test (26.68±5.05), this difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05).ConclusionEMDR therapy has been shown in this study to reduce the severity of suicidal feelings. Therefore, it can be recommended as an alternative treatment method for reducing the severity of suicidal thoughts in patients with major depressive disorder.

Association of Psychache and Alexithymia With Suicide in Patients With Schizophrenia.

Suicide is a leading cause of death in patients with schizophrenia. Previous studies have mostly investigated the association between suicide and sociodemographics, positive and negative symptoms, and depressive symptoms. This study evaluated psychache and alexithymia in patients with schizophrenia, which have both been associated with suicide attempts and thoughts in patients with other psychiatric disorders. Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Psychache Scale (PAS), Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (BSSI), Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS), and Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS) scores were obtained in 113 patients with schizophrenia, including 50 with suicide attempts. PANSS positive symptoms and general psychopathology subscale, CDSS, BSSI, TAS, and PAS scores were significantly higher in patients with suicide attempts. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, only the PAS score was an independent predictor of attempted suicide. Mediation analysis demonstrated that psychache (both directly and indirectly) and alexithymia (indirectly) might be associated with the risk of suicide in these patients.

Placebo aiTBS attenuates suicidal ideation and frontopolar cortical perfusion in major depression

The application of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation has been shown to rapidly decrease suicidal ideation in major depressive disorder (MDD). However, the neural working mechanisms behind this prompt attenuation of suicidal thoughts remains to be determined. Here, we examined how placebo-accelerated intermittent theta burst stimulation (aiTBS) may influence brain perfusion and suicidal thoughts using arterial spin labeling (ASL). In a randomized double-blind sham-controlled crossover trial, 45 MDD patients received aiTBS applied to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (Trial registration: http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT01832805). With each ASL scan measurement, suicidal ideation was assessed with the Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (BSI) and depression severity with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Compared with active stimulation, the attenuation of suicidal ideation after 4 days of placebo aiTBS was related to significant frontopolar prefrontal perfusion decreases. These findings were unrelated to changes in depression severity scores. Although both active and sham aiTBS resulted in prompt decreases in suicidal ideation, specifically sham aiTBS significantly attenuated frontopolar perfusion in relation to reductions in BSI scores. Our findings show that in accelerated neurostimulation paradigms, placebo responses are related to perfusion decreases in brain areas associated with higher cognitive processes, resulting in suicidal ideation attenuation.

The effectiveness of different singly administered high doses of buprenorphine in reducing suicidal ideation in acutely depressed people with co-morbid opiate dependence: a randomized, double-blind, clinical trial

BackgroundBuprenorphine is usually administered to treat opioid use disorder and pain syndromes. This research presents the first study regarding the effectiveness of different singly administered high doses of buprenorphine (a partial opioid agonist (of μ-opioid receptors), a potent opioid antagonist (of κ-receptors) and a partial agonist of nociception receptors) in reducing suicidal ideation in acutely depressed people with co-morbid opiate dependence. It follows small studies that suggest that ultra-low-dose buprenorphine may be useful in reducing suicidal ideation. The goal of this study was to describe the outcome of different doses of buprenorphine on suicidal opioid-dependent patients over a 3-day interval, by conducting a randomized clinical trial.MethodsFifty-one suicidal male inpatients who fulfilled the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria for both opioid dependence and major depressive disorder were randomized to three groups (n = 17 per group) to receive a single, sublingual dose of buprenorphine (32 mg, 64 mg, or 96 mg). Out of 51 participants, there were 47 patients; 16 (34.04%) received 32 mg, 17 (36.17%) received 64 mg, and 14 (29.78%) received 96 mg of sublingual buprenorphine. They were evaluated by using psychometric assessment of the Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (BSSI) and interviews based on DSM-5 criteria. A placebo group was not included because of the high probability of severe withdrawal without active pharmacological treatment. The study was conducted with appropriate precautions and monitoring of respiratory and cardiovascular measures. The medication was administered while the patients were in moderate opiate withdrawal, as indicated by the presence of four to five withdrawal symptoms. A structured clinical interview was conducted, and urine toxicology testing was performed.ResultsPatients completed the 3-day trial course. The outcomes illustrated a significant reduction in BSSI scores within each of the three groups, p < 0.01., but no difference in results between the groups, p = 0.408.ConclusionsThe results suggest that a single high dose of buprenorphine could rapidly treat suicidal ideations. A single high dose of buprenorphine may be a main-mechanism medication that gives a rapid treatment for suicidal opioid-dependent patients. Placebo-controlled trials are required to measure the safety and the physiological and psychological effects of this medication.

Suicidal ideation, anxiety, and depression in patients with multiple sclerosis

Psychiatric disorders frequently occur in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS); however, limited reports are available on these comorbidities. We aimed to investigate the relationships among MS, anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. One hundred and thirty two patients with relapsing-remitting MS were evaluated using the Expanded Disability Status Scale, Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSI), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. A hierarchical regression analysis was performed to evaluate the variables. The regression equation significantly predicted the BSI score (R2 = 0.306; adjusted R2 = 0.273; F (9, 125) = 9.18; p < 0.0005), and the BDI-II score was the only variable that contributed significantly to this model (p < 0.0005). A high prevalence of depression and anxiety, and a higher rate of suicidal ideation were identified in MS patients compared to the general population. The presence of depressive symptoms appeared to have a direct influence on the risk of suicide.

Fast Effect of Buprenorphine on Opioid-dependent Patients with Suicidal Ideation: A Novel Approach

Background: Buprenorphine is usually administered to manage opioid use disorder and pain syndromes. It could be a proper treatment option for suicidality, resistant depression, self-destructive behavior, and anxiety. Buprenorphine has a considerable abuse potential that confines its administration in patients committing suicide with a background of substance abuse. Objectives: The current study aimed to clarify the influence of different doses of buprenorphine on opioid-dependent patients committing suicide over a 2-day period in a randomized, clinical trial (RCT). Patients and Methods: Patients were randomly assigned into 3 groups. Twenty-three suicidal male patients who met the DSM-5 (diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders) criteria for opioid dependence and sought treatment were recruited. Patients randomly received 32, 64, or 96 mg of buprenorphine as a single high-dose only and were hospitalized in a psychiatric inpatient ward. Out of the 23 patients, 9 (39.2%), 8 (34.8%), and 6 (26%) received 32, 64, and 96 mg of buprenorphine, respectively. Psychometric assessment was performed using the Beck scale for suicidal ideation (BSSI) and interview. All patients completed the 2-day treatment period. The results indicated a significant decrease in BSSI scores in each of the 3 groups (P < 0.05), but there was no difference in the outcome between the groups (P = 0.30). Conclusions: The current study results indicated that a single high-dose of buprenorphine could provide a speedy and safe means to treat suicidality in opioid-dependent patients.

Evaluating personality traits and suicidal ideation in substance-dependent patients on methadone maintenance therapy in addiction treatment centers in Rasht

Introduction: Opium dependence and abuse are a topic of interest for clinicians due to its negative social consequences and risk of suicide. Suicide itself is correlated with some personality traits. This study is aimed to assess the relationship between suicidal thought and personality traits in opium dependent patients who are currently on methadone maintenance therapy. Materials and Methods: Ninety opium-dependent men on methadone maintenance therapy were randomly selected from addiction treatment centers in Rasht and entered this cross-sectional study. Beck scale for suicidal ideation (BSSI), big five inventory (BFI), beck depression inventory (BDI-II), and demographic questionnaire were used for evaluation. Data were analyzed by SPSS 22. Results: Mean ages of patients were 45.6 ± 21.37 years. 58.9% were married. 40% were minimally depressed, 36.7% were mildly depressed, and 23.3% were moderately depressed. There was a correlation between BDI and BSSI scores (r = 0.613, P = 0.001). Spearman correlation coefficient showed a positive correlation between BFI and BSSI scores, regarding occupational states and methadone dosage. Conclusion: Regarding the high prevalence of suicidal attempt among addicted patients, assessing personality traits and social factors in patients on agonist therapy is necessary to find appropriate solutions to reduce or prevent suicide.

Efficacy of psychological pain theory–based cognitive therapy in suicidal patients with major depressive disorder: A pilot study

The present study aimed to explore the effects of psychological pain theory–based cognitive therapy (PPTBCT) on suicide among depressed patients, compared with a control group who received usual psychological care (UPC). The sample consisted of 32 depressed patients and 32 healthy control subjects. All participants completed the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSI), Beck Depression Inventory, Three-Dimensional Psychological Pain Scale (TDPPS), and Problem Solving Inventory(PSI), and Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire (ATQ). All measures differed significantly between depressed patients and healthy controls. Then clinical participants were assigned randomly to the PPTBCT (n=19) and control (n=13) groups. During the 8-week intervention, scores related to depression, suicidal ideation, psychological pain, and automatic thoughts were decreased in both groups at the post-intervention and 4-week follow-up time points, compared with pre-intervention scores. BSI scores remained low at follow up and did not differ significantly from post-intervention scores in the PPTBCT group, but were significantly higher at follow up than at post-intervention in the control group. PPTBCT may effectively reduce suicide risk in patients with major depressive disorder, although the effects of its application need to be confirmed.