Suicidal Ideation In Patients Research Articles

Suicidal ideation in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: incidence and risk factors

To study the incidence of suicidal ideation in patients with SLE and the associated risk factors. Consecutive patients who fulfilled four or more ACR criteria for SLE were recruited. Suicidal thought in the preceding month was assessed by three direct questions. The intensity of suicidal ideation was assessed by the validated Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (BSSI). Socio-demographic data, clinical manifestations, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), SLEDAI and SLICC/ACR Damage Index (SDI) scores were compared between patients with and without suicidal thoughts. Linear regression was used to study the factors associated with higher BSSI scores. Of the 367 SLE patients studied (96% women; mean age 40.2 years (S.D. 13), mean disease duration 9.3 years (S.D. 7.2), 67 (18.3%) patients had clinically active SLE and 137 (37.3%) had organ damage (SDI ≥ 1). Suicidal thoughts were present in 44 (12%) patients. Patients with suicidal thoughts, compared with those without, had significantly higher mean SLEDAI scores in the preceding year [5.1 (S.D. 4.0) vs 2.9 (S.D. 2.7), P < 0.001], higher SDI [1.4 (S.D. 1.7) vs 0.6 (S.D. 1.1), P < 0.001], HADS-depression [11.2 (S.D. 4.7) vs 4.4 (S.D. 3.8), P < 0.001] and anxiety [12.2 (S.D. 4.9) vs 5.6 (S.D. 4.1), P < 0.001] scores, and were more likely to be unemployed (P = 0.02), have a past history of psychiatric disorders (P = 0.03) and previous suicide attempts (P = 0.02), as well as major life events in the preceding month (P = 0.006). Linear regression revealed that the BSSI score correlated significantly with the HADS-depression score (β = 0.27, P = 0.001), previous suicide attempts (β = 0.12, P = 0.03), major life events (β = 0.13, P = 0.01) and cardiovascular SDI score (β = 0.27, P < 0.001). Suicidal ideation is common in SLE and is more intense in patients with depressive symptoms, cardiovascular damage, recent life events and previous suicide attempts.

Anhedonia and Pain Avoidance in the Suicidal Mind: Behavioral Evidence for Motivational Manifestations of Suicidal Ideation in Patients With Major Depressive Disorder

Psychological pain may be helpful in conceptualizing suicidal behavior, in that high motivation to avoid pain combined with painful feelings may contribute to an increased risk of suicide. However, no experimental study has tested this hypothesis. The aim of the present study is to provide empirical evidence for the relationship between anhedonia, pain avoidance motivation, and suicidal ideation. The sample comprised 40 depressed outpatients and 20 healthy control subjects. All participants completed the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSS), Beck Depression Inventory, Psychache Scale, Three-Dimensional Psychological Pain Scale, the monetary incentive delay (MID), and affective incentive delay (AID) tasks. Based on BSS scores, clinical participants were divided into high suicidal ideation (HSI) and low suicidal ideation (LSI) groups. In the AID task, the HSI group had longer response times (RTs) under the reward condition than those under the punishment condition (p = .002). The LSI and control groups had shorter RTs under the reward condition compared with those under the neural condition (p <.001 and p = .008, respectively). The LSI group also had shorter RTs under the reward condition than under the punishment condition (p = .003). Pain arousal (r = -.33, p <.01) and BSS scores were significantly negatively correlated with differences in RTs between neutral and reward conditions. Pain avoidance (r = .35, p <.01) and BSS scores were positively correlated with differences in RTs between neutral and punishment conditions. The AID task was more sensitive than the MID task for the detection of participants' motivation in approaching hedonic experiences and avoiding pain. A suicidal mindset is manifested as decreased motivation to experience hedonia and increased motivation to avoid pain, which could be strong predictors of suicidal behavior.

Effects of a suicide prevention programme for hospitalised patients with mental illness in South Korea

To investigate the effects of a suicide prevention programme on the levels of depression, self-esteem, suicidal ideation and spirituality in patients with mental illness. Instances of suicide have significant correlations with depression, low self-esteem, suicidal ideation and a low level of spirituality in the victims. Therefore, addressing depression, low self-esteem and suicidal ideation as suicide risk factors and increasing levels of spirituality can constitute an effective programme to prevent suicide among patients with mental illness. The study was a quasi-experimental study with a nonequivalent control group, nonsynchronised design. The study sample consisted of 45 patients with mental illness who had been admitted to the psychiatric unit in a university hospital in South Korea. The patients were assigned to control and experimental groups of 23 and 22 members, respectively. The suicide prevention programme was conducted with the experimental group over four weeks and included eight sessions (two per week). The control group received only routine treatments in the hospital. The experimental group that participated in the programme had significantly decreased mean scores for depression and suicidal ideation compared with the control group. However, there were no significant differences in the mean scores for self-esteem and spirituality between the groups. The suicide prevention programme might be usefully applied as a nursing intervention for patients hospitalised in psychiatric wards or clinics where the goals are to decrease depression and suicidal ideation. Typical treatments for hospitalised patients with mental illness are not enough to prevent suicide. Intervention for suicide prevention needs to apply an integrated approach. The suicide prevention programme using an integrated approach is more effective in reducing depression and suicidal ideation in patients with mental illness than applying routine treatments in the hospital.

Efficacy of psychotherapy on diurnal cortisol patterns and suicidal ideation in adjustment disorder with depressed mood

AimsThe aims were to examine the effects of psychotherapy on depressive and anxiety symptoms, the occurrence of suicidal ideations and diurnal cortisol patterns in patients with adjustment disorder (AD) with depressed mood. MethodsParticipants recruited from an outpatient department of psychiatry at a general hospital were randomly assigned to one of two groups: 34 in psychotherapy group and 37 in control group. The control group consisted of one-session psychoeducation. Psychotherapy included the eight-weekly body–mind–spirit (BMS) group psychotherapy. Measures included Beck Depression Inventory-II and State Trait Anxiety Inventory. Salivary cortisol samples were collected from the patients at their homes on awakening; 30 and 45min after awakening; and at 1200, 1700 and 2100 h. Measurements were taken at baseline and at months 2 (end of intervention), 5, 8 and 14. ResultsThere was no differential change over time between the BMS and control groups in self-reported depression or anxiety symptoms. However, suicidal ideation appeared to be reduced in the psychotherapy group. Changes in diurnal cortisol patterns were also significantly different in group × time interactions, in favor of BMS group. ConclusionsPsychotherapy likely provides improvements in psychobiological stress responses and decreases the occurrence of suicidal ideation in patients with AD.

Risk Factors for Suicidal Ideation among Patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.

ObjectiveChronic pain frequently coexists with psychiatric symptoms in patients diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Previous studies have shown a relationship between CRPS and the risk of suicide. The purpose of this study was to assess risk factors for suicidal ideation in patients with CRPS.MethodsBased on criteria established by the International Association for the Study of Pain, 39 patients diagnosed with CRPS Type 1 or Type 2 were enrolled in this study. Suicidal ideation was assessed using item 3 of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), and symptoms of pain were evaluated using the short form of the McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ). Psychiatric symptoms were assessed in using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Disorders (SCID-I, SCID-II), the HAMD, the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA), the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale (GAF), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).ResultsTwenty-nine patients (74.4%) were at high risk and 10 (25.6%) were at low risk for suicidal ideation. Risk factors significantly associated with suicidal ideation included depression (p=0.002), severity of pain (p=0.024), and low scores on the GAF (p=0.027). No significant correlations were found between suicidal ideation and anxiety or quality of sleep.ConclusionSignificant risk factors for suicidal ideation in patients with CRPS include severity of pain, depressive symptoms, and decreased functioning. These results suggest that psychiatric evaluation and intervention should be included in the treatment of CRPS.

Determinants of suicidal ideation in patients with breast cancer

Breast cancer survivors are at higher risk of psychological problems including suicidal ideation. However, studies on suicidal ideation in breast cancer survivors have been rare and have not been investigated prospectively. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and independent risk factors for suicidal ideation within 1 week and at 1 year after breast surgery for breast cancer. A total of 284 patients with breast cancer were evaluated within 1 week after breast surgery, and 244 (84%) were followed up 1 year later. Suicidal ideation was ascertained using the item 'suicidal thoughts' from the Beck Depression Inventory. Various factors potentially related to suicidal ideation were evaluated including sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, and genetic polymorphisms on serotonin and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) systems. Suicidal ideation was present in 10.9% of participants at 1 week and 11.4% at 1 year after breast surgery. Suicidal ideation was independently associated with depression and physical disability at 1 week and with living alone, anxiety, advanced cancer stage, and the BDNF met allele (but not with genetic polymorphisms on serotonergic system) at 1 year after breast surgery. Suicidal ideation was common and had similar prevalences in both short-term and longer-term follow-ups after breast cancer. However, associated factors were substantially different between the two evaluation points, which suggest that time-specific programs may be needed for identifying and managing suicidal risk in patients with breast cancer.

Anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in use of methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, leflunomide and biological drugs

ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the prevalence of anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis taking different drugs to control the disease. MethodsThe study included 105 patients with rheumatoid arthritis who were treated with methotrexate, leflunomide, hydroxychloroquine and biological drugs. All patients were assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. ResultsDifference was statistically significant (p<0.001) for both depression and anxiety as to suicidal ideation among groups of patients according to the medication used. Furthermore, the value reached by those patients taking biological drugs was alarming with higher scores for all measures, including suicide ideation. The patients using methotrexate and leflunomide reported lower scores on suicidal ideation than those using hydroxychloroquine and biological drugs. Patients using leflunomide showed less mental health impairment than other groups. ConclusionGreater scores for depression, as a comorbidity of rheumatoid arthritis, increase the rate of suicidal ideation and depression also can worsen general pain, hardships, treatment denial, and prognosis, as well as cause a faster reduction in quality of life. Patients taking biologic DMARDs (drugs known as disease-modifying drugs) had the highest rates of depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation among all patients studied. The current analysis showed that psychiatric aspects such as depression, anxiety and even suicide ideation, may differ between groups of patients with arthritis according to the drug used, serving as an alert to the importance of considering also this factors in therapeutic decisions.

AB0645 Suicidal ideation in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: Incidence and relationship with anxiety/depression score, disease activity and organ damage

ObjectivesTo study the incidence of suicidal ideation in patients with SLE and its relationship with anxiety/depression score, disease activity and organ damageMethodsConsecutive patients who fulfilled the ACR criteria for SLE...

AB0390 Suicidal ideation in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: prevalence and risk factors

ObjectivesTo study the prevalence of suicidal ideation in patients with SLE and its associated risk factorsMethodsConsecutive patients who fulfilled 34 ACR criteria for SLE were recruited for a questionnaire study...

The prevalence and mediators of suicidal ideation in patients with chronic con-cancer pain

The prevalence and mediators of suicidal ideation in patients with chronic con-cancer pain

Does Age Moderate the Relationship Between Depressive Symptoms and Suicidal Ideation in Middle-Aged and Older Patients with Schizophrenia and Subthreshold Depression?

Suicidal deaths in middle-aged and older individuals with schizophrenia are a public health concern. Depression and schizophrenia are major risk factors for suicide. However, it is unknown whether age moderates the relationship between depression and suicidal ideation in patients with schizophrenia and subthreshold depression. Suicidal ideation was assessed with the InterSePT Scale for Suicidal Ideation and the Clinical Global Impression-Suicide Severity Scale in outpatients older than 39 years with schizophrenia and subthreshold depression (n = 213). Using linear regression, we examined whether depression (based on Calgary Depression Rating Scale scores), age, and "age by depressive symptoms" predicted suicidal ideation. Depressive symptoms predicted suicidal ideation. Neither age nor "depressive symptoms by age" predicted suicidal ideation. In this population, age does not appear to moderate the relationship between depressive symptoms and suicidal behavior. Thus, assessing depressive symptoms as a risk factor is important at all ages in this population.

Parathyroidectomy, Elevated Depression Scores, and Suicidal Ideation in Patients With Primary Hyperparathyroidism

To assess anxiety and depression symptoms, suicidal ideation, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in a large series of consecutive patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) before and after parathyroidectomy. This prospective multicenter study investigated preoperative and postoperative depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and HRQOL in patients with pHPT and compared these variables with a control group with nontoxic thyroid nodules. The study included 194 patients with pHPT and 186 control subjects. Depression was evaluated with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, which also assessed suicidal ideation. Anxiety was evaluated with the HADS. Health-related quality of life was measured with the 36-Item Short Form survey. Parathyroidectomy achieved a 98% cure rate. Preoperatively, severe depression (HADS score ≥ 11) was seen in 20% of the pHPT group and 9% of the control group. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 detected moderate to severe depression in 17% of the patients with pHPT and 7% of the control subjects. Patients with pHPT had higher HADS anxiety scores (mean, 7.7) than control subjects (P < .01) or the German normative sample (P < .001). Compared with control subjects, patients with pHPT had significantly lower 36-Item Short Form survey preoperative physical and mental health summary scores (42.7 vs 49.5 and 41.2 vs 46.8, respectively; P = .001 for both comparisons). At 12 months follow-up, depression and anxiety decreased significantly in patients with pHPT; the prevalence of suicidal ideation was more than halved from the baseline (10.7% vs 22%; P = .008). Both physical and mental health scores (45.7 and 47.7, respectively) improved in patients with pHPT (P < .001 each) but not in control subjects. Depression, anxiety, and decreased HRQOL appear to be related to pHPT. Successful parathyroidectomy seems to reduce psychopathologic symptoms and improve HRQOL in this setting.

Factores de riesgo para ideación suicida en pacientes con trastorno depresivo en Colombia

IntroductionSuicidal ideation is a poor prognostic factor in patients with depression, due to the risk of suicide attempt or completed suicide. However, it is a relatively unexplored aspect in the Colombian population. It is important to identify the associated factors in order to develop appropriate treatment strategies. ObjectiveTo identify risk factors for suicidal ideation in patients with major depressive disorder between 18 and 65 years in 5 Colombian cities. MethodsData from 295 patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder were used from the Study of the Economic Burden of Depression in Colombia. The association between the clinical and psychosocial variables with the presence of suicidal ideation was assessed using two-level hierarchical models. ResultsFemale sex was a factor associated with a lower risk of suicidal ideation. Factors associated with the presence of suicidal ideation include unemployment, smoking and alcohol use in the past 30 days, mental health perceived as fair or poor, diagnosis of double depression, inpatient treatment, low income, unemployment, and a major financial crisis in the last 2 years. ConclusionsSuicidal ideation is highly prevalent in patients with major depressive disorder. Risk factors associated with both the clinical and psychosocial domain must be carefully evaluated during risk assessment of patients with this diagnosis.

Impact of seasonal and lunar cycles on psychological symptoms in the ED: an empirical investigation of widely spread beliefs

ObjectivesThis study evaluates the impacts of seasonal and lunar cycles on anxiety and mood disorders, panic and suicidal ideation in patients consulting the emergency department (ED) with a complaint of unexplained chest pain (UCP). MethodsPatients with UCP were recruited from two EDs. Psychiatric diagnoses were evaluated with the Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule for DSM-IV. ResultsSignificant seasonal effects were observed on panic and anxiety disorders, with panic more frequently encountered during spring [odds ratio (OR)=1.378, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.002–1.896] and anxiety disorders during summer (OR=1.586, 95% CI=1.037–2.425). Except for one significant finding, no significant effects of lunar cycles were observed. These findings encourage ED professionals and physicians to abandon their beliefs about the influence of lunar cycles on the mental health of their patients. Such unfounded beliefs are likely to be maintained by self-fulfilling prophecies.

Suicidal ideation in seropositive patients seen at a South African HIV voluntary counselling and testing clinic

Suicidal behaviour and HIV/AIDS are significant public health concerns. The aim of this study was to investigate suicidal ideation in patients who were referred to a voluntary HIV counselling and testing (VCT) clinic and who were found to be seropositive. This in order to improve suicide prevention and intervention strategies amongst such patients. The sample studied consisted of volunteer adult patients referred over a three-month period to a HIVVCT clinic based at a university-affiliated general state hospital. Patients completed a questionnaire on sociodemographic data. Suicidal ideation was measured using the Beck Hopelessness Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), at two time points (within 72 hours after notification and again at a 6 week follow-up). All patients received extensive pre-and post-test counselling. HIV-test results were available for 189 (99.5%) of the original sample of 190 patients studied, with 157 (83.1%) testing positive. More females tested positive as did unemployed and single/divorced patients. The mean age for HIV-positive patients was 33.49 (SD = 9.449), and for HIV-negative patients it was 37.94 (SD = 15.238). Age was a significant factor in that for each year increase in age, the risk of testing HIV-positive decreased by 4.1%. Lower education and traditional beliefs were also significantly associated with testing HIV-positive. At 72 hours suicidal ideation was present in 17.1% (95% confidence interval 12.16% to 23.45%), and at 6 weeks in 24.1% (95% confidence interval 17.26% to 32.39%) of the seropositive patients. Their average BDI scores were 15.20 and 14.23 respectively at the two time points. Suicidal ideation was present in a significant number of the seropositive cohort studied and increased over a six week period among these patients. The average BDI scores at both time points imply a clinical depression. The findings also suggest an association between positive HIV-test results and certain socio-demographic variables that can act as indicators for suicidal ideation in HIV-infected persons, although this requires further research. Although the relationship between suicidal ideation and HIV-infection is complex, it is an important consideration when assessing patient suicide vulnerability at HIV VCT clinics and when implementing suicide prevention and management strategies.

Age, gender and suicidal ideation following voluntary HIV counseling and testing.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of suicidal ideation in patients who were tested for HIV-infection and whether along with their HIV status, age and gender influenced their risk for suicidal ideation. The sample consisted of 189 patients who attended a voluntary HIV counseling and testing clinic (VCT) at a general state hospital in Durban, South Africa. Their mean age at baseline was 34.2 years, with an age range of between 16–79 years. Seropositivity, age and gender were significantly associated with suicidal ideation. The majority of these patients were in the younger age group, and young males had a 1.8 times higher risk for suicidal ideation than females. Although risk factors for seropositive-related suicidal ideation can be complex and multi-factorial, this study identified a young age and male gender as important high risk factors in the sample studied. It is recommended that all, but especially young male HIV-infected patients seen at a VCT clinic be screened for suicidal ideation and that early intervention to prevent subsequent suicides or suicidal attempts be included in pre- and post-test HIV counseling.

Personal psychological susceptibility of suicidal ideation in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

To investigate the prevalence of suicidal ideation among systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and to assess the psychological susceptibility of suicidal ideation. 324 SLE patients in Hefei city were interviewed with questionnaires, including Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ) and Trait Coping Style Questionnaire (TCSQ) and self-made questionnaire to collect information on suicidal ideation, social-demographic characteristics, etc. T test was used to compare the scores of personality and coping styles with national psychological norms. These odds ratios (95%CI) of the two factors for suicidal ideation were calculated by logistic regression, adjusted to socio-demographic factors. Current suicidal ideation was present in 108(33.3%) of 324 SLE patients. The standard scores of neuroticism (49.81 ± 10.03, t = 15.327, P < 0.01) and psychoticism (49.84 ± 9.73, t = 3.142, P < 0.01) were both higher than norms (neuroticism: 41.27 ± 9.42; psychoticism: 48.14 ± 9.74). The standard score of extrovision and introvision (50.43 ± 9.90) was lower than norm (57.75 ± 8.26) (t = -13.317, P < 0.01). Both scores of positive coping (34.36 ± 7.86) and negative coping (28.87 ± 7.79) were higher than norms of female healthy group (PC: 29.32 ± 8.96, NC: 22.34 ± 7.47) (t values were 11.543 and 15.102, P values all < 0.01) and patients' group (PC: 29.15 ± 9.28, NC: 25.36 ± 8.42) (t values were 8.122 and 11.932, P values all < 0.01). After adjusting the social-demographic variables, neurotic personality (OR = 1.110, 95%CI: 1.072 - 1.149) and high level of negative coping (OR = 1.069, 95%CI: 1.030 - 1.109) were significantly correlated with suicidal ideation in SLE patients. The rate of suicidal ideation in SLE patients in China was a little higher. Neurotic personality and negative coping were the psychological susceptibility of suicidal ideation in SLE patients.

P03-471 - Profile of attachment and suicidal ideation during a major depressive episode

During a major depressive episode, suicidal risks are increased and the possibility of request of help and treatment is conditionedby the way the subject structured its attachment in the childhood. We present a study which concerns the detailed examination, during 6 months, mental states of 40 patients presenting a major depressive episode and frequenting a Medical psychological Center connected with a Psychiatric hospital. The collection of the data is made with tools stemming from various fields (DSM4, theory of the attachment, the psychoanalytical psychology)“.The population is divided to three Camire profiles (Pierre Humbert et al, 1996) (Secure, Preoccupied, Avoidant). We chose 3 markers which can inform us about the evolution of the crisis according to the profile of attachment :1-Intensity of the suicidal idéation « SSI » (Beck et all.1979)2-therapeutic Alliance “WAI” Horvath et Greenberg, 1989)3-Intensité of the depression. (Hamilton HAMD-21)HypothesisThe attachment says “sécure” facilitate better scores in these 3 markers.Results1)The regulations emotional Secure does not protect against strong suicidal ideation in patients suffering from major depressive disorder. Freud's theory of trauma in this direction by assuming a tolerable threshold above which any topic is disorganized. (p-value = 0,05)2)The strategies of emotional regulation parts protect against suicidal thoughts while concerned about emotional regulation strategies to expose depressed suicidal subjects. (p-value = 0,09)3)According to the literature, we find a better alliance with secure attachment. (except at the beginning of care) (p-value = 0,06 at period T3 and p-value = 0,08 at period T6)

Activation of suicidal ideation with adjunctive rufinamide in bipolar disorder

Antiepileptic drugs are effective psychotropics, especially for bipolar disorder, which leads to their use off-label in treatment-refractory cases. A recent publication suggests that rufinamide may be beneficial adjunctively for bipolar disorder with comorbid psychopathology. This report addresses two negative cases with significant psychiatric adverse effects: increased depression, agitation, and activation of suicidal ideation. These findings suggest that adjunctive rufinamide may lead to increased suicidal ideation in patients with treatment-refractory bipolar disorder. Secondary to the course of severe bipolar disorder, rufinamide cannot be specifically implicated; however, clinicians should be aware of this potential significant adverse effect and monitor high-risk patients. Further studies are required to address rufinamide treatment efficacy and severity of adverse effects in patients with bipolar disorder.

Serum S100B: A Potential Biomarker for Suicidality in Adolescents?

BackgroundStudies have shown that patients suffering from depression or schizophrenia often have immunological alterations that can be detected in the blood. Others reported a possible link between inflammation, a microgliosis and the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in suicidal patients. Serum S100B is a marker of BBB function commonly used to study cerebrovascular wall function.MethodsWe measured levels of S100B in serum of 40 adolescents with acute psychosis, 24 adolescents with mood disorders and 20 healthy controls. Patients were diagnosed according to DSM-IV TR criteria. We evaluated suicidal ideation using the suicidality subscale of the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale for Children (BPRS-C).ResultsSerum S100B levels were significantly higher (p<0.05) and correlated to severity of suicidal ideation in patients with psychosis or mood disorders, independent of psychiatric diagnosis. Patients with a BPRS-C suicidality subscores of 1–4 (low suicidality) had mean serum S100B values +/− SEM of 0.152+/−0.020 ng/mL (n = 34) compared to those with BPRS-C suicidality subscores of 5–7 (high suicidality) with a mean of 0.354+/−0.044 ng/mL (n = 30). This difference was statistically significant (p<0.05).ConclusionOur data support the use of S100B as an adjunctive biomarker to assess suicidal risk in patients with mood disorders or schizophrenia.