Prevalence Of Suicide Risk Research Articles

71 Standardized Suicide Screening in Adult Burn Patients to Determine Risk

Pre-morbid psychiatric disorders are common among burn survivors and psychiatric symptoms often persist or worsen post-injury, leading to increased suicide risk. The prevalence of suicide risk is unknown and providers caring for burn survivors do not routinely screen for suicide risk and may miss the opportunity for early intervention to prevent injury or death. The characteristics of at-risk burn patients have yet to be elucidated. Using a brief, standardized tool to identify at-risk patients may be an important first step in reducing risk. The aims of this study are to report the prevalence of suicide risk in burn patients and identify demographic and burn-related characteristics of these patients. The Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale, screener version, recent (C-SSRS) was administered by nursing staff to burn patients 18 and older upon admission, or as soon as clinically feasible. Adult burn patients with screening data between February 2015 and February 2018 were included. Patients were classified as at risk if any item was positively endorsed on the C-SSRS and no risk if all responses were negative. Significance was set at α = 0.05. Statistical analysis was performed using Student t test and χ2 test where appropriate. Out of 1,474 burn patients evaluated during the study period, 1,444 (97.96%) were screened for suicide risk. Suicide risk was identified in 64 (4.43%) patients. At-risk patients did not have a partner (n = 52, 81.25%), had higher TBSA (16.25% vs 9.23% and had a longer LOS (24.4 days vs 8.6). Overall, female patients had higher proportion of at risk status (8.21% vs 3.23%, p < 0.05). There were no differences in age, race/ethnicity, payor status and mortality. Our universal suicide screening process identifies an at risk subpopulation of burn patients. Higher injury burden and poor social support system are associated with suicide risk. Our findings suggest that a portion of patients admitted for burn injuries endorse suicide risk factors. This risk may go undetected without standardized screening. These findings suggest at risk patients may be identified by standardized screening tools and referred for appropriate management and follow-up.

Alcohol consumption and suicide risk in medical internship: A Peruvian multicentric study.

Suicide and harmful alcohol consumption are major health problems, especially in medical students. This study aimed to evaluate the association between risk for alcohol abuse and suicide risk in medical interns of Peruvian hospitals. We conducted a multicentre cross-sectional study in medical interns from 18 Peruvian hospitals. We measured suicide risk, risk for alcohol abuse, depression and self-esteem using the Plutchik Suicide Risk Scale, CAGE, Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, respectively. We used χ2 and Student t-tests for descriptive analysis. To evaluate the association between risk for alcohol abuse and suicide risk we generated crude and adjusted Poisson regression models with robust variance and estimated prevalence ratios with 95% confidence intervals. We surveyed 433 medical interns. The prevalence of suicide risk and risk for alcohol abuse was 19.6% and 27.5%, respectively. We found significant differences in suicide risk according to age (P < 0.001), region of origin (P = 0.002), with whom the participant lived (P < 0.001), university of origin (P = 0.040), type of hospital (P = 0.042), family history of attempted suicide (P = 0.043), self-esteem level (P < 0.001) and alcohol consumption (P < 0.001). In the adjusted model, age (PRa: 1.11, 95% confidence interval 1.05-1.17) and risk for alcohol abuse (PRa: 7.60, 95% confidence interval 4.46-12, 96) were associated with suicide risk. Two out of 10 medical interns had a positive screening for suicide risk. Age and especially risk for alcohol abuse were the associated variables.

Suicide risk among Veteran primary care patients with current anxiety symptoms.

Although anxiety is prevalent in primary care, the association between anxiety symptoms and suicide risk remains understudied. This cross-sectional study aimed to (i) assess the prevalence of suicide risk among Veteran primary care patients with anxiety symptoms and (ii) compare suicide risk between patients with a positive (versus negative) depression screen. Participants were 182 adult primary care patients (84.6% male, Mage = 58.3 years) with current anxiety symptoms, but no psychotherapy in specialty care in the past year, at a Veterans Health Administration medical center in New York. Participants completed self-report measures of anxiety, depression and suicide risk via telephone. Forty percent endorsed ≥1 suicide risk item. Suicide risk was more common among those screening positive (versus negative) for depression (50.5% versus 26.5%, χ2 (1) = 10.88; P = 0.001). Participants with a negative depression screen constituted 31% of all those with any suicide risk. Logistic regression revealed that anxiety symptom severity was not associated with suicide risk (P = 0.14) after controlling for age, sex and depression screen status (P = 0.01). A substantial proportion of primary care patients with anxiety was classified as at risk for suicide, even in the absence of a positive depression screen. Primary care providers should assess suicide risk among patients with anxiety symptoms, even if the patients are not seeking specialty mental health treatment, the anxiety symptoms are not severe or do not rise to the level of an anxiety disorder, and comorbid depressive symptoms are not present.

Suicide risk and childhood trauma in individuals diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) develops after exposure to a potentially traumatic event. Its clinical condition may lead to the development of risk behaviors, and its early detection is a relevant aspect to be considered. The aim of this study was to assess the association between childhood trauma and suicide risk in individuals with PTSD. This was a cross-sectional study conducted with individuals aged 18 to 60 years who were evaluated at a mental health research outpatient clinic. PTSD diagnosis and suicide risk identification were performed using specific modules of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI-Plus). The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) was used to evaluate traumatic events in childhood. Of the 917 individuals evaluated, 55 were diagnosed with PTSD. The suicide risk prevalence in individuals with PTSD was 63.6%. Emotional neglect and emotional abuse scores tended to be higher in the suicide risk group (p<0.2). Our findings showed a higher prevalence of suicide risk in individuals with PTSD and support the hypothesis that the investigation of childhood traumatic experiences, especially emotional neglect and abuse, may help in the early detection of suicide risk in individuals with PTSD.

Assessment of suicidal behavior and factors associated with a diagnosis of prostate cancer

OBJECTIVES:To determine the incidence of suicide risk in a group of patients who have been diagnosed with localized prostate cancer (PC) and to identify the factors that affect suicidal behavior.METHODS:Patients from a tertiary care oncology center in São Paulo, Brazil participated in this study and were interviewed after being diagnosed with low-risk or intermediate-risk PC, per the D'Amico risk classification, between September 2015 and March 2016. Patients underwent suicide risk assessment sessions using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the CAGE substance abuse screening tool before they started treatment and surveillance. Psychiatric treatment history, family history of suicidal behavior, and the use of psychotropic drugs were also examined.RESULTS:The prevalence of suicide risk among 250 patients who were recently diagnosed with low-risk or intermediate-risk PC was 4.8%. According to the HADS, 10.8% and 6.8% of patients had a positive score anxiety and for depression, respectively. Alcoholism was suspected in 2.8% of the group. Suicide risk was associated with anxiety (p=0.001); depression (p=0.005); being divorced, separated, widowed, or single (p=0.045); living alone (p=0.028); and prior psychological treatment (p=0.003).CONCLUSIONS:After being diagnosed with PC, patients who display risk factors for suicide should be monitored by a mental health team.

MP29-15 BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL PREDICTORS OF SUICIDALITY IN PATIENTS WITH INTERSTITIAL CYSTITIS/BLADDER PAIN SYNDROME

You have accessJournal of UrologyInfections/Inflammation/Cystic Disease of the Genitourinary Tract: Interstitial Cystitis II1 Apr 2017MP29-15 BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL PREDICTORS OF SUICIDALITY IN PATIENTS WITH INTERSTITIAL CYSTITIS/BLADDER PAIN SYNDROME Dean Tripp, J Curtis Nickel, Joel Dueck, Abigale Muere, Haley Yurgan, and Madelaine Gierc Dean TrippDean Tripp More articles by this author , J Curtis NickelJ Curtis Nickel More articles by this author , Joel DueckJoel Dueck More articles by this author , Abigale MuereAbigale Muere More articles by this author , Haley YurganHaley Yurgan More articles by this author , and Madelaine GiercMadelaine Gierc More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2017.02.927AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Suicide is a significant problem in the general and chronic pain population. Although two studies have examined the prevalence and predictors of suicidal ideation in people suffering from Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome (IC/BPS), these studies are limited by their sample selection, assessment of suicidal thinking and behaviour or risk, and the lack of any direct assessment of variables in current theories of suicide. The current study examines the prevalence of suicide risk and the significance of various demographic and biopsychosocial factors that are theoretically implicated in the prediction of suicide risk in an IC/BPS sample. METHODS Female patients currently suffering from IC/BPS (N=813) were recruited from online support groups and complete an online questionnaire containing measures of demographic, pain, symptoms, and psychosocial variables. RESULTS The sample was split into groups of suicide risk, based on an adult general population cut-off score of =7 for the SBQ-R, creating a not at risk group (n = 503, M = 3.96, SD = 1.11) and an at risk group (n = 310, M = 9.73, SD = 2.65). This data split showed that 310 participants, or 38.1% of the sample, were at risk for suicide. Alternatively, using the more conservative cut-off score of =8 (based on an adult inpatient population), 233 participants, or 28.7%, were at risk for suicide (see Figure 1). In regression analyses testing empirically/theoretically implicated contributors to suicidal behaviour, exposure to suicide, pain catastrophizing, psychache, hopelessness and perceived burdensomeness were found to significantly predict suicide risk. Further, regressions for low, moderate and severe pain patients groups showed that hopelessness was the strongest predictor of suicide risk in low pain patient group; psychache in the moderate pain group: and perceived burdensomeness in severe pain group. CONCLUSIONS The high prevalence of suicidality presented in this study denotes the imperative of recognizing suicidality within the IC/BPS population. Further, the identified psychosocial risk factors will be useful in improving screening and to anchor potential treatment targets for suicidality in IC/BPS. © 2017FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 197Issue 4SApril 2017Page: e386 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2017MetricsAuthor Information Dean Tripp More articles by this author J Curtis Nickel More articles by this author Joel Dueck More articles by this author Abigale Muere More articles by this author Haley Yurgan More articles by this author Madelaine Gierc More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Postdeployment Suicide Risk Increases Over a 6‐month Period: Predictors of Increased Risk among Midwestern Army National Guard Soldiers

National Guard (NG) soldiers returning from deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan were surveyed at 6 and 12months following their return (N=970). The overall prevalence of suicide risk at 6 and 12months following their return was assessed, as were changes in suicide risk among soldiers initially at high or low risk. Factors associated with changes in risk were assessed. The percentage of NG soldiers with high suicide risk increased from 6.8% at 6months to 9.2% at 12months (odds ratio=1.7, p=.02). In the 882 soldiers initially at low risk, 5.9% (52/882) became high risk at 12months; in the 64 soldiers initially at high risk, 46.9% (30/64) became low risk at 12months. Initial levels of depressive symptoms were predictive of changing to high risk; this association appeared to be partially explained by soldier reports of increased search in the meaning in life and higher levels of perceived stress. Because suicide risk increases over the first 12months, continued risk assessments during this time period should be considered. Supporting soldiers to find meaning in their life after deployment and enhancing their capacity to cope with perceived stress may help prevent increases in suicide risk over time.

Association between obesity and suicide in woman, but not in man: a population-based study of young adults

The relationship between obesity and suicide risk is still unclear with controversial research results. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between obesity and suicide risk for men and women in a population-based study of young adults. This is a cross-sectional population-based study that identified young adults between 18 and 35 years of age. Suicide risk was investigated through the structured clinical interview Mini. Weight and height were assessed, and participants were classified as normal-weight body mass index (BMI < 30) or obese (BMI > 30). The prevalence of obesity was of 19.9% of the total sample (n = 1953). Obesity was more prevalent among women and participants between 27 and 35 years of age. Suicide risk was present in 13.0% of the sample and more prevalent among women. In our study we found an association between obesity and suicide risk for women, but not for men. Obesity was associated with a higher prevalence of suicide risk in women. Given the strength of the relationship between BMI and suicide, identifying the mechanisms associated with obesity, especially for women, can lead to new insights into the prevention of suicide risk

Prevalence of Suicide Risk Among Adolescents With Depressive Symptoms

ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of the risk of suicide among adolescents and to investigate associations between the risk of suicide and depressive symptoms. MethodsA population-based cross-sectional study was conducted with 1,379 students aged 10–17 years enrolled in state-run public schools in northeastern Brazil in 2014. The following instruments were used to collect data: a socio-bio-demographic questionnaire; the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) and the International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I. Brazilian version 5.0.0). Unidimensional and bidimensional tables were constructed for the data analysis, with absolute and relative frequencies. Odds ratios (OR) and respective intervals (95% confidence) were calculated and associated with the descriptive levels of Pearson's chi-square independence test. ResultsThe prevalence of the risk of suicide was 29.7% in the population studied. Females aged between 14 and 17, those with siblings and those with depressive symptoms were at the greatest risk. ConclusionThe present findings revealed a very high risk of suicide and confirmed the significant that depressive symptoms are significantly associated with the risk of suicide among adolescents. Thus, it is necessary to develop suicide prevention programs for schools, with interdisciplinary primary healthcare actions.

High prevalence of suicide risk in people living with HIV: who is at higher risk?

A cross-sectional study was developed to evaluate suicide risk and associated factors in HIV/AIDS patients at a regional reference center for the treatment of HIV/AIDS in southern Brazil. We assessed 211 patients in regard to suicide risk, clinical and sociodemographic characteristics, drug use, depression, and anxiety. Suicide risk was assessed with Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, Module C. Multivariate analysis was performed using Poisson regression. Of the total sample, 34.1% were at risk of suicide. In the multivariate analysis, the following variables were independently associated with suicide risk: female gender; age up to 47 years; unemployment; indicative of anxiety; indicative of depression; and abuse or addiction on psychoactive substances. Suicide risk is high in this population. Psychosocial factors should be included in the physical and clinical evaluation, given their strong association with suicide risk.

Childhood trauma and suicide risk in a sample of young individuals aged 14–35 years in southern Brazil

Suicide is among the main causes of death of people aged between 15 and 44 years old. Childhood trauma is an important risk factor for suicide. Hence, the objective of this study was to verify the relationship between childhood trauma and current suicide risk (suicidal behavior and ideation) in individuals aged 14–35 years, in the city of Pelotas, Brazil. This is a cross-sectional, population-based study. Sample selection was performed by clusters. Suicide risk was evaluated using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) and Childhood trauma was assessed with the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). Moreover, the participants responded to a questionnaire concerning socioeconomic status, work, and substance use. The sample was composed of 1,380 individuals. The prevalence of suicide risk was 11.5%. The prevalence figures of childhood trauma were 15.2% (emotional neglect), 13.5% (physical neglect), 7.6% (sexual abuse), 10.1% (physical abuse), and 13.8% (emotional abuse). Suicide risk was associated (p<.001) with gender, work, alcohol abuse, tobacco use, and all types of childhood trauma. The odds of suicide risk were higher in women (OR=1.8), people who were not currently working (OR=2.3), individuals who presented alcohol abuse (OR=2.6), and among tobacco smokers (OR=3.4). Moreover, suicide risk was increased in all types of trauma: emotional neglect (OR=3.7), physical neglect (OR=2.8), sexual abuse (OR=3.4), physical abuse (OR=3.1), and emotional abuse (OR=6.6). Thus, preventing early trauma may reduce suicide risk in young individuals.

The distinct role of performing euthanasia on depression and suicide in veterinarians.

Veterinarians are more likely to experience mood disorders and suicide than other occupational groups (Fritschi, Morrison, Shirangi & Day, 2009; Platt, Hawton, Simkin, & Mellanby, 2010). The performance of euthanasia has been implicated as contributing determinately to the prevalence of suicide risk and psychological distress in veterinarians (Bartram & Baldwin, 2008, 2010). In contrast, the application of psychological approaches would suggest a possible protective role for euthanasia administration. This paper is the first to investigate the association between euthanasia-administration frequency and depressed mood and suicide risk. A cross-sectional survey sampled 540 Australia-registered veterinarians (63.8% women), ranging in age from 23 to 74. Results revealed that the administration of objectionable euthanasia (i.e., euthanasia that the veterinarian disagreed with) was not related to our mental health variables. In contrast, overall euthanasia frequency had a weak positive linear relationship with depression. Moreover, overall euthanasia frequency moderated the impact of depression on suicide risk. The nature of this moderation suggested that average frequency per week of performing euthanasia attenuated the relationship between depressed mood and suicide risk. The implications of these findings and directions for further research are discussed.

Associations between emotional intelligence, depression and suicide risk in nursing students

The most important factor which predisposes young people to suicide is depression, although protective factors such as self-esteem, emotional adaptation and social support may reduce the probability of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. Several studies have indicated an elevated risk of suicide for health-related professions. Little is known, however, about the relationship between perceived emotional intelligence and suicide risk among nursing students. The main goals were to determine the prevalence of suicide risk in a sample of nursing students, to examine the relationship between suicide risk and perceived emotional intelligence, depression, trait anxiety and self-esteem, and to identify any gender differences in relation to these variables. Cross-sectional study of nursing students (n=93) who completed self-report measures of perceived emotional intelligence (Trait Meta-Mood Scale, which evaluates three dimensions: emotional attention, clarity and repair), suicide risk (Plutchik Suicide Risk Scale), self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale), depression (Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale) and anxiety (Trait scale of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory). Linear regression analysis confirmed that depression and emotional attention are significant predictors of suicidal ideation. Moreover, suicide risk showed a significant negative association with self-esteem and with emotional clarity and repair. Gender differences were only observed in relation to depression, on which women scored significantly higher. Overall, 14% of the students were considered to present a substantial suicide risk. The findings suggest that interventions to prevent suicidal ideation among nursing students should include strategies to detect mood disorders (especially depression) and to improve emotional coping skills. In line with previous research the results indicate that high scores on emotional attention are linked to heightened emotional susceptibility and an increased risk of suicide. The identification and prevention of factors associated with suicidal behaviour in nursing students should be regarded as a priority.

Suicide risk among adults with epilepsy in Kaduna, Nigeria

ObjectiveThere is paucity of information on epilepsy and suicide in Nigeria. The objective of this study therefore was to assess the prevalence and determinants of suicide risk among adults with epilepsy (AWE) in Kaduna, Nigeria. MethodWe administered the suicidality module of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, the three-item Oslo Social Support Scale and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale to 170 consecutive AWE attending the outpatient clinic of Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Kaduna, between January and June 2011 to determine the prevalence of suicide risk, the level of social support and the psychological symptoms, respectively. We also recorded the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the subjects. ResultsThere are 99 males and 71 females. The subject’s mean age was 28.7±12.1 years. The prevalence of suicide risk was 20.0%. Short seizure-free periods (χ2=4.658, P=.031), previous suicide attempts (χ2=12.216, P<.001), anxiety symptoms (χ2=5.075, P=.024) and depressive symptoms (χ2=5.093, P=.016) were significantly associated with suicidal tendencies. However, after a logistic regression analysis, none of the above variables predicted suicide risk. ConclusionSuicide risk is common among AWE. Poor seizure control, previous suicidal attempts and emotional distress are associated factors.

Omega-6 fatty acids and greater likelihood of suicide risk and major depression in early pregnancy

ObjectiveTo estimate the prevalence of suicide risk (SR) and major depressive episodes (MDEs) in early pregnancy, as well as the relationship of serum fatty acid status to these outcomes. MethodsCross-sectional analyses were performed on data from 234 pregnant women enrolled in a prospective cohort study in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. SR and MDE were defined according to the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Fatty acid compositions were determined for serum samples obtained between the 6th and 13th gestational week. Fatty acid data were expressed as the percent of total fatty acids, converted to Z scores and then entered as continuous variables in logistic regression models. ResultsThe prevalence of SR was 19.6% and that of MDE was 17.0%. In the adjusted logistic regressions, a higher likelihood of SR was observed among women with higher arachidonic acid levels [AA (20:4, n-6): OR=1.45, 95%CI 1.02–2.07] and adrenic acid levels [AdA (22:4, n-6): OR=1.43, 95%CI 1.01–2.04]. A higher likelihood of MDE was also observed among women with higher AA levels [OR=1.47, 95%CI 1.03–2.10] and AdA levels [OR=1.59, 95%CI 1.09–2.32]. ConclusionHigher serum levels of AA and AdA were associated with a greater likelihood of SR and MDE among pregnant Brazilian women.

Bayesian Estimation of the Prevalence of Suicide Risk in Institutionalized Older People

The assessment of suicide risk in institutionalized older people has received less attention in comparison with those not institutionalized. The studies carried out show contradictory data on the prevalence of risk in this population group. The current work estimates the prevalence of suicide risk through a Bayesian analysis and studies the risk factors of this behavior in a group of 110 institutionalized older people. A prevalence of 38.4% is obtained, and an association between suicide risk and the factors depression and perception of health. The results indicate to us the necessity for actions directed at decreasing the suicide rate in geriatric homes.

Prevalence of suicide risk and comorbidities in postpartum women in Pelotas

To evaluate the prevalence of suicide risk and comorbidities in postpartum women. This is a cross-sectional study of postpartum women. The sample comprised mothers who have received prenatal care from the Brazilian National System of Public Heath in the city of Pelotas. Suicide risk and other mental disorders were evaluated using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). A yes answer on one of the six interview questions was considered a sign of suicide risk. The sample consisted of 919 postpartum women. The 11.5% suicide prevalence was 4.62 (CI 2.45, 8.73) times higher in women with low educational levels. Women with comorbid depression or an anxiety disorder showed a 17.04 (CI 2.27; 19.96) times greater risk of suicide than those who did not suffer from any mood disorder. Lower education levels and psychiatric disorders are associated with suicide risk. Bipolar disorder is the psychiatric disorder with the highest impact on suicide risk.

Risco de suicídio e comportamentos de risco à saúde em jovens de 18 a 24 anos: um estudo descritivo

The aim of this study was to assess suicide risk and risk behavior in young people. A cross-sectional study in the urban area of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil was performed using systematic sampling with young people between the ages of 18 to 24 years. We measured the risk of suicide (MINI), behavior (YRBSS), abuse/substance dependence (ASSIST) and socioeconomic status (ABEP). Data was analyzed using SPSS software. The sample consisted of 1,560 young people and the prevalence of suicide risk was 8.6%. Suicide risk was associated with: having suffered an accident that required a visit to the emergency room (p = 0.011), fighting (p = 0.016), carrying a weapon (p = 0.001) and carrying a firearm (p ≤ 0.001), substance abuse/dependence (p ≤ 0.001), not having used a condom during the last sexual relationship (p = 0.025), not having a steady partner (p ≤ 0.001) and having sex with five or more people (p = 0.018). Young people that present risk behavior also represent a suicide risk.

Risk of suicide and mixed episode in men in the postpartum period

ObjectivesTo assess suicide risk in men with mood disorders at the postpartum period. MethodsWe conduct a longitudinal study with 650 men whose child has born from April 2007 to May 2008 at maternity hospital. The first assessment was in the antenatal period and the second within 30 to 60days postpartum. Suicide risk, anxiety disorders, hypomanic, manic and mixed episodes were assessed by the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). ResultsThe prevalence of suicide risk in fathers in postpartum was of 4.8%. Fathers with postpartum depression were 20.97 (CI: 5.74; 76.53) more likely to present suicide risk and those with mixed episodes showed a chance of 46.50 (CI: 10.52; 205.53) times higher than those who did not suffer from any mood disorder. ConclusionMixed episodes are common in fathers at postpartum, posing a higher suicide risk than depressive and manic/hypomanic episodes. Therefore, in order to reduce the suicide risk, clinicians should address and treat adequately mixed affective states in this specific population.

Suicide risk among inpatients at a university general hospital

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the proportion of inpatients at a university general hospital who are at risk of committing suicide. METHOD: A random sample of 253 patients (57% males) aged 18 years old or older, admitted to surgical and clinical wards, was assessed using the the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, which has a section that evaluates the risk for suicide. Uni- and multivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS: There were 58 (23%) patients with a risk for suicide, 13 (5% of total) of whom presented a high risk. The prevalence of suicide risk was greater in young adult patients, those with no matrimonial relationship and those diagnosed with major depression (univariate analysis, Chi-squared test; p = 0.01, 0.03 and 0.0001, respectively). The multivariate analysis revealed that the risk for suicide in individuals younger than 30 years old was two fold higher than in those individuals between the ages of 30 and 59 years (OR = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.22-0.93; p = 0.03) and four fold greater than in those who were 60 years old or older (OR = 0.25, 95% CI = 0.1-0.64; p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: When young adults are admitted to general hospitals they should receive special attention due to their suicidal potential.