Risk Factors For Suicidal Ideation Research Articles

Symptoms characteristics of personality disorders associated with suicidal ideation and behaviors in a clinical sample of adolescents with a depressive disorder.

Pathological personality traits have repeatedly been identified as important risk factors for suicidal ideation and behaviors. Moreover, impulsive-aggressive traits, have shown a consistent association with suicidal behaviors across the lifespan. Adolescence represents a critical period for the emergence of different personality traits, mood disorders, and suicidal behaviors, but the relationship between these variables remain poorly understood. These variables were examined in a cross-sectional case-control design involving three groups: 30 adolescents with a depressive disorder and past suicide attempt (Mean Age = 16.2, Females = 26), 38 adolescents with a depressive disorder but without past suicide attempt (Mean age = 16.0, Females = 29), and 34 healthy adolescent controls (Mean age = 15.2, Females = 22). Suicidal ideations were indexed using Suicidal Behavior Questionnaire (SBQ-R), psychiatric disorder assessed using a semi-structured questionnaire (K-SADS-PL), depressive symptoms with the Beck Depressive Inventory (BDI), symptoms characteristics of personality disorders with the Scheduled Clinical Interview for the DSM-IV (SCID-II) screening questionnaire, and impulsivity with the Barratt Impulsivesness Scale (BIS). Findings showed that impulsivity (F = 11.0, p < 0.0001) and antisocial symptoms characteristics of personality disorders (p < 0.001, d = 0.70) displayed the most robust association with adolescent suicide attempts. Borderline symptoms characteristics of personality disorders did not discriminate attempters from non-attempters but presented high correlations with suicidal ideation and depression severity. In an item-wise analysis, suicide attempt status was uniquely correlated with symptoms characteristics of an antisocial personality disorder. Suicide attempt status also correlated with non-suicidal self-injury and a chronic feeling of emptiness. The caveats of this cross-sectional study include the stability of symptoms characteristics of personality disorders in adolescence and the limited sample size. In sum, suicidal behaviors were characteristically correlated with increased impulsivity and antisocial symptoms characteristics of personality disorders, but other symptoms characteristics of personality disorders were relevant to adolescent depression and suicidal ideation. Understanding the emergence of symptoms characteristics of personality disorders and suicidal behaviors in a developmental context can ultimately inform not only the neurobiological origin of suicidal behaviors, but also provide new avenues for early detection and intervention.

Suicide ideation, attempts and deaths in people living with dementia (PLWD): A systematic review and meta‐analysis of prevalence and risk factors

AbstractBackgroundSuicide is a major public health concern. However, little is known about whether dementia is associated with suicide outcomes, and if so what the risk factors for suicide are in this group. This study aimed to conduct meta‐analyses to examine pooled associations between dementia and suicide outcomes (ideation, attempts, death by suicide) as well as pooled associations between risk factors (sex, dementia subtype) and suicidality in people living with dementia (PLWD).MethodSystematic searches were conducted in Medline, Embase, Psycinfo, Cinahl Plus, and Web of Science for keywords related to dementia and suicide. Quantitative studies with a sample of PLWD and suicidality as an outcome and that were available in English were included. Experimental studies, case reports and studies with a focus on euthanasia/assisted suicide, or self‐harm without suicidal intentionality were excluded. Relevant effect sizes were extracted and inverse variance weighted meta‐analyses were run using a random‐effects model.Result55 studies were included. Meta analyses showed that compared to people without dementia, having dementia was significantly associated with death by suicide (OR = 2.48, 95% CI:1.82;3.38), and suicidal ideation (OR = 2.29, 95% CI:1.75‐2.99), but not suicide attempts. Men with dementia were more at risk of attempting (OR = 1.28, 95% CI:1.25;1.31) and death by suicide (OR = 2.84, 95% CI:1.51;5.37) than women with dementia, but there was no difference in suicidal ideation. Compared with Alzheimer’s disease, people with vascular dementia (VaD), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and other dementia (OD) types were significantly more likely to attempt suicide. People with Lewy body dementia (LBD) were significantly more likely to report suicidal ideation.ConclusionPLWD are at higher risk of suicidal ideation and death by suicide than those without dementia, but not suicide attempts. This could suggest that PLWD are not more likely to attempt suicide but are more likely to be successful when an attempt is made. Key risk factors for suicide attempts amongst PLWD are being male, sub‐type of dementia diagnosis (VaD, FTD and OD), while having a diagnosis of LBD is a risk factor for suicidal ideation. These results are important for understanding and managing risk in PLWD.

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Suicidal Ideation Following the COVID-19 Pandemic in Kerman Province: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Suicidal ideation (SI) serves as an important predictor of suicide. The prevalence of SI has increased following the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and risk factors associated with SI after the pandemic in the Kerman province. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 23 counties of the Kerman province between 2021 and 2022. The Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (BSSI) was utilized to estimate SI, while multiple logistic regression analysis was employed to examine the impact of various variables on SI. A total of 1421 individuals (47.7% men, 50.0% women and 2.3% unknown) with an average age of 35.17±9.47 years participated in this study. The estimated prevalence rate of SI was 9.2%, with variations ranging from 0% to 42% across different counties. Individuals with SI exhibited a significantly younger mean age and fewer family members. Furthermore, SI was significantly more prevalent among single participants, unemployed individuals, students, those with a history of mental illness, prior psychiatric medication use, and previous SI. Employed individuals had 87% lower odds of experiencing SI compared to the unemployed. Individuals with a history of prior SI had 239 times higher odds of SI than those without such a history. Additionally, each year increase in age corresponded to an 8.8% decrease in the odds of SI. The high prevalence of SI is concerning, and it is essential to remain vigilant regarding its health and social consequences as the pandemic continues. Therefore, it is imperative to provide enhanced mental health services, particularly targeting at-risk groups.

Understanding suicidal transitions in Australian adults: protocol for the LifeTrack prospective longitudinal cohort study

BackgroundThe factors that influence transition from suicidal ideation to a suicide attempt or remission of suicidal thoughts are poorly understood. Despite an abundance of research on risk factors for suicidal ideation, no large-scale longitudinal population-based studies have specifically recruited people with suicidal ideation to examine the mechanisms underlying critical transitions to either suicide attempt or recovery from suicidal ideation. Without longitudinal data on the psychological, behavioural, and social determinants of suicide attempt and the remission of suicidal ideation, we are unlikely to see major gains in the prevention of suicide.AimThe LifeTrack Project is a population-based longitudinal cohort study that aims to identify key modifiable risk and protective factors that predict the transition from suicidal ideation to suicide attempt or remission of suicidal ideation. We will assess theory-informed risk and protective factors using validated and efficient measures to identify distinct trajectories reflecting changes in severity of suicidal ideation and transition to suicide attempt over three years.MethodsA three-year prospective population-based longitudinal cohort study will be conducted with adults from the general Australian population who initially report suicidal ideation (n = 842). Eligibility criteria include recent suicidal ideation (past 30 days), aged 18 years or older, living in Australia and fluent in English. Those with a suicide attempt in past 30 days or who are unable to participate in a long-term study will be excluded. Participants will be asked to complete online assessments related to psychopathology, cognition, psychological factors, social factors, mental health treatment use, and environmental exposures at baseline and every six months during this three-year period. One week of daily measurement bursts (ecological momentary assessments) at yearly intervals will also capture short-term fluctuations in suicidal ideation, perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, capability for suicide, and distress.ConclusionThis study is intended to identify potential targets for novel and tailored therapies for people experiencing suicidal ideation and improve targeting of suicide prevention programs. Even modest improvements in current treatments may lead to important reductions in suicide attempts and deaths.Study RegistrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry identifier: ACTRN12623000433606.

Relationship between suicide ideation and attempts, bully victimization, dating violence, and depressive symptoms among Black and Hispanic youth.

Suicide rates among Black and Hispanic youth have been increasing over the past decade in the United States. The objective of this study was to identify risk factors for suicide ideation and attempt among Black and Hispanic youth in the United States using intersectionality theory and minority stress theory as a framework. Data from the CDC Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS; 2015-2019) were analyzed and delimited to include only Black and Hispanic youth. About 37% of the subsample identified as Black and 63% of the subsample identified as Hispanic; mean age was 16 years (SE = 0.02). Weighted multivariate logistic regressions were used to explore associations between suicide ideation and attempt, depressive symptoms, bullying, dating violence, and being threatened with a weapon. Black and Hispanic youth who had depressive symptoms, experienced bullying, dating violence, or threatened with a weapon all had increased odds of having suicide ideation and suicide attempt. Hispanic youth had the higher odds of suicide ideation and attempt than Black youth. Girls in the study also had elevated odds of suicide ideation. This study adds to the literature on risk factors of suicide in Black and Hispanic youth and bringing to awareness the gender disparities in suicide ideation and attempt among youth.

Does the interpersonal theory of suicide explain relationships between muscle dysmorphia symptoms and suicidal ideation?

Muscle dysmorphia (MD) symptoms are robustly associated with suicidal thoughts/behaviors. Risk factors for suicidal ideation, such as perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness, may help explain the relationship between MD symptoms and suicidal ideation. The current study extended past cross-sectional research by testing if perceived burdensomeness and/or thwarted belongingness mediated longitudinal relationships between MD symptoms and suicidal ideation. Two hundred and sixty-nine U.S. men recruited from Prolific completed self-report measures at three timepoints separated by one month each. Analyses used an adapted version of a longitudinal three-wave mediation model to test study hypotheses. Perceived burdensomeness mediated longitudinal relationships between MD symptoms and suicidal ideation. Thwarted belongingness did not show significant relationships with MD symptoms or suicidal ideation. Results extend past research by demonstrating that perceived burdensomeness may be a mechanism underlying longitudinal relationships between MD symptoms and suicidal ideation while establishing temporal ordering. Clinicians may consider targeting perceived burdensomeness in cases of comorbid MD/suicidality by using techniques that promote interpersonal effectiveness.

Visuospatial ability and attention as risk factors for suicidal ideation in middle-aged and elderly schizophrenia patients: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundSchizophrenia patients have a high risk of suicide, and their cognition function is impaired with increasing age. The association between neurocognitive and suicidality in schizophrenia patients are heterogeneous. We aimed to explore the relationship between neurocognitive function and suicidal ideation in schizophrenia patients across age groups.MethodsA total of 587 patients with schizophrenia were enrolled in this study. The schizophrenia patients were divided into young group (aged 18–44) and middle-aged and elderly group (aged 45–70). The schizophrenia patients were divided into suicidal ideation group and non-suicidal ideation group according to the evaluation results of the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation. Insomnia symptoms were measured by the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Psychotic symptoms were measured by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), and cognitive function was measured by the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS).ResultsThere was a negative correlation between the age and attention scores of RBANS (P = 0.018). The young schizophrenia patients had higher risk of suicidality than middle-aged and elderly schizophrenia patients (P = 0.001). In the logistic regression analysis, the scores of ISI and positive symptoms scores of PANSS were associated with suicidal ideation among young schizophrenia patients (All P < 0.05). Age, BMI, the scores of ISI, general symptoms scores of PANSS, visuospatial scores of RBANS and attention scores of RBANS were associated with suicidal ideation in middle-aged and elderly schizophrenia patients (All P < 0.05).ConclusionsHigh visuospatial scores of RBANS and attention scores of RBANS were risk factors for suicidal ideation in middle-aged and elderly schizophrenia patients.

Suicidal ideation in female individuals with fibromyalgia and comorbid obesity: prevalence and association with clinical, pain-related, and psychological factors.

Individuals with fibromyalgia report alarming levels of suicidal ideation, and comorbidity with other chronic health conditions such as obesity-a risk factor for suicidal ideation per se-could further complicate the clinical picture. The aim of this study is to determine, in a sample of women with fibromyalgia and comorbid obesity, the prevalence of suicidal ideation and to evaluate clinical, pain-related and psychological factors associated with suicidal ideation. In total, 156 female individuals with fibromyalgia and obesity were recruited and completed a series of self-report measures that assessed (i) the level of pain intensity, (ii) depressive symptomatology, (iii) sleep quality, and (iv) pain catastrophizing. Suicidal ideation was evaluated by item #9 of the Beck Depression Inventory. In addition, information regarding previous suicide attempts and current opioid use was collected. 3n sum, 7.8% of participants reported presence of suicidal ideation. According to the results of the multiple logistic regression, depressive symptomatology, sleep quality, and pain catastrophizing were associated with the presence of suicidal ideation. The presence of suicidal ideation in our sample was significantly associated with depressive symptomatology, sleep quality, and pain catastrophizing. Our findings are the first to suggest a unique (ie, independent of depressive symptomatology, and sleep quality) association between pain catastrophizing and suicidal ideation in the context of fibromyalgia and comorbid obesity. In order to prevent and reduce suicidal ideation, these factors should be assessed and targeted in interventions for pain management. Future research should investigate the extent to which addressing depressive symptoms, sleep quality, and pain catastrophizing reduces suicidal ideation.

Internalized ageism as a risk factor for suicidal ideation in later life

Objectives We examined the influence of ageism on suicidal ideation using the framework of the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide among a sample of older adults in the United States. Method Using Research Match, volunteers 65 and older in the United States were recruited to participate in an online survey. Demographics, perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness and self-directed ageism (internalized and relational ageism) were examined. Data were analyzed using hierarchical logistic regression analysis. Results A total of 454 individuals from over 30 states participated in the study. Twelve percent of respondents reported that they had experienced suicidal ideation in the past month. Results from the logistic regression demonstrated that older adults with higher age and higher internalized ageism had a higher risk of suicidal ideation. Conclusion Findings present implications for understanding an association between ageism and suicidal ideation. Results speak to the importance of recognizing and understanding the impact of ageism. Examining the development clinical guidelines and policies that address ageism as a risk factor for suicide is warranted.

The relationship among posttraumatic stress disorder, posttraumatic growth, and suicidal ideation among Italian healthcare workers during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted mental health across different groups, including healthcare workers (HWs). To date, few studies focused on potential positive aspects that may follow the exposure to the pandemic. We investigated the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Italian HWs and whether posttraumatic growth (PTG) dimensions affected the risk of suicidal ideation (SI) during the first COVID-19 wave. An online self-report survey was conducted between April and May 2020. Sociodemographic data, information about COVID-19-related stressful events, Impact of the Event Scale-revised, and Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory-Short Form (PTGI-SF) scores were collected and compared between participants. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 scores were also collected to assess SI through item 9. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between PTGI and SI. Among 948 HWs, 257 (27.0%) reported a provisional PTSD diagnosis. The median PTGI-SF score was 24. Participants reporting PTSD symptoms had higher scores in the Spiritual change, Appreciation of life, and New possibilities domains, and in the total PTG scale. A total of 100 HWs (10.8%) screened positive for SI. Improvements in Relating to others domain of PTGI-SF (odds ratioOR: .46; 95% confidence interval: .25-.85) were associated with lower odds of SI. COVID-19 pandemic has been indicated as a risk factor for SI, also among HWs. PTG may have a protective role on suicide risk. Improvements in Relating to others domain reduced odds of SI, consistently with the role of loneliness and lack of connectedness with others in enhancing suicidal risk.

Risk Factors of Suicidal Ideation in Iraqi Crystal Methamphetamine Users.

Crystal methamphetamine, a potent psychostimulant, presents a complex clinical landscape. However, insights into the predisposing factors for suicidal tendencies among Iraqi users remain limited. Our study delves into these risks among 165 patients. Rigorous multivariable analysis was conducted, employing binary logistic regression, drawing from patients from Baghdad Medical City and Ibn-Rushd Teaching Hospital. Most participants were in their third decade (26.62 ± 0.53 years). Regarding suicidal ideation, our model demonstrated robust accuracy, supported by the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test (NagelKerke's R2 = 0.49, accuracy = 79.4%, p = 0.885). Notably, chronic methamphetamine use exceeding a year (OR = 6.15, p = 0.001), absence of psychological trauma (OR = 4.58, p = 0.006), and incidence of visual hallucinations (OR = 4.52, p = 0.001) rendered users more susceptible to suicidal ideation. Furthermore, our investigation unveiled risk factors tied to psychotic features and withdrawal manifestations. The study underscores pivotal predictors of suicidal ideation, warranting interdisciplinary vigilance from psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and social workers. By monitoring at-risk individuals, progression toward the intricate spectrum of suicide can be potentially averted. These findings illuminate the urgency of tailored interventions for crystal methamphetamine users, contributing to enhanced holistic care.

Self-burdensomeness, other-burdensomeness, and suicidal ideation

Perceiving oneself as a burden to others (other-burdensomeness), as well as perceiving one's selfhood as a burden (self-burdensomeness), have been proposed as risk factors for suicidal ideation. Yet, it is unclear whether the altruistic motive of being a burden to others or the self-oriented motive of being a burden on oneself is more relevant to suicidal ideation. Given this background, two rival mediation models were tested. Data from N = 228 outpatients (64% female; age: M(SD) = 38.69 (12.27), range:17–65) undergoing psychotherapy were collected at two measurement time points over a three-month period (first measurement = T1, second measurement = T2). The significant positive association between other-burdensomeness (T1) and suicidal ideation (T2) was partially mediated by self-burdensomeness (T1). Furthermore, the significant positive association between self-burdensomeness (T1) and suicidal ideation (T2) was partially mediated by other-burdensomeness (T1). Results suggest that suicidal ideation can develop from both an altruistic, self-sacrificial perception of being a burden to others, as well as from a more self-oriented perception of being a burden to oneself. There is no indication that either self-burdensomeness or other-burdensomeness is a stronger indicator in the development of suicidal ideation.

Harsh parenting and suicide ideation among Chinese adolescents: the roles of self-esteem and school social support

BackgroundWhile negative parenting style has considered as a risk factor for suicide ideation, little attention has been given to the mechanisms between harsh parenting and suicide ideation in the context of Chinese culture. This study explored the the potential mediating roles of self-esteem and the potential moderating roles of school social support in the relationship between harsh parenting and suicide ideation among Chinese adolescents.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study among 4189 Chinese adolescents who completed measures of harsh parenting, school social support, self-esteem, and suicide ideation. The moderated mediation model was used to test the roles of self-esteem and school social support on the association between harsh parenting and adolescent suicide ideation.Results(1) There were significant positive correlations between harsh parenting and adolescents suicide ideation. (2) Self-esteem mediates the relationship between harsh parenting and suicide ideation in adolescents. (3) School social support moderates the indirect effect of harsh parenting on suicidal ideation.ConclusionsBeyond the direct impact of harsh parenting, harsh parenting also indirectly contributes to adolescent suicide ideation via the mediator of adolescents’ self-esteem. School social support moderates the relationship between harsh parenting and self-esteem as well as the relationship between self-esteem and suicide ideation. The findings suggest potential pathways for suicide prevention and intervention strategies and highlighted that buffering effect of school social support is limited as risk increasing.

Evaluation of Characterized Depressive Disorder in Children and Adolescents: A Study of 79 Cases

Depression in children and adolescents is a major mental health concern, being the leading cause of illness and disability in children over ten years old. It increases the risk of suicide, affects education, social interactions, and contributes to obesity, tobacco, and substance use. The aim of this study was to highlight the sociodemographic and clinical profile of depression in young individuals, identify risk factors, and discuss appropriate therapeutic options. We conducted a retrospective descriptive and analytical study, using a questionnaire completed jointly by children with characterized depressive disorder and their parents. The study included 79 participants. Statistical analysis was performed using Jamovi version 2.3.21.0 and Microsoft Excel 2021. We found a predominance of females, with an average age of 13.5 years. Antecedents of self-harm and family history of psychiatric disorders were risk factors for suicidal ideation. Common symptoms included sleep disturbances (89.9%), irritability (83.5%), and mood sadness (70.9%). Depression had a significant impact, with 88.6% experiencing social withdrawal and 81% showing decreased school engagement, reflecting the multidimensional effects of depression. Pharmacotherapy was used in 82.3% of cases. However, therapeutic adherence was only good in 60.4% of cases. In summary, this study provides crucial insights into the characteristics, risk factors, and treatments of depression in young individuals within a specific hospital setting. It reinforces knowledge while emphasizing the importance of early and personalized intervention to counteract negative consequences during this critical age.

The prevalence and risk factors of suicidal ideation in women with and without postpartum depression

AimSuicidal ideation (SI) is a severe mental health issue in the postpartum period. As depression is a major risk factor of SI, it is often considered that the risk factors of SI are the same as those of postpartum depression. However, SI occurs in women without postpartum depression as well. The aim of this study is to separately examine the prevalence and risk factors of SI in postpartum women with and without depression. MethodsWe used data of 5688 postpartum women from a 2021 Japanese nation-wide survey, whose age and geographical distributions were nationally representative. Postpartum depression was evaluated with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and SI was measured with the 10th item of EPDS. ResultsThe prevalence of SI in women with and without depression (EPDS≥9) was 51.8 % and 3.3 %, respectively. Younger age and low family support were risk factors common to both women with and without depression. Being single, currently working, history of depressive disorders, and family members' visits to support being cancelled were risk factors of SI for women with depression. In contrast, primipara, history of psychiatric disorders other than depressive disorders, infectious disease other than colds during pregnancy, and feeling of loneliness increased since COVID-19 were risk factor of SI for women without depression. ConclusionAlthough with a low prevalence, SI occurs in women without postpartum depression, which has unique risk factors indicating distinct psychopathological mechanisms. These findings call for tailored SI intervention strategies according to whether postpartum depression is present or not.

Sociodemographic and clinical risk factors associated with suicidal ideation and attempt during a 2-year early intervention program for first-episode psychosis.

Identifying risk factors for suicidal ideation and attempt among first-episode psychosis patients is essential to prevent suicide in this high-risk population. We investigated risk factors at admission for suicidal ideation and attempt during a 2-year early intervention program. Our sample included patients aged 18-35years who were consecutively admitted to an early intervention program (2003-2017). Sociodemographic and clinical variables were obtained from a longitudinal study, while data on suicidal ideation and attempt were collected via systematic file review. Univariable and multivariable logistic regressions assessed the association of these variables with suicide ideation and attempt. Of 446 participants, 35 (7.8%) attempted suicide during the 2-year follow up, including two resulting in death (0.45%), and 168 (37.7%) reported solely suicidal ideation. Multivariable analyses indicated living alone (OR=4.01, CI=2.11-7.63), affective psychosis (OR=1.95, CI=1.22-3.14) and depressive symptomatology (OR=1.45, CI=1.13-1.86) were associated with increased risk for suicidal ideation. Attempting suicide close to admission (OR=10.29, CI=3.63-29.22), living alone (OR=4.17, CI=1.40-12.35), and depressive (OR=1.67, CI=1.06-2.63) and positive symptomatology (OR=1.60, CI=1.02-2.50) were associated with increased risk for suicide attempt. Attempting suicide close to admission (OR=11.65, CI=4.08-33.30), being part of an ethnic minority (OR=3.71, CI=1.59-8.63), and presenting lower anxiety (OR=0.58, CI=0.36-0.94) were the only factors specifically associated with suicide attempt compared to ideation. Close monitoring of patients who recently attempted suicide, live alone, are part of an ethnic minority, and present with affective and positive symptomatology may help reduce the risk of suicide-related outcomes during early intervention programs.

A replication and extension of bifactor modelling of perseverative thought in an at-risk community sample: Exploring sex differences in the structure of PT.

Perseverative thought (PT) is a transdiagnostic construct associated with internalizing disorders. Bifactor models have shown that PT can be split into a general PT factor and lower-order factors for specific forms of PT, such as rumination and worry. No bifactor study to date has investigated if the structure of PT differs across sexes. The study consisted of 280 individuals recruited for a larger study targeting risk factors for suicidal ideation and behaviours. Participants completed a diagnostic interview and self-report questionnaires. A two-factor model of PT fit best in males, whereas a bifactor model fit best in females. In a structural equation model, worry was associated with generalized anxiety disorder diagnoses in females, but not males. Rumination was associated with depressive disorder diagnoses in females, but not males. The present study contributes to a growing literature on PT; we found that dimensionality of PT varied by sex. We also found that relations between PT factors and generalized anxiety disorder differed by sex. Sex differences in the internalizing spectrum and related risk factors need to be considered when examining the structure and function of risk factors.

Early onset marijuana use and suicidal ideation among African American college students

Between 2013 and 2019 the suicide rate for African American young persons 15–24 years of age rose by 47% for males and 59% for females. Presently, little is known about factors that contribute to the suicidal behavior of African Americans in late adolescence and emerging adulthood. However, considering the coinciding increase in high potency marijuana use among African American young persons and literature suggesting a potential link between marijuana use and suicidal behavior, we examined early onset marijuana use as a risk factor for suicidal ideation. The sample included 221African American students (70% female and M age = 20.3, SD = 1.97) attending an HBCU between 2019 and 2020. We employed multivariable logistic regression analysis that included suicidal ideation as the outcome variable and early onset marijuana use as the explanatory variable, while controlling for demographic factors and mental health treatment status. Approximately 19% of the sample reported suicidal ideation. Early onset marijuana use was reported by 28% of students. Compared to students who never used marijuana, early onset users were three times as likely to report suicidal ideation (AOR = 3.33, 95% CI = 1.06–10.44). In conclusion, early onset marijuana use may place African American young persons at increased risk for suicidal ideation. Marijuana use may be an important malleable risk factor that can be targeted in suicide prevention interventions designed for African American college students. More research is warranted.

Sex Differences in Suicidal Ideation: Mediating Effects of Alcohol Abuse/Dependence on Suicidal Ideation through Psychological Distress and Hopelessness.

This article aims to investigate the impact of psychological distress and hopelessness as mediators in the relationship between alcohol use disorder (AUD) and suicidal ideation among young adults. The study employed data from the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, focusing on participants aged 18 to 25. The PROCESS macro was used to conduct a moderated mediation analysis. The findings revealed that AUD, psychological distress, and hopelessness were all significant risk factors for suicidal ideation among young adults. Furthermore, psychological distress and hopelessness served as significant mediators in the relationship between AUD and suicidal ideation. The study highlights the need for interventions and treatments that address co-occurring alcohol use and psychological distress/hopelessness in both sexes, for young adults at risk of suicide. In summary, the study underscores the importance of recognizing the underlying factors that contribute to suicidal ideation among young adults, especially those with AUD, psychological distress, and hopelessness.

Testing the interpersonal theory of suicide in adolescents: A multi-wave longitudinal study.

Suicide is a major public health crisis among youth. Several prominent theories, including the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide (IPTS), aim to characterize the factors leading from suicide ideation to action. These theories are largely based on findings in adults and require testing and elaboration in adolescents. Data were examined from high-risk 13-18-year-old adolescents (N = 167) participating in a multi-wave, longitudinal study; 63% of the sample exhibited current suicidal thoughts or recent behaviors (n = 105). The study included a 6-month follow-up period with clinical interviews and self-report measures at each of the four assessments as well as weekly smartphone-based assessments of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Regression and structural equation models were used to probe hypotheses related to the core tenets of the IPTS. Feelings of perceived burdensomeness were associated with more severe self-reported suicidal ideation (b = 0.58, t(158) = 7.64, p < .001). Similarly, burdensomeness was associated with more frequent ideation based on weekly smartphone ratings (b = 0.11, t(1460) = 3.41, p < .001). Contrary to IPTS hypotheses, neither feelings of thwarted belongingness, nor interactions between burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness were significantly associated with ideation (ps > .05). Only elevated depression severity was associated with greater odds of suicide events (i.e., suicide attempts, psychiatric hospitalizations, and/or emergency department visits for suicide concerns) during the follow-up period (OR = 1.83, t(158) = 2.44, p = .01). No effect of acquired capability was found. Perceptions of burdensomeness to others reflect a critical risk factor for suicidal ideation among high-risk adolescents. Null findings with other IPTS constructs may suggest a need to adopt more developmentally sensitive models or measures of interpersonal and acquired capability risk factors for youth. Refining methods and theoretical models of suicide risk may help improve the identification of high-risk cases and inform clinical intervention.