Risk Factors For Suicide Attempts Research Articles

Personality Dimension, Suicidal Intent, and Lethality: A Cross-sectional Study of Suicide Attempters with or Without Personality Disorders

Background: Although personality disorders (PD) are known risk factors for suicide attempts, studies on personality dimension are scarce, which may provide further insights for interventions. Methods: The relationship between personality dimension, lethality, intent, and quality of life (QOL) was studied in suicide attempters with or without PD. We used the international personality disorder examination (IPDE) dimensional score, the scale for assessment of lethality of suicide attempt (SALSA), suicide intent scale (SIS), and WHOQOL-BREF QOL scale, to assess a sample of suicide attempters admitted to a general hospital. Results: PD was present in 43.2% and 57.9% of them had more than one PD. Comparison of attempters with or without PD suggested that the lethality of attempts and QOL were comparable, whereas self-reported suicide intent was significantly low in patients with PD. A higher proportion of PD patients reported relational problems as the reason for the attempt. The personality dimensional score was significantly higher for female attempters from urban backgrounds than for those with previous attempt histories. It was negatively correlated with the lethality of attempts and suicide intent. Conclusion: It is important to explore the personality dimension of the suicide attempters, along with PD, that may highlight additional risks and suggest the need for specific support.

Risk factors for suicide attempt among adolescents reporting suicidal ideation by sexual and gender minority status: Evidence from the 2022 Minnesota Student Survey.

Suicide is a leading cause of death among adolescents, yet most adolescents who report suicidal ideation do not attempt nor die by suicide. To prevent injury and death, it is thus vital to explore factors potentiating the transition from suicidal ideation to suicidal attempt, especially in high-risk groups like sexual and gender minority (SGM) adolescents. Guided by an "ideation-to-action" framework, we explored risk factors for suicide attempt (ie, "painful and provocative experiences") among adolescents reporting suicidal ideation by SGM status. Data were drawn from the cross-sectional 2022 Minnesota Student Survey and restricted to 10 561 adolescents reporting past-year suicidal ideation (52.3% SGM; 47.7% non-SGM). Analyses first assessed prevalence of exposure to painful and provocative experiences (ie, non-suicidal self-injury, adverse childhood experiences, bullying) by SGM status. Then, in multivariable logistic regression models, analyses probed associations between these risk factors and past-year suicide attempt. Among adolescents reporting recent suicidal ideation, a higher proportion of SGM adolescents reported past-year suicide attempt than non-SGM adolescents (26.7% vs 21.6%, respectively). All examined painful and provocative experiences were more commonly reported among SGM adolescents. In analyses restricted to SGM adolescents, non-suicidal self-injury, sexual abuse by a family member, and bullying demonstrated the largest effect sizes of associations with suicide attempt. Guided by an "ideation-to-action" framework, this research identifies risk factors potentiating suicide attempt in SGM adolescents reporting recent suicidal ideation. Structural and clinical interventions focused on mitigating exposure to painful and provocative experiences may help to prevent suicide among SGM adolescents.

The “noise” of suicide attempts – relating LGBTQ+-specific vs. non-specific factors

Abstract Background Despite the numerous research on the determinants and risk factors of suicide attempts, an understanding of suicide attempts as a process that holistically captures the perspectives of the actors involved is still lacking. Our study, therefore, aimed to better understand, from different perspectives, how (process) and why (subjective meaning, patterns of interpretation) (a) suicide attempt(s) among LGBTQ+ youth happen and to relate LGBTQ+-specific vs. non-specific factors. Methods From 2021 to 2024, we interviewed LGBTQ+ youth in Switzerland who had attempted suicide between the ages of 14 and 25. As part of a multi-perspective approach, we also interviewed people from their social environment where possible. Data were collected and analysed using Grounded Theory Methodology, including theoretical sampling. The final sample consisted of 41 people: 7 bisexual/lesbian cis women, 4 bisexual/gay cis men, 15 trans/non-binary people of different sexual orientations, 3 heterosexual cis people, and 12 people from their social environment. Results Sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) emerged as either background or foreground “music” of the suicidal processes. In some LGBTQ+ youth, SOGI were key factors influencing their suicidality, e.g. experiencing a major lack of acceptance and barriers to accessing gender-affirming transition (foreground music type). In others, suicidality was mainly related to other aspects than SOGI, especially fundamental ones such as unsafe familial circumstances or sexualised violence, which were accentuated by SOGI-related factors e.g. feeling a lack of belonging (background music type). Further, a mixed type was identified, with SOGI and non-SOGI-related factors being equally important for suicide attempt(s). Conclusions Our study implies the need to adapt health promotion, suicide prevention, and early detection and intervention strategies according to the identified types of suicidal processes.

Suicide attempts and correlates among in-school adolescents in Benin City, Nigeria

We aim to add to the literature on suicidality in Africa by estimating the prevalence and exploring the behavioural correlates of suicide attempts among in-school adolescents in Benin City, Nigeria. Utilising a cross-sectional design, participants were a random, stratified sample of students who filled out questionnaires to identify various determinants of suicidal attempts among adolescents between the ages of 10 and 19. We used bivariate and multivariate analyses to determine associations between suicide attempts and other variables. A total of 725 adolescents completed the instruments. Over 13.5% reported suicidal ideation, and approximately 10.5% reported that they had attempted suicide in the last year. At the multivariate level, adolescents who attempted suicide had significantly greater odds of being anxious, lonely, or victims of bullying behaviour. Individuals experiencing persistently sad moods, suicidal thoughts and plans were significantly associated with suicide attempts. Suicidal ideation and attempts are prevalent among adolescents. Assessment of anxiety, loneliness, and persistently sad moods as risk factors for suicide attempts among adolescents is vital. Indicators of bullying appear to be particularly relevant to the risk of suicide attempts among adolescents and should be given attention as part of risk assessments. We suggest that bullying prevention programs and early identification of the risk factors be a vital part of strategies for initiating and maintaining public health interventions pitched toward suicide prevention in Nigeria and Africa. This study will, in addition, provide a baseline for future studies on suicidal behaviour.

Identifying behaviour-related and physiological risk factors for suicide attempts in the UK Biobank.

Suicide is a global public health challenge, yet considerable uncertainty remains regarding the associations of both behaviour-related and physiological factors with suicide attempts (SA). Here we first estimated polygenic risk scores (PRS) for SA in 334,706 UK Biobank participants and conducted phenome-wide association analyses considering 2,291 factors. We identified 246 (63.07%) behaviour-related and 200 (10.41%, encompassing neuroimaging, blood and metabolic biomarkers, and proteins) physiological factors significantly associated with SA-PRS, with robust associations observed in lifestyle factors and mental health. Further case-control analyses involving 3,558 SA cases and 149,976 controls mirrored behaviour-related associations observed with SA-PRS. Moreover, Mendelian randomization analyses supported a potential causal effect of liability to 58 factors on SA, such as age at first intercourse, neuroticism, smoking, overall health rating and depression. Notably, machine-learning classification models based on behaviour-related factors exhibited high discriminative accuracy in distinguishing those with and without SA (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.909 ± 0.006). This study provides comprehensive insights into diverse risk factors for SA, shedding light on potential avenues for targeted prevention and intervention strategies.

Sex differences in correlates of suicide attempts in Chinese Han first‐episode and drug‐naïve major depressive disorder with comorbid subclinical hypothyroidism: A cross‐sectional study

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to investigate sex differences in risk factors for suicide attempts in first‐episode and drug naive (FEDN) major depressive disorder (MDD) with comorbid subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH).MethodsA total of 1034 FEDN MDD patients with comorbid SCH were enrolled. The Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) positive subscale were used to assess patients’ symptoms. Thyroid hormone levels and metabolic parameters were measured.ResultsMDD patients with SCH had a significantly higher risk of suicide attempts than those without SCH (25.4% vs. 12.2%). Logistic regression showed that HAMA score, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, and thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) levels were significantly associated with an increased risk for suicide attempts in both male and female MDD patients comorbid SCH, while low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) was significantly associated with an increased risk for suicide attempts only in male patients, HAMD score and systolic blood pressure were significantly associated with an increased risk for suicide attempts only in female patients.ConclusionSCH comorbidities may increase suicide attempts in MDD patients. Our results showed significant sex differences in clinical and metabolic factors associated with suicide attempts among FEDN MDD patients with comorbid SCH, highlighting appropriate sex‐based preventive interventions are needed.

Investigation of the trend and related factors of suicide attempts and suicide deaths in southeast Iran during 2018–2022

Suicide is a major public health challenge worldwide with an increasing trend. Identifying risk factors for suicide attempts and suicide deaths may help find useful ways to prevent suicide. We aimed to determine the trend and related factors of suicide attempts and suicide deaths in Rafsanjan. This retrospective study included all suicide cases from 2018 to 2022 in Rafsanjan, a city in the southeast of Iran. The information was extracted from the suicide registration system of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences. Univariable and multivariable logistics regression models were used to investigate factors affecting suicide death. A total of 2039 cases of suicide, including 1932 cases (94.75%) of suicide attempts and 107 cases (5.25%) of suicide deaths were recorded during the study period. The frequency of suicide deaths and suicide attempts per 100,000 people increased in 2022 compared to 2018 in both genders. In the adjusted model, the odds of suicide deaths in males was 6.48 (95% CI 3.39–12.42) times higher than in females. Also, the odds of suicide deaths in unemployed subjects and housewives were 2.64 (95% CI 1.50–4.67) and 7.45 (95% CI 3.08–18.07) times higher than employed subjects respectively. Finally, people with education less than a diploma had 10.85 (95% CI 1.48–79.54) times higher odds of suicide deaths compared to people with university education. The present research showed that the pattern of suicide has been increasing since 2018, and we may see an upward trend in the coming years, which requires further investigation and preventive measures. Male gender, low education level, unemployment, and being a housewife were associated with the highest frequency of suicide death.

Suicide among Reproductive-Age Women in Northwest Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Background. Suicide is one of the global burdens of morbidity and mortality in all reproductive-age women population groups across the world. It is one of the most significant contributors to the global burden of illness and a cause of morbidity. This study is aimed at finding out how it occurred and what risk factors were related to suicidal ideation and attempts among women in the reproductive-age group. Methods. A community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted using a multistage cluster sampling technique to get a total of 590 study participants from March to April 2021. Data were entered into EpiData version 3.1 and analyzed in bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20. Variables with a p value <0.05 were declared to be associated risk factors with the outcome variable. Results. A total of 590 of the 598 sampled women participated, with a response rate of 98.7%. A one-month prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempt was 2.9% (95% CI: 1.5%, 4.4%) and 2.5% (95% CI: 1.4%, 3.7%), respectively. Intimate partner violence (AOR=4.69, 95% CI: 1.53, 14.45), depression (AOR=3.11, 95% CI: 1.11, 9.85), and history of mental illness (AOR=5.18, 95% CI: 1.55, 17.32) were associated risk factors for suicide ideation. Anxiety (AOR=3.55, 95% CI: 1.17, 10.81), being unmarried (AOR=4.39, 95% CI: 1.49, 12.87), and history of mental illness (AOR=7.95, 95% CI: 2.42, 26.15) were associated risk factors for suicide attempts. Conclusion. SI and SA are prevalent in reproductive-age women. Intimate partner violence, depression, anxiety, a history of mental illness, and being single were associated factors. This implies that providing relevant information, education, and continuing support is very crucial for reproductive-age group women to decrease the incidence and risk factors of suicide.

Comparing frequencies of adolescent suicide attempters pre- and during COVID-19 pandemic school terms

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic had and still have a major impact on adolescent mental health and consequently on suicidal behavior. However, few studies have investigated whether the pandemic has changed the patterns and the triggers of suicidality peaks in adolescents, e.g., seasonal patterns or family conflicts. We hypothesized that the pandemic modified suicidality rates: an increment of suicide attempts would be observed in the first semester of the academic year during COVID-19 pandemic compared to the same period of previous academic year; and the precipitating factors would be more related to social stressors during the pandemic school year.MethodsA retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the precipitating factors, also including school-related factors and cognitive skills, of adolescent suicide attempters occurred in the first and second semesters of the year before the pandemic lockdown (study periods 1 and 2) and the year after (study periods 3 and 4).ResultsThe sample consisted of 85 adolescents aged between 12 and 17 recruited consecutively from March 2019 to March 2021 at emergency ward because of suicide attempt. Forty-eight adolescents (55.3% of the sample) were attended before the lockdown (pre-pandemic group) and 38 (44.7%) the year after. The results showed a higher proportion of female suicide attempters in period 4 (Sept 2020-Feb 2021) respect to period 3 (Mar 2020-Aug 2020), i.e., pandemic semesters compared with the increment observed between period 2 and 1 (prepandemic semesters; Fisher’s exact test = 4.73; p = 0.026). The multinomial regression models showed a significant effect in the frequency of adolescents who attempted suicide (ratio χ2 = 15.19, p = 0.019), accounted by the differences between period 4 (Sept 2020-Feb 2021) and period 1 (Mar 2019-Aug 2019), with depressive symptoms being a significant contributing factor (Exp(b) = 0.93; p = 0.04). Additionally, social triggers and age were found to be significant risk factors for suicide attempts in the first semester of the pandemic academic year (period 4) compared to the same semester of the pre-pandemic year (period 2; Exp(b) = 0.16, p = 0.01, and Exp(b) = 1.88, p = 0.006, respectively).ConclusionsDuring the pandemic, the decrement between first and second semester of the number of females attempting suicide was more pronounced than in the prepandemic school year -though this findings lacked statistical power due to very limited sample size-. Change in the frequency of adolescent attempting suicide in the different school periods was associated with greater severity of depressive symptoms. Social relations in back-to-school after the lockdown were also associated with the number of adolescents attempting suicide.

Inhibition and Activation Systems of Behavior and Suicide Mediating Role of Cognitive Emotion Regulation.

This study aimed to predict suicide attempts based on behavioral activation and inhibition systems (BAS/BIS) with the mediating role of cognitive emotion regulation (CER) strategies among adolescents of Abyek City. The research methodology was descriptive-correlational. The cluster sampling method was used, and the resulting sample included 194 adolescents who responded to the BAS/BIS questionnaire (Carver & White, 1994), CER questionnaire, and Beck scale for suicide ideation. Path analysis was employed to evaluate the proposed model using AMOS 24.0 and SPSS 27 softwares. The findings indicate that the proposed model is fitted with the data well. The results of path analysis showed that the BAS/BIS systems explain 27% of the variance of maladaptive CER and 61% of the variance of adaptive CER. In addition, maladaptive CER, BAS, and BIS explain 65% of the variance of suicide attempts. Low levels of BAS, high levels of BIS, and the use of maladaptive CER skills can be considered risk factors for suicide attempts in adolescents.

Intimate Partner Violence and Suicide Attempt Among Women in the Philippines

Intimate partner violence is among the leading women’s health issues globally. Hence, the primary aim of this study was to determine if intimate partner violence (IPV) against women is a significant risk factor in suicide attempts, and whether such an association is moderated by help-seeking behavior. A predictive correlational design was employed to determine associations between the variables of interest. The study sample consisted of 1,413 currently married or cohabiting Filipino women with exposure to IPV. In the direct effects model, physical IPV, psychological IPV, and sexual IPV emerged as significant risk factors for suicide attempts. In the moderation analysis, help-seeking behavior did not demonstrate a significant interaction with IPV in predicting suicide attempts. The current data highlight the importance of identifying and screening IPV-abused women in communities who may be at risk of attempting suicide. Additionally, suicide prevention strategies must consider the potential role of help-seeking behavior in increasing the risk of suicide among IPV-abused women.

Suicide attempts in schizophrenia – A large retrospective cohort study from a tertiary care psychiatry centre in India

The extent of variability in identified risk factors for suicide attempts (SA) in schizophrenia limits their generalization. This study aimed to identify the rates and associated correlates of SA in schizophrenia by reviewing a large cohort (n=500). Nearly one-fourth had a history of SA, which was independently associated with a family history of SA, more inpatient admissions, and better long-term treatment response. These findings highlight the complex interaction between biological factors influencing SA and illness determinants in schizophrenia. Furthermore, they reinforce the need for future research to unravel the association between suicide vulnerability and the pathophysiology of schizophrenia to attenuate morbidity and mortality associated with the same.

Risk factors for suicidal attempts in a sample of outpatients with treatment-resistant depression: an observational study.

Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is commonly defined as the failure of at least two trials with antidepressant drugs, given at the right dose and for an appropriate duration. TRD is associated with increased mortality, compared to patients with a simple major depressive episode. This increased rate was mainly attributed to death from external causes, including suicide and accidents. The aim of our study is to identify socio-demographic and psychopathological variables associated with suicidal attempts in a sample of outpatients with TRD. We performed a monocentric observational study with a retrospective design including a sample of 63 subjects with TRD referred to an Italian outpatient mental health centre. We collected socio-demographic and psychopathological data from interviews and clinical records. 77.8% of the sample (N=49) were females, the mean age was 49.2 (15.9). 33.3% (N=21) of patients had attempted suicide. 54% (N=34) of patients had a psychiatric comorbidity. Among the collected variables, substance use (p=0.031), psychiatric comorbidities (p=0.049) and high scores of HAM-D (p=0.011) were associated with the occurrence of suicide attempts. In the regression model, substance use (OR 6.779), psychiatric comorbidities (OR 3.788) and HAM-D scores (OR 1.057) were predictive of suicide attempts. When controlling for gender, only substance use (OR 6.114) and HAM-D scores (OR 1.057) maintained association with suicide attempts. The integrated treatment of comorbidities and substance abuse, which involves different mental health services, is fundamental in achieving the recovery of these patients. Our study supports the importance of performing a careful clinical evaluation of patients with TRD in order to identify factors associated with increased risk of suicide attempts.

Prevalence and risk factors of suicide attempts among Chinese elderly patients over 50 years with schizophrenia.

Several research efforts have found that older schizophrenia patients are at higher risk for suicide. Related risk factors for suicide attempts in the elderly with schizophrenia are poorly understood. This study sought to assess the prevalence of suicide attempts and related risk variables in schizophrenia patients over the age of 50. We recruited 591 elderly patients over the age of 50. Demographic, clinical and blood parameters of all patients were collected. Patients with schizophrenia were evaluated for psychopathological symptoms using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). The rate of suicide attempts among elderly Chinese schizophrenia patients was 15.2%. In these elderly schizophrenia patients, those who with suicide attempts had significantly higher scores for insomnia, depression and smoking addiction, and higher levels of red blood cells, Hc1 glycosylated hemoglobin and free T3, but significantly lower levels of hypersensitive C-reactive protein and -globulin. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that higher depression scores and smoking addiction were risk factors for suicide attempts in these patients. Additionally, multiple regression analyses showed that higher BMI and insomnia scores were associated with suicide risk scores in elderly schizophrenia patients. Our research shows that there is a high incidence of suicide attempts in people over 50 years of age with schizophrenia. A number of clinically relevant factors and metabolic markers are associated with suicide attempts among elderly patients with schizophrenia.

Self-harm thoughts among postpartum women - associated factors

ABSTRACT Background Even though in many countries suicide is the leading cause of maternal deaths during the postpartum period, the prevalence of thoughts of self-harm (SHTs), an important risk factor for suicide attempts, is still not well documented. Aim We aimed to investigate the prevalence of SHTs in a Polish cohort of postpartum women and identify socio-demographic and maternal mental health factors associated with experiencing SHTs. Method 1545 women took part in a midwife-led postpartum depression (PPD) screening. 337 of them reported SHTs. The Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) was administered. Specifically, we used an abbreviated 5-item version to assess depression symptoms, item 10 to assess SHTs, a composite score of items 1 and 2 - anhedonia, and a composite score of items 3, 4, and 5 - anxiety. Logistic regression analyses were performed to examine associations between variables. Results Approximately 2% (n = 337) of women self-reported experiencingSHTs. Within the group of postpartum mothers who self-reported SHTs, 65.60% (n = 221) manifested the symptoms of PPD, and 56.40% (n = 190) - of anxiety. The symptoms of PPD, a mood disorder diagnosed in the past, and younger age were predictors of SHTs. Conclusion The results of this study can contribute to the development of prevention strategies: analysing separately items from PPD screening questionnaires focusing on SHTs can be an important part of prevention. The lack of the symptoms of PPD and anxiety risk does notexclude experiencing SHTs.

Samobójstwa młodzieży w Polsce w latach 2012-2021

Aim: The main research goal will be to diagnose the risk factors of suicide attempts and their specificity. The author's intention is also to determine the level of risk of suicidal behavior among young people and to show ways to minimize it Methods: The study used the method of analysis and synthesis of professional literature, the monographic-descriptive method and the analysis of statistical data Results: Suicide is a process that shapes and matures in a young person, often for many years. It is associated with a series of related thoughts and actions, through which suicide becomes a person's goal. Young people very often believe that they will be able to solve their problems by committing suicide. Emerging thoughts are either quite strongly shaped and grounded or quickly rejected. Some people base their suicidal behavior on the atmosphere at school, which manifests itself in the lack of acceptance by peers (harassment, starking, aggression, etc.). Coclusion: The conducted considerations can also be used to answer the question about the emotional and psychological experiences of young people related to suicidal thoughts. Suicidal thoughts are a very serious and sensitive topic, yet adolescents with suicidal thoughts experience distress and depression when adolescents experience feelings of sadness, dejection and hopelessness. Adolescents often come to the conclusion alone that they are separated from others, unable to establish social bonds and misunderstood by those around them. Such people are susceptible to suicidal behavior. Similarly, if there is a lack of control and helplessness, adolescents may have suicidal thoughts. Fear and anxiety and experiencing your own emotions can also trigger suicidal thoughts. Adolescents often lose their identity, and therefore lose their sense of who I am and what I want from life, which may lead to suicide attempts. Oryginality: Suicidal thoughts are a very serious and sensitive topic, yet adolescents with suicidal thoughts experience distress and depression when adolescents experience feelings of sadness, dejection and hopelessness. Adolescents often come to the conclusion alone that they are separated from others, unable to establish social bonds and misunderstood by those around them. Such people are susceptible to suicidal behavior. Similarly, if there is a lack of control and helplessness, adolescents may have suicidal thoughts. Fear and anxiety and experiencing your own emotions can also trigger suicidal thoughts. Adolescents often lose their identity, and therefore lose their sense of who I am and what I want from life, which may lead to suicide attempts. Keyword: suicide, suicide attempt, adolescents, threat, pandemic, suicidal thoughts, suicide prevention, suicide prevention

The Impact of Complex PTSD on Suicide Risk in Patients with Bipolar Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Patients with bipolar disorder (BD) are more likely than the general population to experience traumatic events, particularly during childhood, and these may predict and be a risk factor for the development of complex PTSD (cPTSD). The presence of multiple traumas plays a relevant role from a psychopathological point of view, but little is known about the effect this may have on suicide attempts in patients with BD. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted comparing socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, recruiting 344 patients diagnosed with BD I and II, screened for the presence (or absence) of cPTSD using the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ). Suicide attempts were assessed directly during the clinical interview and from the patient’s medical record. Results: The results emerging from the study indicate that cPTSD can be considered a risk factor for suicide attempts in patients with BD. Furthermore, evidence is provided to support the idea that cPTSD is highly prevalent in patients with BD and is related to a higher psychopathological burden. Conclusions: The results recommend an urgent and comprehensive assessment of suicidal risk in patients with comorbidity of both bipolar disorder and cPTSD. There is a crucial demand for early intervention initiatives and proactive prevention strategies to address the intricate intersection of these mental health challenges.

The influence of childhood trauma and chronotype on suicide attempts in Chinese emerging adults with severe depressive symptoms

BackgroundStudies have investigated how adults with severe depressive symptoms are more likely to attempt suicide, and these adults often have traumatic experiences and chaotic sleep/wake rhythms. Thus, this study using Latent class analysis aimed to investigate the relationship between childhood trauma class, chronotype, and suicide attempts among emerging adults with severe depressive symptoms.MethodsThis study was conducted among emerging adults with severe depressive symptoms covering 63 Universities in Jilin Province, China. A total of 1,225 emerging adults (mean age = 19.6 ± 1.78) constructed the final sample. In addition to measuring socio-demographic characteristics, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form, the Single-Item Chronotyping, and a single item for suicide attempts were used to evaluate childhood trauma, chronotype, and suicide attempts, respectively. Latent class analysis was applied to identify the classes of childhood trauma within emerging adults who had severe depressive symptoms. Hierarchical logistic regression models were run to investigate the effects of socio-demographic characteristics, chronotype, and childhood trauma class on suicide attempts.ResultsThree latent classes were identified: the Low-risk for childhood trauma class, the Neglect class, and the High-risk for childhood abuse class. Those who suffered sexual, emotional, and physical abuse at the same time were divided into the High-risk for childhood abuse class, and were significantly more likely to experience suicide attempts than those in the Neglect class (OR = 1.97, 95%CI = 1.34–2.89, p < 0.001) and the Low-risk for childhood trauma class (OR = 2.28, 95% CI = 1.50-3.46, p < 0.001). In terms of chronotype, the results showed that the chaotic type was a risk factor for suicide attempts when compared with the evening type (OR = 0.46, 95%CI = 0.27–0.78, p < 0.01), the moderately active type (OR = 0.53, 95%CI = 0.31–0.89, p < 0.05), and the daytime type (OR = 0.42, 95%CI = 0.21–0.86, p < 0.05). Overall, the significant risk factors for suicide attempts included being female, living in an urban area, having experienced sexual, emotional, and physical abuse simultaneously, and having a chaotic chronotype.ConclusionEmerging adults suffering sexual, emotional, and physical abuse at the same time and identifying with chaotic chronotype showed a higher risk of attempting suicide. The findings provided a clinical reference to quickly identify those at high risk of suicide attempts among emerging adults with severe depressive symptoms.

Gender differences in prevalence and clinical risk factors of suicide attempts in young adults with first-episode drug-naive major depressive disorder.

Suicide rates in adolescents with major depressive disorder (MDD) change with age and gender. Early adulthood is an important transitional stage between late adolescence and adulthood, in which an individual's mind gradually matures. However, there are fewer studies on prevalence and variables linked to the suicide attempts of young adults with MDD. To explore gender differences in the prevalence and risk factors associated with suicide attempts in young adults with first-episode drug-naive MDD. The Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD), Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HRSA) and Positive Subscale of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) were used to assess depression, anxiety and psychotic symptoms respectively and various biochemical indicators were assessed. Among 293 young adults with first-episode drug-naive MDD, the prevalence of suicide attempts was 15.45% (19/123) for males and 14.12% (24/170) for females. Males with suicide attempts had higher levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and higher PANSS Positive Subscale scores, whereas females with suicide attempts had higher TSH, serum total cholesterol, fasting blood glucose and diastolic blood pressure levels and higher scores on the HRSD, HRSA, PANSS Positive Subscale (all Bonferroni corrected P < 0.05). In males, PANSS Positive Subscale score (B = 0.17, P = 0.03, OR = 1.19, 95% CI 1.02-1.38) was a risk factor for suicide attempts. There were significant gender differences in the risk factors for suicide attempts in young adults with first-episode drug-naive MDD.

Gender differences in risk factors for suicide attempts among young, first-episode and drug-naive major depressive disorder patients with anxiety symptoms.

Suicide attempts and anxiety are common commodities in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), and suicide attempts are often associated with anxiety symptoms. Studies have found gender differences in several aspects of MDD; however, gender differences in suicide attempts in young first-episode and drug-naive (FEDN) MDD patients with anxiety remain unknown. This study aimed to investigate potential gender differences in the prevalence of suicide attempts and associated risk factors among young FEDN MDD patients with anxiety in a Chinese Han population. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 1289 young patients with FEDN MDD. Demographics, clinical characteristics, and biochemical parameters of patients were collected. Suicide attempters accounted for 23.80% and 26.12% of male and female FEDN MDD patients with anxiety, respectively, with no significant gender differences. Binary logistic regression analyses showed that anxiety, clinical global impression severity, and thyroid peroxidase antibody significantly predicted suicide attempts in both male and female FEDN MDD patients with anxiety, while body mass index significantly predicted suicide attempts only in males, and psychotic symptoms predicted suicide attempts only in females. The present study represents the first large-scale investigation of gender differences in the prevalence of suicide attempts and related risk factors among young FEND MDD patients with anxiety in the Chinese Han population. The results indicate that risk factors associated with suicide attempts vary by gender among young FEND MDD patients with anxiety, although a comparable rate of suicide attempts was observed in both female and male patients.