Relations Between Nonsuicidal Self-Injury and Suicide Attempt Characteristics in a Sample of Recent Suicide Attempters

Crisis ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 310-313 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erin F. Ward-Ciesielski ◽  
Julie A. Schumacher ◽  
Courtney L. Bagge

Abstract. Background: Although nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is known to be associated with increased risk of death by suicide and suicide attempts, minimal research has focused on comparing recent suicide attempters with and without NSSI on suicide attempt characteristics (frequency and severity of suicide attempts). Understanding how NSSI impacts suicide attempt characteristics can help providers to enhance their assessment and treatment strategies so as to prevent future suicidal behaviors. Aims: The present study investigated the extent to which a history of NSSI was related to the frequency and severity of suicide attempts in a sample of recent suicide attempters. Method: Participants included 171 adult patients who presented to the hospital within 24 hr of a suicide attempt. Information about their suicide attempts and NSSI was gathered using self-report questionnaires and interviews. Results: Suicide attempters with a history of NSSI reported significantly more suicide attempts and more suicide attempts requiring medical attention, after controlling for important clinical covariates. Conclusion: NSSI was uniquely associated with suicide attempt characteristics, highlighting the importance of NSSI in suicide assessment, prevention, and treatment efforts.

Crisis ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Caitlin O'Loughlin ◽  
Taylor A. Burke ◽  
Brooke A. Ammerman

Abstract. Background: Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a strong predictor of suicide attempts (SA). Characteristics of NSSI have been shown to influence the NSSI–SA relationship; however, the temporal nature of this association is understudied. Aims: This study aimed to elucidate the NSSI-SA relationship by examining the association between NSSI characteristics and time lapsed from NSSI onset to first SA. Method: Participants were 111 individuals with a history of NSSI that preceded their first SA who completed a series of self-report measures. Results: NSSI methods of cutting and burning, and the anti-dissociation function, were associated with a shorter transition time from NSSI to SA. Earlier age of NSSI onset and the interpersonal boundaries function were related to a longer time to transition. Limitations: This sample size was limited, and data were collected cross-sectionally. Conclusion: Findings provide foundational knowledge regarding NSSI characteristics to inform theoretical models of the NSSI–SA association. This information can inform suicide risk assessments among those with a history of NSSI.


2017 ◽  
Vol 52 (6) ◽  
pp. 552-560 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katelyn Kerr ◽  
Madeline Romaniuk ◽  
Sarah McLeay ◽  
Andrew Khoo ◽  
Michael T Dent ◽  
...  

Background: Military veterans have higher rates of suicidality and completed suicides compared to the general population. Previous research has demonstrated suicidal behaviour is higher in US combat veterans who are younger, suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety and score lower on measures of health. However, research on predictors of suicide for Australian veterans is limited. The aim of this study was to identify significant demographic and psychological differences between veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder who had attempted suicide and those with posttraumatic stress disorder who had not, as well as determine predictors of suicide attempts within an Australian cohort. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 229 ex-service personnel diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder who had attended a Military Service Trauma Recovery Day Program as outpatients at Toowong Private Hospital from 2007 to 2014. Patients completed a battery of mental health self-report questionnaires assessing symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, alcohol use, anger, depression, anxiety and quality of life. Demographic information and self-reported history of suicide attempts were also recorded. Results: Results indicated the average age was significantly lower, and the rates of posttraumatic stress disorder, anger, anxiety and depression symptoms were significantly higher in those veterans with history of a suicide attempt. Multivariate logistic regression analyses indicated posttraumatic stress disorder symptom severity, unemployment or total and permanent incapacity pension status significantly predicted suicide attempt history. Conclusion: Among a cohort of Australian veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder, psychopathology severity, unemployment and total and permanent incapacity status are significantly associated with suicidality. This study highlights the importance of early identification of posttraumatic stress disorder and psychopathology, therapeutic and social engagement, and prioritisation of tangible employment options or meaningful and goal-directed activities for veterans deemed unable to work.


Crisis ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Deepak Prabhakar ◽  
Edward L. Peterson ◽  
Yong Hu ◽  
Simran Chawa ◽  
Rebecca C. Rossom ◽  
...  

Abstract. Background: In the US, more than one million people attempt suicide each year. History of suicide attempt is a significant risk factor for death by suicide; however, there is a paucity of data from the US general population on this relationship. Aim: The objective of this study was to examine suicide attempts needing medical attention as a risk for suicide death. Method: We conducted a case–control study involving eight US healthcare systems. A total of 2,674 individuals who died by suicide from 2000 to 2013 were matched to 267,400 individuals by year and location. Results: Prior suicide attempt associated with a medical visit increases risk for suicide death by 39.1 times, particularly for women ( OR = 79.2). However, only 11.3% of suicide deaths were associated with an attempt that required medical attention. The association was the strongest for children 10–14 years old ( OR = 98.0). Most suicide attempts were recorded during the 20-week period prior to death. Limitations: Our study is limited to suicide attempts for which individuals sought medical care. Conclusion: In the US, prior suicide attempt is associated with an increased risk of suicide death; the risk is high especially during the period immediately following a nonlethal attempt.


2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S601-S601
Author(s):  
E. Gattoni ◽  
A. Feggi ◽  
C. Gramaglia ◽  
P. Bergamasco ◽  
I. Coppola ◽  
...  

BackgroundSuicide attempts, defined as self-inflicted, potentially injurious behaviors with a nonfatal outcome, and with evidence of intent to die are extremely prevalent. Literature suggests that suicide is more common among males, while attempted suicide is more frequent among females. Depression, mental disorders, substance use disorders and history of suicidal behavior are important risk factors for suicide: the risk of suicide attempt is 3 to 12 times higher in psychiatric patients than in the general population.AimThe aim of our study was to compare severity of depressive symptoms in a sample of suicide attempters with a diagnosis of bipolar and related disorders or depressive disorders and in a sample of sex- and diagnosis-matched patients who do not commit a suicide attempt. The severity of attempted suicide and the suicidal risk in the hospital will be assessed as well.Material and methodsWe collected a sample of inpatients who committed a suicide attempt during 2015. For each attempter, we selected another sex- and diagnosis-matched patient with no history of attempted suicide. Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of the sample were gathered. Assessment included: Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) for severity of depressive symptoms in both groups, Suicide Intent Scale (SIS) for the severity of attempted suicide and the suicidal risk with a nurse assessment for suicide.ResultsData collecting is still ongoing. We expected to find more severe symptoms in patients who attempted suicide. Clinical implication will be discussed.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.


2010 ◽  
Vol 91 (2) ◽  
pp. 186-192 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dana M. Lizardi ◽  
Ronald G. Thompson ◽  
Katherine M. Keyes ◽  
Deborah S. Hasin

Parental divorce during childhood is associated with an increased risk of suicide attempts for male but not female offspring. This study examines whether parental remarriage has a differential effect on suicide risk for male and female adult offspring. Using the 2001–2002 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC), the sample consists of respondents who experienced parental divorce ( N = 6,436). Multivariable regressions were estimated. Females who lived with a stepparent were significantly more likely to report a lifetime suicide attempt compared with females who had not. Clinicians should note that female depressed patients who have a history of childhood parental divorce and remarriage may be at more risk for suicide attempt than previously recognized.


1996 ◽  
Vol 168 (3) ◽  
pp. 324-329 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin M. Malone ◽  
Elizabeth M. Corbitt ◽  
Shuhua Li ◽  
J. John Mann

BackgroundThis study employed an alternative method for assessing serotonergic function to further evaluate our finding that cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA) in depressed suicide attempters with a lifetime history of higher lethality suicide attempts is significantly lower compared to depressed patients who have a history of low lethality suicide attempts.MethodWe used dl-fenfluramine (60 mg) as a neuroendocrine probe to examine the serotonin system in 41 in-patients with a DSM–III–R major depressive episode, divided into two groups on the basis of a lifetime history of high or low lethality suicide attempts. Fenfluramine challenge test outcome was defined as the maximum prolactin response in the five hours following fenfluramine.ResultsPatients with a history of a higher lethality suicide attempt had a significantly lower prolactin response to fenfluramine, even when controlling for cortisol, age, sex, weight, comorbid cluster B personality disorder, pharmacokinetic and menstrual cycle effects.ConclusionsThe data provide further support for the hypothesis that serotonin dysfunction is associated with more lethal suicide attempts, and suggests that higher lethality suicide attempters or failed suicides resemble completed suicides both behaviourally and biochemically.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olaoluwa O. Okusaga ◽  
Rachel L. Kember ◽  
Gina M. Peloso ◽  
Roseann E. Peterson ◽  
Marijana Vujkovic ◽  
...  

Introduction: Relative to the general population, patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder have higher rates of suicide attempts and mortality from COVID-19 infection. Therefore, determining whether a history of suicide attempt is associated with COVID-19 in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder has implications for COVID-19 vulnerability stratification in this patient population. Methods: We carried out cross-sectional analyses of electronic health records (EHR) of veterans with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder that received treatment at any United States Veterans Affairs Medical Center between January 1, 2020 to January 31, 2021. We used logistic regression to estimate unadjusted and adjusted (including age, sex, race, marital status, body mass index (BMI), and a medical comorbidity score) odds ratios (ORs) for COVID-19 positivity in suicide attempters relative to non-attempters. Results: A total of 101,032 Veterans [mean age 56.67 ± 13.13 years; males 91,715 (90.8%)] were included in the analyses. There were 2,703 (2.7%) suicide attempters and 719 (0.7%) patients were positive for COVID-19. The association between history of suicide attempt and COVID-19 positivity was modified by age and BMI, such that the relationship was only significant in patients younger than 59 years, and in obese (BMI ≥ 30) patients (adjusted OR 3.42, 95% CI 2.02 - 5.79 and OR 2.85, 95% CI 1.65 - 4.94, respectively). Conclusions: Higher rates of COVID-19 in young or obese suicide attempters with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder might be due to elevated risk for the infection in this sub-group of patients.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Milda Sarkinaite ◽  
Rymante Gleizniene ◽  
Virginija Adomaitiene ◽  
Kristina Dambrauskiene ◽  
Nijole Raskauskiene ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Structural brain changes are found in suicide attempters, as well as in patients with mental disorders. It remains unclear whether the suicidal behavior is related to atrophy of brain regions and how the morphology of specific brain areas is changing with each suicide attempt. This cross-sectional study examined volumetric differences in brain regions among patients with history of first and repeated suicide attempts in comparison to healthy controls (HC). Methods The sample consisted of 56 adults, non-psychotic patients without cognitive impairment and any organic brain disorders hospitalized after first suicide attempt (first SA) (n=29) and more than one suicide attempt (SA>1) during the lifetime (n=27); and 54 adult volunteers without history of mental disorder and suicide attempts, designated as HC. The MRI data were collected using 1.5 T Siemens Avanto scanner. Brain cortical thickness, grey and white matter volumes were measured using FreeSurfer 6.0 automatic segmentation technique. Results In comparison to HC, patients with first SA had 3.5, 3.58 and 4.19% significantly lower mean cortical thickness of the superior and rostral middle frontal areas of the left hemisphere and superior frontal area of the right hemisphere, respectively; 4.09, 4.02 and 4.49% lower mean cortical thickness of the inferior, middle and superior temporal areas of the left hemisphere, respectively. In comparison to HC, patients after SA>1 had a significantly lower mean cortical thickness (from 4.02 to 8.33%) in ten areas of frontal cortex of the left hemisphere and seven areas of the right hemisphere; from 3.90 to 6.04% difference in six areas of temporal cortex in both hemispheres. The comparison of hippocampus volume showed a significantly lower mean volume (7.86 to 9.89%) of left and right parts in patients with SA>1, but not in patients with first SA. Conclusions Hospitalized suicide attempters had lower frontal and temporal cortical thickness and smaller parts of hippocampus than HC; these differences were significantly higher in repeated suicide attempters than in patients with first SA. Our findings suggest that repeated suicidal behavior is associated with intensifying atrophy of specific brain structures, independently of diagnosis of depressive disorders.


Author(s):  
Yujin Ko ◽  
Jieun Moon ◽  
Sangsoo Han

Introduction: Suicidal ideation and suicide attempts are major risk factors for suicidal death, and sleep problems are associated with an increased risk for mental disorders. We investigated the relationship between sleep duration and suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in a representative sample of the Korean general population from a nationwide survey. Methods: We analyzed data collected from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey VI and VII (2013–2018). Suicidal ideation was identified via self-report, and we accessed suicide attempt history. Sleep duration was divided into three categories: short sleep duration (SSD) (≤5 h), normal sleep duration (NSD) (>5 and <9 h), and long sleep duration (LSD) (≥9 h). Sampling weights were applied to obtain estimates for the general Korean population. Results: Overall, 4015 (12.0%), 25,609 (76.5%), and 3857 (11.5%) participants were in the SSD, NSD, and LSD groups, respectively. Among these groups, 7.2%, 2.8%, and 3.3% reported suicidal ideation; while 1.2%, 0.4%, and 0.7% reported a history of suicide attempts. Multiple regression analyses revealed that SSD was significantly more strongly associated with suicidal ideation (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.46, p < 0.001) and attempts (AOR 2.05, p = 0.003) than NSD. No association was found between LSD and suicidal ideation/attempts. Conclusion: Sleep duration is significantly associated with suicidal behavior, and SSD was particularly closely related with an increased risk for suicidal ideation and suicide attempt. Clinicians should carefully consider sleep duration in suicidal patients.


2018 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jhun Robbie U. Galicia ◽  
Tomas D. Bautista

Objective. To determine the prevalence and possible risk factors associated with nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicide attempt among young adult university students. Methods. A cross-sectional study involving six colleges from a university in Manila, from which randomization through a computer-generated random number was done. Data were obtained through self-administered questionnaires. Descriptive analysis and logistic regression were done to evaluate the data. Results. A total of 225 students participated in the study (mean age of 20.33 years). Majority were females (60.44%). Ideations of self-harm were reported in 49.33%. NSSI and suicide attempts were reported at 26.22% and 14.67%, respectively. In general, self-harm (NSSI and/or suicidal attempt) was reported at 33.78%, while 7.11% of the respondents reported both NSSI and suicidal attempt in the past. Furthermore, 2-3 out of 10 students who engaged in NSSI would have a suicide attempt. Associated factors of NSSI and suicide attempt were age, female gender, gender orientation, parental civil status, employment, economic standing, and psychopathology which support the findings cited in literature. Conclusion. The high prevalence of self-harm NSSI and/or suicidal attempt (33.78%) and the finding that NSSI was a gateway for suicidal attempt and that 2-3 out of ten who engaged in NSSI would have a suicide attempt underscores the need to develop an early intervention upon detecting self-harming behaviors and a preventive program for the progression of NSSI to suicide attempts.


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