Response to Risk Factors for Suicide Ideation in the Workplace

BackgroundThe suicide rate has increased significantly among US Army soldiers over the past decade. Here we report the first results from a large psychological autopsy study using two control groups designed to reveal risk factors for suicide death among soldiers beyond known sociodemographic factors and the presence of suicide ideation.MethodsInformants were next-of-kin and Army supervisors for: 135 suicide cases, 137 control soldiers propensity-score-matched on known sociodemographic risk factors for suicide and Army history variables, and 118 control soldiers who reported suicide ideation in the past year.ResultsResults revealed that most (79.3%) soldiers who died by suicide have a prior mental disorder; mental disorders in the prior 30-days were especially strong risk factors for suicide death. Approximately half of suicide decedents tell someone that they are considering suicide. Virtually all of the risk factors identified in this study differed between suicide cases and propensity-score-matched controls, but did not significantly differ between suicide cases and suicide ideators. The most striking difference between suicides and ideators was the presence in the former of an internalizing disorder (especially depression) and multi-morbidity (i.e. 3+ disorders) in the past 30 days.ConclusionsMost soldiers who die by suicide have identifiable mental disorders shortly before their death and tell others about their suicidal thinking, suggesting that there are opportunities for prevention and intervention. However, few risk factors distinguish between suicide ideators and decedents, pointing to an important direction for future research.

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Depression and hopelessness as risk factors for suicide ideation, attempts and death: meta-analysis of longitudinal studies

The British Journal of Psychiatry ◽

10.1192/bjp.2018.27 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 212 (5) ◽

pp. 279-286 ◽

Cited By ~ 84

Author(s):

Jessica D. Ribeiro ◽

Xieyining Huang ◽

Kathryn R. Fox ◽

Joseph C. Franklin

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Longitudinal Analysis ◽

Clinical Utility ◽

Suicide Ideation ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Weighted Mean ◽

Suicidal Thoughts ◽

Sample Age ◽

Risk Factors For Suicide

BackgroundMany studies have documented robust relationships between depression and hopelessness and subsequent suicidal thoughts and behaviours; however, much weaker and non-significant effects have also been reported. These inconsistencies raise questions about whether and to what degree these factors confer risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviours.AimsThis study aimed to evaluate the magnitude and clinical utility of depression and hopelessness as risk factors for suicide ideation, attempts and death.MethodWe conducted a meta-analysis of published studies from 1971 to 31 December 2014 that included at least one longitudinal analysis predicting suicide ideation, attempt or death using any depression or hopelessness variable.ResultsOverall prediction was weaker than anticipated, with weighted mean odds ratios of 1.96 (1.81–2.13) for ideation, 1.63 (1.55–1.72) for attempt and 1.33 (1.18–1.49) for death. Adjusting for publication bias further reduced estimates. Effects generally persisted regardless of sample severity, sample age or follow-up length.ConclusionsSeveral methodological constraints were prominent across studies; addressing these issues would likely be fruitful moving forward.Declaration of interestNone.

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