scholarly journals Factors Related to Suicide Attempts: The Roles of Childhood Abuse and Spirituality

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hyejin Tae ◽  
Jeong-Ho Chae

Objectives: The purpose of this article was to identify independent factors associated with suicide attempts in patients with depression and/or anxiety.Background and Aims: This study was conducted in order to examine whether risk and protective psychological factors influence the risk of suicide attempts among outpatients with anxiety and/or depressive disorders. In this regard, explanatory models have been reported to detect high-risk groups for suicide attempt. We also examined whether identified factors serve as mediators on suicide attempts.Materials and Methods: Patients from 18 to 65 years old from an outpatient clinic at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital were invited to join clinical studies. From September 2010 to November 2017, a total of 737 participants were included in the final sample. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-being Scale (FACIT-Sp-12), and Functional Social Support Questionnaire (FSSQ) were used to assess psychiatric symptoms. An independent samples t-test, a chi-square test, hierarchical multiple regression analyses, and the Baron and Kenny's procedures were performed in order to analyze data.Results: Young age, childhood history of emotional and sexual abuse, depression, and a low level of spirituality were significant independent factors for increased suicide attempts. Depression was reported to mediate the relationship between childhood emotional and sexual abuse, spirituality, and suicide attempts.Conclusions: Identifying the factors that significantly affect suicidality may be important for establishing effective plans of suicide prevention. Strategic assessments and interventions aimed at decreasing depression and supporting spirituality may be valuable for suicide prevention.

Author(s):  
Emma Björkenstam ◽  
Ellenor Mittendorfer-Rutz ◽  
Armin Schmidtke

The comparison of international statistics on suicide attempts across European countries is challenged by differences in definitions and the lack of compulsory registration. Among studies, the WHO/EURO multicentre study on parasuicide provided comprehensive data on both the occurrence and background factors of suicide attempts in different European countries. Besides the WHO/EURO study, this text summarizes findings from other clinical and community surveys as well as nationwide register data. Additionally, data about the relationship between different components of the suicidal spectrum by examining the WHO Multisite Intervention Study on Suicidal Behaviours (SUPRE-MISS) is presented. Peculiarities of the inter-European variation in patterns and trends of the phenomenon and various social and psychiatric determinants are also described. The WHO/EURO study was continued as the MONSUE (monitoring suicidal behaviour in Europe) study, which supplied even more detailed data on specific risk groups. These can then be supported by tailor-made suicide prevention strategies.


Author(s):  
Ulrich Hegerl ◽  
Ines Heinz ◽  
Juliane Hug

The next steps forward in suicide prevention are to learn (i) how to best combine single measures into a multilevel intervention in order to create additive and synergistic effects and (ii) how to implement them in the communities in different cultures and healthcare systems. A narrative review based on findings and experiences from existing community-based multilevel interventions which have provided some evidence for preventive effects on suicidal behaviour is presented. Most multilevel interventions combine training for primary care providers and gatekeepers, public awareness activities, restricting access to lethal means, engaging with the media, and support for high risk groups. However, effects on completed suicides and/or suicide attempts have only been reported for a few interventions. The best evaluated community-based intervention is the four-level programme offered by the European Alliance Against Depression (EAAD; implemented in over 115 regions in 15 countries by 2019).


2020 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Marie-Louise Kullberg ◽  
Charlotte van Schie ◽  
Eleonore van Sprang ◽  
Dominique Maciejewski ◽  
Catharina A. Hartman ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Childhood abuse and neglect often occurs within families and can have a large influence on mental well-being across the lifespan. However, the sibling concordance of emotional abuse and neglect (i.e. together referred to as emotional maltreatment; EM), physical abuse (PA) and sexual abuse (SA) and the long-term impact on the context of siblings' maltreatment experiences are unclear. To examine the influence of EM, PA and SA on adult depressive symptoms within the family framework we differentiate between (a) the family-wide (mean level of all siblings) effects and (b) the individual deviation from the mean family level of maltreatment. Methods The sample (N = 636) consists of 256 families, including at least one lifetime depressed or anxious individual and their siblings. Multilevel modeling was used to examine the family-wide and relative individual effects of childhood maltreatment (CM). Results (a) Siblings showed most similarity in their reports of EM followed by PA. SA was mostly reported by one person within a family. In line with these observations, the mean family levels of EM and PA, but not SA, were associated with more depressive symptoms. In addition, (b) depression levels were more elevated in individuals reporting more EM than the family mean. Conclusions Particularly in the case of more visible forms of CM, siblings' experiences of EM and PA are associated with the elevated levels of adult depressive symptoms. Findings implicate that in addition to individual maltreatment experiences, the context of siblings' experiences is another crucial risk factor for an individuals' adult depressive symptomatology.


2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S2) ◽  
pp. 834-834 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Prats ◽  
N. Gual ◽  
P. Lusilla ◽  
A. Gual

IntroductionThere is no general agreement on the prevalence of mental disorders in the elderly, although it is estimated that 25%. of them present psychiatric symptoms. Geriatric psychiatry is one of the most rapidly advancing fields and requires a comprehensive approach.ObjectivesTo analyse the characteristics of patients older than 65 who are attended at the psychiatry emergency room.MethodsA descriptive study was conducted among all elderly pacients seen during May 2010 at the psychiatry emergency room at Vall d’Hebron University Hospital. Clinical variables (functional status, reason to show up, medical history, diagnosis), treatment and referral at discharge were analysed.Results36 patients (44.4% men, mean age 75.3 years) were identified. Charlson comorbidity index was 2.08. Suicide attempts were the most frequent reason for admission (27.8%), followed by psychomotor agitation (16.7%), anxiety disorders (13.9%), delirium (13.9%), depression (11.1%), and behaviour disorders (8.3%). Concerning psychiatric antecedents 58.3% had depressive disorder and 40% reported somatic symptoms during the month prior to their consultation.The most common diagnosis at discharge were anxiety-depressive disorders (52.7%) and delirium (16.7%). The most widely prescribed psychotropics were antipsychotics (19.4% haloperidol, 13.9% quetiapine) followed by benzodiazepines (13.9%). Referral at discharge was: 41.7% home, 13.9% midterm psychiatric units, 27.8% acute psychiatric inpatient unit and 16.7% Internal Medicine.ConclusionsTypically, elderly patients attended at the psychiatric emergency room are diagnosed of an anxiety-depressive disorder and often present with a suicidal attempt, but only 41.7% are admitted as psychiatric inpatients.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
E Dumon ◽  
G Portzky

Abstract Background Suicide rates in Belgium have been consistently high, with a current prevalence of 15.1 suicides per 100.000 inhabitants, which is 1.5 times higher than the European average. In Flanders (northern part of Belgium) more than 10.000 suicide attempts are being registered every year and studies show that 13 % of the population reports a lifetime history of suicidal thoughts. Since 2006 an extensive Suicide Prevention Strategy has been implemented in Flanders, aiming to decrease the Flemish suicide rate by 20% by 2020 (baseline year 2000). Methods The Suicide Prevention Strategy has been developed by a team of experts, involving multiple stakeholders and the lay public. The 'Flemish Centre of Expertise in Suicide Prevention' (VLESP) was launched by the government to coordinate and monitor the prevention campaigns, tools and interventions included in the strategy, and to study their effectiveness. Results The Suicide Prevention Strategy includes five key strategies namely: 1) mental health promotion, 2) providing helplines and online help, 3) educating health professionals and community facilitators, 4) developing programs targeting high risk groups, 5) developing and implementing targeted suicide prevention guidelines for health professionals and other key gatekeepers. A range of innovative suicide prevention tools and interventions, such as an e-learning course for health professionals, smartphone applications and group therapies for suicidal individuals, have been developed and positively evaluated. In 2017 (in comparison with the year 2000) suicide rates in men decreased with 27% and suicide rates in women with 26%. For suicide attempts, a decrease of 19% was noted. Conclusions Suicide prevention is a public health priority in Flanders. A combination of evidence-based tools and interventions have been developed and assessed in the past years, resulting in a decrease in suicide rates.


2009 ◽  
Vol 105 (2) ◽  
pp. 554-568 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maurizio Pompili ◽  
Paolo Iliceto ◽  
Marco Innamorati ◽  
Zoltán Rihmer ◽  
David Lester ◽  
...  

The aim of the present study was to analyze hopelessness and the affective temperament profile and MMPI characteristics among suicidal and nonsuicidal psychiatric inpatients with or without childhood physical and sexual abuse. The participants were 62 acute psychiatric inpatients (14 men, 48 women) admitted to the Sant'Andrea Hospital's psychiatric ward in Rome. Participants were administered the Italian versions of the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), the Italian Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris, and San Diego–Autoquestionnaire version (TEMPS-A–Rome), the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–2 (MMPI–2), and the Beck Hopelessness Scale. The suicide risk was evaluated by 6 items of the MMPI–2 assessing suicidal intent. Patients with physical/sexual abuse reported high Hopelessness and differed from nonabused patients on several temperamental and personality traits. Patients who reported bruises or marks caused by physical abuse by family members were 9 times more likely to be at higher risk for suicide; those who reported having been punished with a belt or other hard objects were 20 times more likely to be at higher risk for suicide, and those who reported having been insulted by family members were 6 times more likely to be at higher risk for suicide than patients who denied such abuse experiences. Results suggest that clinicians who identify suicide attempts and suicidal tendencies among patients should routinely be assessed for sexual or physical abuse.


2006 ◽  
Vol 36 (9) ◽  
pp. 1225-1233 ◽  
Author(s):  
ULRICH HEGERL ◽  
DAVID ALTHAUS ◽  
ARMIN SCHMIDTKE ◽  
GUENTER NIKLEWSKI

Background. The global burden and large diagnostic and therapeutic deficits associated with depressive disorders call for intervention programs. The aim of the Nuremberg Alliance against Depression (NAD) is to establish and to assess the effectiveness of a four-level intervention program for improving the care of patients with depression.Method. A 2-year intervention program was performed in Nuremberg (480000 inhabitants) at four levels: training of family doctors and support through different methods; a public relations campaign informing about depression; cooperation with community facilitators (teachers, priests, local media, etc.); and support for self-help activities as well as for high-risk groups. The effects of the 2-year intervention on the number of suicidal acts (completed suicides plus suicide attempts, main outcome criterion) were evaluated with respect to a 1-year baseline and a control region (Wuerzburg, 270000 inhabitants).Results. Compared to the control region, a reduction in frequency of suicidal acts was observed in Nuremberg during the 2-year intervention (2001 v. 2000: −19·4%; p[les ]0·082; 2002 v. 2000: −24%, p[les ]0·004). Considering suicide attempts only (secondary outcome criterion), the same effect was found (2001 v. 2000: −18·3%, p[les ]0·023; 2002 v. 2000: −26·5%, p<0·001). The reduction was most noticeable for high-risk methods (e.g. hanging, jumping, shooting). Concerning completed suicides, there were no significant differences compared to the control region.Conclusions. The NAD appeared to be effective in reducing suicidality. It provides a concept as well as many methods that are currently being implemented in several other intervention regions in Germany and in other countries.


2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 1021-1038 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wail Rehan ◽  
Jan Antfolk ◽  
Ada Johansson ◽  
Pekka Santtila

Experiencing emotional, physical, and/or sexual abuse in childhood increases the risk (compared with baseline) of developing psychopathological symptoms in adulthood. In the present study, we explored the effects of experiencing only a single abusive event on adulthood psychopathology, and compared this with the risk in individuals with no abusive experiences and with the risk in individuals with several abusive experiences. We used a Finnish population-based sample of 10,980 adult participants (3,766 male and 7,214 female twins and their siblings). The participants reported abuse experiences using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) and current psychopathology symptoms using the depression and anxiety scales of the Brief Symptom Inventory–18 (BSI-18). We found that in both men and women even single experiences of emotional and sexual abuse were associated with increased psychopathology symptoms compared with no abuse experiences. Single experiences of physical abuse did not, however, increase the risk in either women or men. As expected, experiences of repeated abuse (of all abuse types) increased the risk of psychopathology symptoms compared with experiences of single abuse. When we isolated individuals who only had a single experience of any type of abuse (i.e., emotional, physical, or sexual) to control for possible co-morbidity, no increased risk was found. This study shows that individuals who report experiencing single events of abuse of a specific abuse type have an increased risk of displaying psychopathology symptoms in adulthood. This increase is, however, mainly due to co-morbidity of abuse types.


Author(s):  
Hitesh Khurana ◽  
Aishwarya Raj

Suicide is a global phenomenon and a potential cause of preventable death. After the young (below the age of 40 years), the elderly compose the second most prominent peak in the graph of suicide attempts and suicide victims. The cause and dynamics of suicidal behavior among elderly are quite different from the younger suicides. There have been different multidisciplinary theories proposed for it. Among all mental disorders, depressive disorders are particularly associated with suicidal behavior. Alcohol use, social isolation, financial difficulties are few unique factors that identify a suicidal elder. Physical illnesses, particularly those marked with pain, increase the chances of suicide. Prevention requires a multidisciplinary approach involving community, adequate and appropriate health services near to the place of victim, legal restrictions on the methods used for suicide such as availability of firearm and insecticides, public policies to take care of the elderly are recommended.


2005 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 268-273 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gamze Akyuz ◽  
Vedat Sar ◽  
Nesim Kugu ◽  
Orhan Doğan

AbstractThis study attempted to determine the prevalence of childhood trauma among women in the general population as assessed in a representative sample from a city in central Turkey. The Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES) was administered to 628 women in 500 homes. They were also asked for childhood abuse and/or neglect. DES was administered to 251 probands. Mean age of the probands was 34.8 ± 11.5 years (range 18–65). Sixteen women (2.5%) reported sexual abuse, 56 women (8.9%) physical abuse, and 56 women (8.9%) emotional abuse in childhood. The most frequently reported childhood trauma was neglect (n = 213, 33.9%). The prevalence of suicide attempts was 4.5% (n = 28). Fourteen probands (2.2%) reported self-mutilative behavior.


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