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Published on: April 5, 2011
Medical conditions and nearly lethal suicide attempts
R M Ikeda1, M J Kresnow, J A Mercy
1National Center for Injury Prevention and Control at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, GA 30341, USA. rmi0@cdc.gov
Suicide & Life-Threatening Behavior
|April 2, 2002
Summary
Young individuals with physical illnesses face a heightened risk of suicide attempts. This is particularly true for young men, indicating a need for targeted mental health interventions.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Mental Health Research
Background:
- Physical illness is a known risk factor for suicidal behavior.
- Limited research exists on this association in younger populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between physical illness and nearly lethal suicide attempts in young persons.
- To identify specific demographic groups at higher risk.
Main Methods:
- Population-based, case-control study conducted in Houston, Texas (1992-1995).
- Sample included 153 case subjects (nearly lethal suicide attempt) and 513 control subjects, aged 13-34 years.
- Data collected via hospital emergency departments and random-digit-dial telephone surveys.
Main Results:
- Case patients were significantly more likely to report serious medical conditions (crude OR = 3.23).
- Adjusted analysis revealed an increased risk for young men (OR = 4.76) but not for women (OR = 1.60).
- Medical conditions were associated with nearly lethal suicide attempts, especially in young males.
Conclusions:
- Young men with medical conditions are at a substantially increased risk for nearly lethal suicide attempts.
- There is a critical need for enhanced identification and referral strategies for these vulnerable individuals.
- Public health initiatives should address the intersection of physical health and mental well-being in adolescents and young adults.
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