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Cocaine use disorders and suicidal ideation.
Steven J Garlow1, David Purselle, Barbara D'Orio
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, 1639 Pierce Drive, Suite 4000, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. sgarlow@emory.edu
Drug and Alcohol Dependence
|April 12, 2003
Summary
Cocaine use is strongly linked to suicidal thoughts in psychiatric emergency patients. This association is more pronounced than with alcohol or other drug use disorders.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Addiction Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Suicidal ideation is a significant public health concern.
- Substance abuse is a known risk factor for suicidal behavior.
- Understanding the specific contribution of different substances is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between substance abuse and suicidal ideation.
- To determine if specific substances are more strongly associated with suicidal ideation.
- To analyze data from patients in a psychiatric emergency setting.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 777 patient records.
- Patients were referred for chemical dependency evaluation.
- Statistical analysis (chi-squared tests) was used to compare rates of suicidal ideation across substance use groups.
Main Results:
- 43.7% of patients with cocaine use disorder reported suicidal ideation.
- Suicidal ideation was higher in patients with cocaine use disorder compared to alcohol or other drug use disorders.
- Over half of patients with substance-induced mood or psychotic disorders reported suicidal ideation, with most having a cocaine use disorder.
Conclusions:
- Cocaine use is significantly associated with suicidal ideation in this patient population.
- The association between cocaine use and suicidal ideation appears stronger than with other substances.
- Findings highlight the need for screening and intervention for suicidal ideation in individuals with cocaine use disorder.