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Suicide attempts and externalizing psychopathology in a nationally representative sample.
Amber L Hills1, Brian J Cox, Lachlan A McWilliams
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada R3E 3N4. ahills@exchange.hsc.mb.ca
Comprehensive Psychiatry
|August 27, 2005
Summary
Externalizing psychopathology, including substance dependence and antisocial personality disorder, is independently linked to suicide attempts. This finding highlights externalizing disorders as a significant risk factor for suicidal behavior.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Suicidal behavior is commonly linked to internalizing disorders like depression.
- Emerging research indicates externalizing psychopathology may independently predict suicidal behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between lifetime suicide attempts and externalizing psychopathology.
- To determine if externalizing disorders predict suicide attempts independent of internalizing disorders.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of the US National Comorbidity Survey data set (n=5877).
- Hierarchical and logistic regression analyses were employed to examine psychopathology patterns and suicidality.
Main Results:
- Externalizing psychopathology showed a significant association with lifetime suicide attempts (adjusted OR = 3.47).
- Externalizing disorders remained significant predictors of suicide attempts, even without comorbid internalizing disorders (adjusted OR = 5.98).
Conclusions:
- Externalizing psychopathology is a significant correlate of suicidal behavior.
- Clinical assessment for externalizing disorders is crucial in evaluating suicide risk.