Suicidal attempt and psychiatric disorders in Iran

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Suicidal behavior is a significant public health concern globally.
• Understanding lifetime prevalence and comorbidity patterns is crucial for effective prevention strategies.
• Research on suicidal attempts in the general population of Iran is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the lifetime prevalence and comorbidity patterns of self-reported suicidal attempts in the general population of Iran.
• To identify demographic correlates of suicidal behavior in the Iranian population.
• To compare findings with Western populations to inform culturally specific prevention efforts.

Main Methods:

• A large-scale, face-to-face, at-home interview survey was conducted.
• The study included 25,180 subjects from the general population of Iran.
• Data collected included self-reported lifetime prevalence of suicidal attempts and associated psychiatric disorders.

Main Results:

• The lifetime prevalence of suicidal attempts was 1.4% (0.9% males, 2% females).
• Attempters were predominantly aged 26-55, married, highly educated, female, retired, and urban dwellers.
• 45.3% of attempters reported at least one lifetime psychiatric disorder, with major depressive disorder (22%) being most common, followed by panic disorder (6.3%) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (6%).

Conclusions:

• Suicidal attempts in Iran show a lifetime prevalence of 1.4%, with specific demographic patterns observed.
• While psychiatric disorders are associated with suicidal attempts, less than half of attempters reported them, suggesting other contributing factors.
• Demographic correlates largely align with Western patterns, but unique sociodemographic factors in Iran (e.g., fewer working women, low divorce rates) require consideration in prevention strategies.