Suicidality in opioid-dependent subjects.
Fabien Trémeau1, Angélina Darreye, Luc Staner
1Clinical Research and Evaluation Facility, Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research and Rockland Psychiatric Center, Orangeburg, New York, USA.
The American Journal on Addictions
|May 9, 2008
Summary
Nearly half of opioid-dependent individuals have a history of suicide attempts, which are linked to early heroin use, aggression, and smoking. Familial aggregation of suicidal behavior is also a significant risk factor.
Area of Science:
- Addiction Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Opioid dependence is a significant public health issue.
- Suicide attempts are a serious concern within this population.
- Understanding suicide vulnerability factors is crucial for intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine suicide attempt characteristics in opioid-dependent subjects.
- To examine familial aggregation of suicidal behaviors, aggression/impulsivity, and smoking as risk factors.
- To compare suicide vulnerability in opioid-dependent individuals to other psychiatric groups.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 160 opioid-dependent subjects.
- Assessment of personal and family history of suicide attempts.
- Evaluation of aggression/impulsivity and smoking habits.
Main Results:
- 48% of subjects had a personal history of suicide attempt.
- Personal suicide attempt history correlated with early heroin onset and higher aggression/impulsivity and smoking.
- Family history of suicide was a progressive risk factor for suicide attempts.
Conclusions:
- Opioid-dependent individuals who attempt suicide exhibit familial aggregation of suicidal behaviors.
- Clinical expressions of suicidal liability in this group resemble those in other psychiatric populations.
- Early intervention focusing on aggression, impulsivity, and smoking may be beneficial.
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