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Borderline personality disorder in young Swedish suicides
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska Hospital, Sweden.
The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease
|March 1, 1991
Summary
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) was prevalent in young adult suicides, with affected individuals exhibiting more antisocial traits and substance use disorders. These individuals also faced higher rates of early parental absence and socioeconomic instability.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Criminology
Background:
- Suicide remains a significant public health concern among adolescents and young adults.
- Understanding the psychiatric comorbidities associated with suicide is crucial for effective prevention strategies.
- Axis II disorders, particularly personality disorders, have been implicated in suicidal behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of specific psychiatric disorders, especially personality disorders, in a cohort of young individuals who died by suicide.
- To compare the clinical and demographic characteristics of suicide victims with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) to those with other psychiatric diagnoses.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 58 consecutive suicides among individuals aged 15-29 years in an urban community (1984-1987).
- Data collection involved interviews with survivors and thorough review of medical records.
- Psychiatric diagnoses were classified according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Third Edition, Revised (DSM-III-R).
Main Results:
- A substantial proportion of suicide victims were diagnosed with Axis II disorders.
- Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) was identified in 33% (19 subjects) of the cohort.
- BPD subjects demonstrated significantly higher rates of antisocial traits, substance use disorders, early parental absence, parental substance abuse, employment/financial difficulties, homelessness, and legal issues compared to non-BPD subjects.
Conclusions:
- Borderline Personality Disorder is highly prevalent among young adults who die by suicide.
- Individuals with BPD who die by suicide often present with a complex profile of comorbid conditions and significant psychosocial stressors.
- These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions addressing personality pathology, substance abuse, and socioeconomic factors in suicide prevention efforts for young populations.