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Disability weights for suicidal thoughts and non-fatal suicide attempts
Bregje A J van Spijker1, Annemieke van Straten, Ad J F M Kerkhof
1Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Education, VU University Amsterdam, The Netherlands. baj.van.spijker@psy.vu.nl
Journal of Affective Disorders
|June 10, 2011
Summary
Disability weights for suicidal thoughts were estimated at 0.36, and for non-fatal suicide attempts at 0.46. These findings highlight the significant severity and disabling nature of suicidality.
Area of Science:
- Mental Health Research
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Existing disability weights do not encompass suicidality, hindering severity comparisons.
- This gap complicates the evaluation of suicidality relative to other health conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate disability weights (DWs) for suicidal thoughts.
- To quantify the DWs for mental distress in non-fatal suicide attempts.
Main Methods:
- A panel of 16 Dutch medical practitioners assessed DWs using a Visual Analogue Scale.
- DWs were interpolated for suicidal thoughts and non-fatal suicide attempts.
- External consistency was validated against previously estimated DWs for 10 health states.
Main Results:
- The expert panel demonstrated satisfactory internal and external consistency.
- Disability weights were estimated at 0.36 for suicidal thoughts.
- Disability weights were estimated at 0.46 for non-fatal suicide attempts.
Conclusions:
- Suicidal thoughts exhibit a disability level comparable to alcohol dependence and severe asthma.
- Non-fatal suicide attempts show a disability level similar to heroin dependence and early Parkinson's disease.
- The study underscores the substantial severity and impact of suicidality on health.
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