The association between delusional-like experiences and suicidal thoughts and behaviour.

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Mental Health Research
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Delusional-like experiences (DLEs) are prevalent in the general population.
• The association between DLEs and suicidal ideation or behavior is not well-established.
• This study investigates the link between DLEs and suicidality in a large community sample.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if delusional-like experiences are associated with suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
• To explore the relationship between DLEs and suicidal ideation, suicide plans, and suicide attempts.
• To examine these associations in a large, population-based Australian sample.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from a national Australian mental health survey (n=8841).
• Employed the Composite International Diagnostic Interview to identify DLEs, psychiatric disorders, and suicidality.
• Conducted logistic regression analyses, adjusting for confounding variables, to assess the relationship between DLEs and suicidal outcomes.

Main Results:

• 8.4% of participants reported at least one DLE.
• 12.9% experienced suicidal ideation, 3.8% had a suicide plan, and 3.0% attempted suicide.
• Individuals with DLEs were 2-4 times more likely to report suicidal ideation, plans, or attempts, showing a dose-response relationship.

Conclusions:

• Delusional-like experiences are common and independently associated with suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
• DLEs may function as a vulnerability marker for suicide.
• Findings suggest DLEs could be valuable in future suicide prevention research and clinical assessment.