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Suicidal ideation and physical illness: does the link lie with depression?
Livia Sanna1, Amanda L Stuart, Julie A Pasco
1Unit of Psychiatry, Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs Department (NeSMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy; School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia.
Certain medical conditions, like thyroid and liver disorders, are linked to increased suicidal ideation in men, even without major depressive disorder (MDD). Healthcare providers should screen medically ill patients for suicidality.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Psychiatry
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Medical illness is a known risk factor for suicidality.
- Disorder-specific risks and the role of major depressive disorder (MDD) in this relationship are not well-understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between suicidal ideation, MDD, and specific medical illnesses.
- To examine these relationships in an age-stratified, population-based sample of men.
Main Methods:
- Self-report of suicidal ideation and medical conditions.
- Confirmation of medical conditions via records, medication, or clinical data.
- Diagnosis of MDD using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR.
Main Results:
- 8.5% of 907 men reported suicidal ideation.
- Thyroid disorders, syncope/seizures, liver disorders (in younger men), and alcoholism were independently associated with increased suicidal ideation.
- Major vascular events doubled suicidal ideation odds, but this was mediated by MDD.
Conclusions:
- Specific medical conditions are associated with suicidal ideation, independent of MDD.
- Healthcare professionals must identify, assess, and manage suicidal ideation in all medically ill patients, with or without MDD.
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