Predictors of Suicide Attempts in Individuals with Eating Disorders

Although suicide is a major cause of mortality for individuals with eating disorders (EDs), researches about potential factors predicting suicide attempts in ED are insufficient. We sought to identify factors associated with suicide attempts in ED.

A total of 899 patients with ED were assessed via structured interviews. To compare demographic and clinical characteristics of those who had attempted suicide with those who had not, we used chi-square tests and independent t tests for categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Then, binary logistic regression was conducted to identify factors associated with a history of suicide attempt.

Among ED patients, 20.8% reported a history of suicide attempts. Among the whole sample, the diagnostic category was the most significant factor. History of self-mutilating behavior, hospitalization history, comorbid depression, and impulse regulation were also important factors associated with suicide attempt. Within the subgroup, comorbid anxiety disorder, depression, and BMI in anorexia nervosa and hospitalization history, history of self-mutilating behavior, comorbid depression, illness duration, and poor impulse regulation in bulimia nervosa were significant factors associated with suicide attempt.

Because modifying risk factors of suicide attempt is important for preventing completed suicide, clinicians should carefully evaluate and monitor the risk factors of suicide attempt.