The association between somatic symptoms and suicidal ideation in Chinese first-episode major depressive disorder

Somatic symptoms are prevalent in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and often associated with a high risk of suicide. However, which somatic symptoms display as significant risk factors for suicidal ideation (SI) is still poorly understood in MDD.

Two thousand and seventeen Chinese patients with first-episode MDD from the National Survey on Symptomatology of Depression were included in this study. A doctor-rating assessment questionnaire was constructed to evaluate depression related somatic symptoms, and stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the relationship between somatic symptoms and SI.

Our results showed a high prevalence of current SI in first-episode MDD (50.87%), while no significant gender differences (53.32% vs. 49.26%, P = 0.076) were observed. In addition, patients who have more somatic symptoms would be at the higher risk to elicit SI, and stepwise logistic regression analysis indicated that age (β = -0.020, P < 0.001), Pre-verbal physical complaints (β = 0.356, P = 0.001), Sensory system complaints (β = 0.707, P = 0.000), Other pain conditions (β = 0.434, P < 0.001), Late insomnia (β = 0.267, P = 0.008), Hypersomnia (β = 0.936, P < 0.001), Weight loss (β = 0.272, P = 0.006), Hyposexuality (β = 0.513, P = P < 0.001) were strongly associated with current SI in first-episode Chinese major depression.

Somatic symptoms are strongly associated with SI in first-episode MDD. It is suggestive for clinicians to show concerns for patients' somatic symptoms in practice.