Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 31, 2026

Author Spotlight: Unveiling the Connection Between Sleep Disorders and Cognitive Symptoms in Depression
Published on: April 26, 2024
Depressive symptoms carry an increased risk for suicidal ideation and behavior in bipolar disorder without any
Jess G Fiedorowicz1, Jane E Persons2, Shervin Assari3
1Departments of Psychiatry and Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States; Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States; François M. Abboud Cardiovascular Research Center, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, Obesity Research and Education Initiative, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States.
Objectives:
To determine whether the risk of suicidal ideation or behavior during mixed states exceeds that attributable to the depressive components of these states alone in bipolar disorder.
Methods:
We utilized real-world, longitudinal clinical data collected on 290 patients with bipolar disorders (bipolar I, bipolar II, and bipolar not otherwise specified (NOS)) from the National Network of Depression Centers (NNDC) Clinical Care Registry (CCR) seen for 891 visits over a mean of 27.5 weeks. Depressive symptoms were measured with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), manic symptoms with the Altman Self-Rating Mania (ASRM), and suicidal ideation and behavior with the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), obtained as part of the routine, measurement-based care provided across the NNDC. The relations between depressive symptoms, manic symptoms, and the interaction thereof (mixed symptoms) on coinciding suicidal ideation and behavior were modeled in generalized linear mixed models.
Results:
Depressive symptoms, as measured by the PHQ-9, were strongly associated with suicidal ideation and behavior (p < 0.0001), while there was no significant association with manic symptoms as measured by the ASRM or the interaction between depressive and manic symptoms. Similar results were observed when the outcome was restricted to suicidal behavior and when mood was modeled categorically. There was evidence of a gender by ASRM interaction (p = 0.011) and risk of suicidal ideation or behavior was significant for women, but not men with manic symptoms.
Limitations:
Diagnoses were based on clinician assessment and not structured interview. Mood assessments were self-reported rather than clinician-administered. Suicidal ideation was more frequently observed than suicidal behavior (23/272 visits where outcome positive).
Conclusions:
Depression represents the primary mood state accounting for suicide risk in bipolar disorder. Co-occurring symptoms of mania (mixed symptoms) do not appear to convey an elevated risk for suicidal ideation or behavior beyond that explained by the depressive symptoms alone.
More Related Videos
06:55An Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress Protocol for Instigating Depressive Symptoms, Behavioral Changes and Negative Health Outcomes in Rodents
Published on: December 2, 2015
05:19Author Spotlight: Therapeutic Benefit of Closed-Loop Deep Brain Stimulation in Depression Treatment
Published on: July 7, 2023
Related Concept Videos
Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Complications
Negative and Cognitive Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Negative Symptoms
Negative symptoms of schizophrenia manifest as deficits in normal emotional and behavioral functioning, profoundly impacting daily life. Individuals with schizophrenia often display a flat affect, characterized by a near-total absence of emotional expression,...
Bipolar Disorder
Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications
Classification of Asthma
Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management
A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Manifestations:
Positive Symptoms Schizophrenia: Hallucinations and Delusions
Hallucinations
Hallucinations in...