The burden of suicidal ideation across Europe: a cross-sectional survey in five countries

Suicidal ideation (SI) is an associated risk of depression, affecting 30-40% of the depressed population. However, there is a paucity of studies investigating the impact of SI in Europe. This retrospective observational study examined the burden of SI among adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) in the 2017 National Health and Wellness Survey in five European countries: France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK.

Bivariate analyses evaluated group differences between respondents with MDD with and without SI according to demographic characteristics, self-reported health-related quality of life, work productivity and activity impairment (WPAI), and healthcare resource utilization (HRU). Generalized linear models examined group differences country-wise, after controlling for relevant confounders.

Among 52,060 respondents, 3,308 individuals were diagnosed with MDD, comprising SI (n=905) and non-SI (nSI) (n=2403) patients. Adjusted differences (ADs), compared to the general population, were observed using the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form Survey (SF-12v2) mental component summary scores (AD: SI=-20.02, nSI=-10.77), physical component summary scores (AD: SI=-4.49, nSI=-2.50), and EuroQoL-5 Dimensions (AD: SI=-0.34, nSI=-0.15) (for all, p<0.001). Significantly greater WPAI and higher HRU were associated with SI compared to nSI.

The results illustrate the unique impact of SI within the MDD population and the need to reduce the burden.