Suicidal Ideation among Persons with Alcohol Use Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Psychiatry
• Addiction Medicine

Background:

• Suicide presents a significant global public health challenge.
• Alcohol use disorders (AUD) are increasingly recognized as a risk factor for suicidal ideation.
• Limited research exists in India on suicidal ideation among individuals undergoing inpatient treatment for alcohol dependence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence and severity of suicidal ideation among individuals diagnosed with alcohol use disorder.
• To explore the association between socio-demographic factors and suicidal ideation in this population.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted with 47 inpatients diagnosed with alcohol use disorder at a tertiary care hospital in Bangalore.
• Consecutive sampling was employed, with participants screened for suicidal ideation using the Mini-Suicidality assessment tool.
• The Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale was used to assess the frequency and severity of suicidal ideation.

Main Results:

• A high prevalence of suicidal ideation was observed, with 62% (29 out of 47) of patients reporting such thoughts.
• Suicidal ideation was more prevalent among individuals below the poverty line, with lower education, unemployed, and those using tobacco.
• A significant proportion (43%) had contemplated suicide in the past month, with pain endurance cited as a primary motivator (82%).

Conclusions:

• The study highlights a high prevalence of suicidal ideation among individuals with alcohol use disorder in an Indian inpatient setting.
• Socio-demographic factors appear to play a crucial role in the manifestation of suicidal ideation within this vulnerable group.
• Further research and targeted interventions are warranted to address suicide risk in patients with AUD.