Decoding Suicide Decedent Profiles and Signs of Suicidal Intent Using Latent Class Analysis

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Psychiatry
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Suicide rates in the U.S. have risen significantly, underscoring the urgent need for effective prevention strategies.
• Early detection and intervention are critical, as most individuals die on their first suicide attempt.
• Understanding modifiable risk factors is key to developing targeted prevention efforts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify distinct suicide profiles (classes) among decedents.
• To associate these profiles with signs of suicidal intent and modifiable risk factors.
• To inform targeted suicide prevention strategies.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study analyzed data from the National Violent Death Reporting System (2003-2020) for 306,800 suicide decedents.
• Latent class analysis was used to identify distinct suicide profiles based on circumstances, toxicology, and methods.
• Statistical analysis was conducted to examine associations between profiles and outcomes like disclosure of intent and suicide notes.

Main Results:

• Five distinct suicide profiles were identified.
• The largest profile (31.7%) was characterized by physical health challenges and had the lowest rates of disclosed intent and suicide notes.
• This profile also showed the highest odds of not disclosing intent or leaving a note, and had fewer psychiatric comorbidities.
• Other profiles were associated with polysubstance use, crisis situations, mental health issues, or comorbid disorders.
• Demographic factors varied across profiles, with the physical health-focused profile including more older adults, veterans, and rural residents.

Conclusions:

• The study identified 5 distinct suicide profiles, necessitating tailored prevention approaches.
• Improving the detection and treatment of coexisting mental health, substance use, and physical health conditions is paramount.
• Means restriction strategies are vital for reducing suicide risk across multiple profiles, emphasizing a multifaceted prevention approach.