Characteristics of Suicidal Patients Who Engaged in Suicide-Related Internet Use in the United Kingdom: Cross-Sectional Survey Findings

Suicide-related internet use encompasses various web-based behaviors, including searching for suicide methods, sharing suicidal thoughts, and seeking help. Research suggests that suicide-related internet use is prevalent among people experiencing suicidality, but its characteristics among mental health patients remain underexplored.

This study aimed to examine the sociodemographic, clinical, and suicidality-related characteristics of suicidal mental health patients who engage in suicide-related internet use compared with those who do not.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted from June to December 2023, recruiting participants aged 18 years and older with recent contact with secondary mental health services in the United Kingdom. The survey assessed sociodemographic characteristics, psychiatric diagnoses, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and engagement in suicide-related internet use. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests, Wilcoxon tests, and multivariable logistic regression to identify predictors of engaging in suicide-related internet use.

Of 696 participants, 75% (522) engaged in suicide-related internet use in the past 12 months. Those who engaged in suicide-related internet use were almost 3 times as likely to have attempted suicide in the past year (32.5% vs 9.2%, P<.001). They were more likely to have a diagnosis of personality disorder (34.4% vs 18.5%, P<.001) and to disclose suicidal thoughts to someone (87.8% vs 72.8%, P<.001). They also reported higher levels of suicidal ideation intensity (median =6.6 vs 5.1, P<.001). There were no significant sociodemographic differences between groups, including age.

The findings suggest that suicide-related internet use is a common behavior among suicidal mental health patients across various age groups, challenging the notion that it is primarily a concern for younger populations. The association between suicide-related internet use and increased suicidality highlights the need for clinicians to incorporate discussions about web-based behaviors in suicide risk assessments. Given the high rate of disclosure of suicidal thoughts among suicide-related internet users, clinicians may have an opportunity to engage in open, nonjudgmental discussions about their patients' internet use.