Suicidality and Drug Use Behavior Among Perinatal Individuals in Recovery

Area of Science:

• Perinatal mental health
• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Addiction Medicine

Background:

• Maternal mental health conditions are the leading cause of maternal mortality in the U.S.
• The relationship between perinatal suicidality and drug use is not well understood.
• Racial disparities exist in U.S. suicide and drug use rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the association between suicidality and drug use behavior in perinatal individuals.
• To investigate racial differences in suicidality and drug use among perinatal individuals.

Main Methods:

• Participants were recruited from a High-Risk Obstetric & Gynecological Clinic.
• A sub-sample (N=66) of individuals in an mHealth intervention for opioid and stimulant use disorders were analyzed (n=43).
• Chi-square and t-tests were used to assess associations between lifetime suicidality and perinatal drug use.

Main Results:

• Nearly 40% of the sample reported a history of suicidal thoughts and behaviors (SITB), with 87% having a previous suicide attempt.
• SITB was significantly associated with opioid cravings, perinatal anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, recent cannabis use, and nicotine use.
• White mothers reported more overdoses, while Black mothers reported higher opioid cravings during pregnancy.

Conclusions:

• A history of SITB is a distinct risk factor for perinatal drug use.
• SITB frequently co-occurs with other perinatal mental health conditions.
• Further research is needed to understand the complex interplay between drug use and suicidality.