Is Chronic Emptiness a Transdiagnostic Suicide Risk Factor?

Previous research suggests associations between suicidality (i.e., suicidal ideation and attempt) and chronic emptiness in patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, approximately one-third of clinical patients without BPD endorse feelings of emptiness. The current study examined the relationship between chronic emptiness and suicidal behavior in 3,284 psychiatric outpatients. Patients were evaluated with the Structured Interview for DSM-IV Personality (SIDP-IV), the Structured Clinical Interview for the DSM-IV (SCID-IV), and the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia (SADS). Results show significant relationships between suicidal ideation and chronic emptiness in various psychiatric diagnoses, including major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, obsessive- compulsive disorder, and alcohol use disorder. In patients with major depressive disorder and social anxiety disorder, emptiness was associated with a higher prevalence of suicide attempts. These findings suggest that chronic feelings of emptiness have a transdiagnostic relationship with suicidality and may contribute to further understanding suicidality among patients.